How to Reset All Settings on iPhone 14 Without Deleting Your Data
If your iPhone 14 is acting up but you don’t want to erase your photos, messages, or apps, there’s a way to reset it safely. Resetting all settings restores system defaults like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and privacy settings—without touching your personal files. Here’s exactly how to do it.
What Does “Reset All Settings” Actually Do?
This reset option wipes system settings such as:
- Wi-Fi passwords
- VPN & APN settings
- Keyboard dictionary
- Home screen layout
- Location & privacy settings
- Apple Pay cards
It doesn’t delete:
- Photos and videos
- Text messages
- Contacts
- Installed apps
- App data
Basically, it’s a good middle ground before resorting to a full factory reset.
Steps to Reset All Settings on iPhone 14
Make sure your iPhone has at least 50% battery. You’ll also need your device passcode—and your Screen Time passcode if you’ve set one.
- Open Settings from your Home screen.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Choose Reset All Settings.
- Enter your iPhone passcode.
- If asked, enter your Screen Time passcode.
- Confirm by tapping Reset All Settings again.
Your iPhone will reboot and restore all system settings to their default values.
Forgot Your Screen Time Passcode? Do This
If you can’t remember your Screen Time passcode, you’ll need a Mac to reset it:
- On a Mac running macOS Catalina 10.15.4 or later, go to System Settings > Screen Time.
- Click the three-dot icon in the bottom left.
- Choose Change Passcode > Forgot Passcode.
- Enter your Apple ID and password.
- Set a new Screen Time passcode.
Once reset, go back to your iPhone and retry the steps above using your new code.
When Should You Factory Reset Instead?
If you’ve reset all settings and your iPhone still has issues—like crashing apps or lagging performance—a factory reset may be necessary. Just make sure to:
- Back up to iCloud or a computer via iTunes/Finder
- Then go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
This will wipe everything and return the phone to its original, out-of-the-box state.