Erase All Content and Settings Not Working: 6 Ways to Fix iPhone Won't Erase

"Trying to sell this iPhone as I have a new carrier but all buyers want it reset. When it asks for my pw I put in the correct one but nothing happens, sometimes it says verification timed out. I already changed my carrier and deactived this phone, not sure if thats the cause or not."

-from Apple Community

Before selling, gifting, or repairing an iPhone, users typically choose to erase all data on the device to ensure privacy. However, sometimes, the iPhone Erase All Content and Settings is not working, preventing the device from properly clearing its contents. This article will delve into common reasons why an iPhone won't erase and provide detailed solutions to help you successfully reset your device.

Part 1. Why Can't I Erase My iPhone?

Why iPhone won't let me erase all content and settings? The following are the possible reasons:

• Find My iPhone is enabled: When this feature is activated, the device is protected by iCloud lock and cannot be directly erased.
• The device is locked: If the device is in a locked state, the erase function will be unavailable.
• Network connection issues: The erase operation requires an internet connection; unstable or disconnected networks may cause the erase to fail.
• Incorrect passcode: If you're entering the wrong passcode or if your iPhone passcode isn't working, you won't be able to reset your phone using this method.
• Missing SIM card: In some cases, a valid SIM card must be inserted to complete the authentication; otherwise, the erase operation may fail.
• System problems: Certain system malfunctions may prevent the device from completing the erase process properly.

Part 2. How to Fix iPhone Erase All Content and Settings Not Working

After we know the possible reasons, here are some basic fixes to solve the iPhone won't erase all content and settings. Let's check them one by one.

Fix 1. Force Restart iPhone

If you can't erase your iPhone, the first thing you should do is force restart your iPhone. A force restart can resolve many issues with the iPhone, including the iPhone not erasing. The specific steps may vary depending on the iPhone model.

To force restart your iPhone, follow the steps below:

• For iPhone X and later models: Press and quickly release the "Volume Up" button, then press and quickly release the "Volume Down" button, and finally, press and hold the "Side" button until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 7 and 7 Plus: Press and hold the "Volume Down" button and the "Side" button simultaneously until the Apple logo appears.
• For iPhone 6 and earlier models: Press and hold the "Power" button and the "Home" button simultaneously until the device restarts.

Fix 2. Check Internet Connection

A stable network connection is required when erasing your iPhone. You can try switching to a more stable Wi-Fi network or resetting your network settings to ensure a proper connection.

To reset your network settings, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > "General".

Step 2. Select "Transfer or Reset iPhone" > "Reset Network Settings".

Step 3. Enter your device password and click confirm.

Fix 3. Disable Find My iPhone

The "Find My iPhone" feature is a tool designed to protect users' devices, helping them locate their device if it is lost or stolen. However, this feature must be disabled before erasing, as it can obstruct the erase operation. Turning it off removes the additional protection, allowing for a smoother content erase.

Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Open "Settings" and tap your "Apple ID" at the top.

Step 2. Select "Find My" > "Find My iPhone".

Step 3. Enter your Apple ID password and then turn off the feature.

Fix 4. Insert a SIM Card

Users often forget to insert the SIM card when wiping an old iPhone or iPad, leading to a server error during the factory reset process. Therefore, ensure that a SIM card is inserted when erasing your iOS device.

Fix 5. Update iOS

Using the latest version of iOS can not only fix known bugs but also improve system stability and security. The issue of "erase iPhone not working" may arise due to compatibility or security problems with an older iOS version, so it's recommended to upgrade to the latest version before attempting to erase the device.

Here are the steps:

Step 1. Open "Settings" > "General" > "Software Update". (iPhone software update failed?)

Step 2. If an update is available, tap "Download and Install".

Step 3. Once the update is complete, try erasing the device again.

Fix 6. Sign Out of iCloud Account

If none of the above methods resolve the issue of "iPhone erase all content and settings greyed out", try signing out of your iCloud account and resetting your iPhone.

Here's how it works:

Step 1. Open "Settings" and tap your Apple ID at the top.

Step 2. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap "Sign Out". (Can't sign out of your Apple ID?)

Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the sign-out process.

Part 3. Another Ways to Erase the iPhone/iPad

If the built-in erase method still doesn't work, and you encounter the "iPhone erase all content and settings not working" issue, you can try the following alternative solutions to complete the data wipe.

Way 1. Using Coolmuster iOS Eraser [Unrecoverable]

Coolmuster iOS Eraser is a professional data removal tool that can thoroughly erase all data on your iPhone, making it unrecoverable by any iPhone data recovery software. Compared to the built-in erase function, this tool is more comprehensive, making it especially suitable for data wiping before selling or giving the device to someone else, ensuring that your data privacy is protected.

Main features of Coolmuster iOS Eraser:

• Completely erase all data from iDevices, including hidden apps, personal information, system settings, deleted files, and more.
• Permanently remove both existing and deleted data, ensuring it cannot be recovered.
• Thoroughly delete contacts, SMS, call logs, music, videos, photos, apps and their data, reminders, calendars, bookmarks, browsing history, voice memos, notes, and settings (including iCloud and iTunes account settings).
• Utilize three levels of data erasure: Low Level, Medium Level, and High Level.
• Operate in a 100% read-only mode to guarantee the safe erasure of iOS data.

Free Download for PC

Here is how to use iOS Eraser to delete everything from your iPhone:

Video Tutorial:

Way 2. Using iTunes

Another way is to restore your iPhone to factory settings via iTunes to erase all content and settings. To restore iPhone to factory settings via iTunes, follow the steps below:

Step 1. Turn off the "Find My iPhone" feature on your iPhone. (How to turn off Find My iPhone?)

Step 2. Connect your iPhone to the computer and open iTunes.

Step 3. Select your device in iTunes, then click "Restore iPhone".

Step 4. After confirming the operation, iTunes will automatically download the latest iOS version and restore the device to factory settings.

Way 3. Using iCloud

If your iPhone is connected to an iCloud account and "Find My iPhone" is enabled, you can remotely erase the device via iCloud. Here is how to do it:

Step 1. Access iCloud.com on your computer or another device and log in with your Apple ID.

Step 2. Go to the "Find My" page and select your device.

Step 3. Click on the "Erase iPhone" option and confirm the action.

The Bottom Line

When your iPhone won't erase, you can try the above methods one by one to troubleshoot and resolve the problem. For situations that require a thorough and secure data wipe, the Coolmuster iOS Eraser is a reliable choice, ensuring that the data on your device cannot be recovered, making it suitable for selling or giving the device to someone else.

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