For whatever reason you may have, you might want to erase your iPhone. Erasing your iPhone means completely wiping the device (data).
The technical term for this is factory data reset. Instead of manually deleting every data from your iPhone, Apple gives you the option to reset your iPhone with a single command.
But what do you do when for some reason your iPhone decides not to factory reset? You’re unable to erase your iPhone, and now you’re wondering why, see the reason below.
In this article, you will learn why you encounter difficulties erasing your iPhone and what can be done to solve the issue.
Why Can’t I Erase My iPhone?
iTunes [old version]
If you’re trying to erase your iPhone using iTunes and it is not working, this may be because your iTunes is not up-to-date.
Running the old version on your computer means there’s probably a bug which is why your iPhone can’t be erased.
Cable Issue
The cable with which you have connected your iPhone to your computer is also another factor.
If it is not properly connected to both devices or is faulty in any way, then the chances of you erasing your iPhone are zero.
Hardware Issue
If your iPhone is not able to enter Device Firmware Upgrade (DFU) mode using iTunes when connected to your computer, then there is no way it will be formatted.
This may be because there is a hardware problem on your device. Factory data reset can also be done on the iPhone itself.
Technical Issue
If you get stuck on any step during the process or your phone refuses to format then there is a technical glitch or bug in the software of your iPhone.
How to Fix “Can’t Erase iPhone”
If you’re not able to reset your iPhone because of some Issue on your device, these are what to do.
Fix 1: Update your iPhone
Download the latest version of iOS on your mobile device before you begin to format it.
iOS updates are made available periodically to fix the technical glitches and bugs in the software of your iPhone.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone > Choose General > Choose the second option: Software Update > Wait while the device checks if there are any new updates available > Select the latest one and wait while it downloads and installs.
Fix 2: Factory Reset iPhone
If you’re not able to erase your iPhone device with iTunes or Finder, you’ll be able to reset the phone from the Settings app.
To factory data reset your iPhone, Open Settings > Scroll and select General > Select Transfer or Reset iPhone > Choose Erase All Content and Settings > Select Continue > Enter your passcode > Confirm your decision for the phone to begin the formatting process.
Fix 3: Restart your iPhone
Restarting your iPhone if it is unable to format should do the trick. There may be temporary glitches in the phone’s software, but restarting your iPhone will speed up the process.
To restart your device, simply put it off and turn it on again. Hold down the power button (for models below the iPhone X) or hold down the power button and the volume down buttons (for iPhone X models and later) for a few seconds > The shutdown menu will appear on the screen > Slide the power icon to turn the phone off > After the phone shuts down, press and hold down the power button to turn it back on.
Fix 4: Turn off Find My iPhone
If your device has its Find My iPhone enabled, then this will hinder you from formatting your device.
Find My iPhone is a feature that when enabled on Apple devices, will help you track their location. Having it ON interfere with the formatting process so we recommend you turn it off.
Select the Settings app on your iPhone > Choose your Apple ID > Select the Find My and toggle it off.
Alternatively, you can download the Find My iPhone on the App Store, log in with your iCloud and disable it.
Fix 5: Remove devices from iCloud
Your iCloud being logged in on many devices may cause it to be unable to erase.
Sign out of your iCloud account from all the devices except the one you wish to format.
You can do this by signing out of all the devices using your designated phone.
Select the Settings app > Click on your name > The devices logged in with your iCloud will appear > Sign out of them by selecting them and choosing sign out.
After signing out, try formatting your device again.
Conclusion
Factory resetting your iPhone does not always mean you are wiping all data from your device.
If you have problems like freezing apps or screens, a blank screen, a glitchy touchpad, or unusual sounds coming from your phone, then we recommend you erase your iPhone. Wiping it clean is guaranteed to fix all these issues.
FAQs on How To Fix “Can’t Erase iPhone”
Why isn't it letting me erase my iPhone?
Restart your iPhone if formatting your device is not working. Turn off your iPhone and turn it on before formatting your device.
How do I force-erase my iPhone?
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > then tap Erase All Content and Settings > Follow the prompts to factory data reset the device.
How do do a hard reset on an iPhone to erase everything?
Go to Settings > General > Reset, then tap Erase all Contents and Settings. Enter your passcode or Apple ID password. Wait for all content to be safely removed from your device.
Further Reading
- How To Fix “iPhone Unable To Join Network”
- How To Fix “iPhone Storage Not Loading”
- How To Recover Sound From “Screen Recording Your iPhone”
- How To Fix “iPhone Playing Music By Itself”
- How To Fix “iPhone Hanging Up Calls”