Summary: Read this post if you need help with ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ not working. Here, we have shared 8 reliable methods to fix ‘Erase All Content and Settings not responding’ issue on iOS devices. In addition, learn alternative ways to erase or reset your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch.
‘I have an old iPhone X, which my wife wants to use. I am trying to factory reset it using ‘Erase All Content and Settings’, but every time I select the option, nothing happens. Why is my iPhone not letting me erase all content and settings? What should I do if ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ not working on iPhone?’
Apple provides the option of ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ to erase & reset iPhone data and reuse the device as new. However, often, users complain that the feature doesn’t work. There is no response when you click on the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option on iPhone or iPad. Some report a validation failed or server error. And you cannot reuse, sell, donate, or recycle your iPhone, if ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ is not working.
So how to fix the problem? And is there any alternative solution to erase iOS data when ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ is not working?
We are going to answer everything here. However, before that, make sure you have an updated backup of iPhone data in iCloud or iTunes.
Contents
If ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ is not working or missing, begin fixing the problem by restarting your iPhone or iPad. Restart can resolve minor software glitches that affect the normal functions of the device.
Know how to restart iPhone SE, 8, 7, 6 and other models.
If ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ is not responding after normal restart, try to force restart or hard reset the device. Force restart fixes software and hardware glitches that may prevent ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ from working.
Note: The steps to force restart varies with iPhone model.
Know how to force restart iPhone SE, 8, 7, and older models to fix ‘erase all content and settings’ problem.
An uninterrupted internet connection is necessary to erase data on iPhone or iPad using ‘Erase all Content and Settings’ feature. Ensure Wi-Fi or mobile data is turned on at a good speed.
Often users forget to insert the SIM card when wiping an old iPhone or iPad. Consequently, they receive a server error when trying to factory reset the device. Hence, make sure a SIM card is inserted when erasing the iOS device.
A software bug could be the reason for ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ not working. Apple regularly brings iOS updates that fix bugs affecting the iPhone or iPad performance. So update the iOS on your device and then check if the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ problem is resolved or not.
If erase all content and settings not showing on iPhone or iPad, reset network settings. This will remove all the networks and VPN settings on your device, disconnecting you from cellular data or Wi-Fi. Then you can connect to the Internet and use Erase All Content and Settings to factory reset your device.
Now turn on the Internet, and enter the network password if using Wi-Fi. Go to Settings > General > Reset. Then click on the Erase all Content and Settings button. It should now erase your device.
Many users were able to erase content and settings after they turned off ‘Find My’ on iPhone / iPad. ‘Find My’ is a security feature by Apple that helps locate, lock, or remotely erase the iOS device if it is lost or stolen.
Note: You won’t be able to recover lost/ stolen iPhone if ‘Find My’ feature is turned off.
Now check if ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ is working.
Turning off ‘My Find’ didn’t help? Try by signing out of the iCloud account and then apply ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ feature.
However, when you sign out of iCloud, you are logged out of all the iCloud-related services. It means you won’t be able to use Apple Pay, Find My, Game Center, iCloud Backup, iCloud Drive, iCloud Mail, iCloud Photos, Messages in iCloud, Siri Shortcuts, Voice Memos, and others on your iOS device. The iCloud data disappears from your iOS device, but stays in the iCloud server.
Once you’ve signed out of your iCloud account, ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ should start working.
Sometimes, erasing iPhone to default settings is necessary. You cannot fix the iOS issues, reuse, sell, or give away your device without erasing its content. If ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ is not working, use a different erasing technique to protect your iPhone data from strangers or fix iOS issues.
Alternatively, you can factory reset iPhone using iTunes on your computer. Further, if you want to wipe iPhone data to 0% recovery by any software, get the best iPhone eraser— Stellar Eraser for iPhone. It is the best tool to delete iOS device data permanently before selling or donating.
Instead of struggling with ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ problem, choose the best iPhone eraser software — Stellar Eraser for iPhone. The software permanently removes iOS device data and makes it unrecoverable by any tool. Further, no hassles or tech knowledge is required to reset iPhone using Stellar iPhone Eraser.
The software erases all content, settings, passwords, photos, videos, chats, voice memos, music, contacts, messages, third-party apps, reminders, and other data from all iPhone and iPad models.
Know step-by-step how to erase iPhone data permanently with software.
If you can’t erase all content and settings using iPhone, try doing so with the help of iTunes. iTunes help you restore iPhone to its default settings by erasing all data on it.
Steps to erase iPhone with iTunes:
You can’t restore your iPhone to factory settings if —
If you cannot erase all content and settings on your iPad, restart your device or update the iOS. If none of these techniques work for you, follow the other methods shared in this post to fix Erase All Content and Settings problem.
Although ‘Erase all content and settings’ deletes iPhone data and sets it as new, its data is still recoverable by an advanced iPhone data recovery software.
Put your iPhone to Recovery Mode and use iTunes to reset your iOS device without Apple ID passcode. Alternatively, you can use Stellar iPhone Eraser software that resets the iPhone if you have forgotten your Apple ID passcode. Learn more on how to erase all content and settings if passcode not working.
If you are selling or donating an old iPhone or iPad, it is recommended to erase it with software. The software ensures your personal information is not recoverable by any means.
Nishat Paiker is an expert technical writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. She has deep knowledge about data recovery and loves to explore new technology and DIY tools. Nishat has keen interest in photography. You will often find her giving photography tips and hacks.
