Look, let’s be real. There are a dozen reasons why you’re staring at your phone wondering how to factory reset an iPhone 12. Maybe the software is acting like a glitchy mess after that last iOS update, or maybe you finally upgraded to the 16 and you’re ready to hand this one off to a buyer on Swappa. It’s a bit of a process. You can't just press a button and walk away if you want your data to actually stay safe and your phone to be usable for the next person.
I've seen too many people accidentally "brick" their resale value because they forgot about Activation Lock. It's a nightmare. Honestly, if you don't sign out of iCloud first, that phone is basically a paperweight to anyone else.
The iPhone 12 was a massive shift for Apple—the first with MagSafe, the first with that flat-edge design we’re still seeing today. But it’s getting older. The A14 Bionic chip is still a beast, but cache files pile up. Sometimes a clean slate is the only way to get that "new phone" snappiness back.
First things first: The Backup (Don't Skip This)
Before we even touch the reset button, we have to talk about your data. Once you wipe this thing, it’s gone. Poof. Forever.
Most people use iCloud, which is fine, but make sure it actually finished. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and look at the "Last successful backup" time. If it wasn't within the last ten minutes, tap Back Up Now. If you’re a power user or you have 200GB of 4K video from a concert, plug it into a Mac or PC. Using Finder (on macOS Catalina or later) or iTunes (on Windows) is still the fastest way to get a bit-for-bit copy of your device. It's old school, but it works.
There is a weird quirk with the iPhone 12 series specifically. Since it supports 5G, your backup might be larger than you expect if you've been downloading high-res assets. Check your storage.
Turning off the "Find My" Trap
This is the part everyone forgets. Apple has a security feature called Find My iPhone. It’s great if a thief grabs your phone at a bar, but it’s a disaster if you’re trying to sell it. If you reset the phone without turning this off, the next owner will be met with a screen asking for your Apple ID password.
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They can't get past it. You'll get an angry email. Just go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My and toggle it off. You’ll need your password. Do it now.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone 12 via Settings
If your screen is working and you can get into the menus, this is the easiest path. Apple moved things around a bit in recent versions of iOS, so don't be surprised if it's not where you remember it being from three years ago.
- Open your Settings app.
- Scroll down to General. It’s that gear icon.
- Swipe all the way to the bottom. You’re looking for Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Don't hit "Reset" yet. That's a trap—it just resets settings like your Wi-Fi passwords or home screen layout. You want Erase All Content and Settings.
The phone is going to give you a summary screen. It’ll show you your apps, data, and Apple ID. It might even tell you it's still uploading data to iCloud. Wait for that upload. Seriously. Tap Continue. You’ll be prompted for your passcode. This is the 4 or 6-digit number you use to unlock your phone every day.
Then comes the final boss: the Apple ID password. This is Apple’s way of making sure it’s actually you. Once you enter that, the screen will go black, the Apple logo will appear, and a progress bar will start.
What if the buttons are broken?
Sometimes the iPhone 12 has that annoying volume button stickiness, or maybe your touch screen is totally ghosting. If you can't get into the Settings menu, you’re going to need a computer. This is the "Recovery Mode" method.
Connect your iPhone 12 to your computer with a Lightning cable.
Press and quickly release the Volume Up button.
Press and quickly release the Volume Down button.
Press and hold the Side button (the power button). Keep holding it. Even when the Apple logo appears, keep holding. You want to see a screen that shows a cable pointing toward a computer.
Once you see that, your Mac or PC will pop up a message saying there’s a problem with the iPhone. Choose Restore. This will download the latest version of iOS and completely wipe the hardware. It's the nuclear option.
The "Erase All Content" vs. "Reset All Settings" Confusion
I get asked about this a lot. People get scared they’re going to lose their photos when they just wanted to fix a Bluetooth glitch.
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Reset All Settings is like a light dusting. It keeps your photos, your messages, and your apps. It just reverts things like your wallpaper, your alarm sounds, and your saved Wi-Fi networks back to factory defaults. It’s great for troubleshooting weird software bugs.
Erase All Content and Settings is the total wipeout. This is what you do when you are done with the phone. It unlinks your Apple ID, removes your credit cards from Apple Wallet, and deletes every single "cat video" you've ever saved.
Common Roadblocks and Fixes
Sometimes the iPhone 12 just refuses to cooperate. One common issue is the "Verification Failed" error when trying to sign out of iCloud. This usually happens if you have a weak Wi-Fi connection or if Apple's servers are having a bad day. Switch to cellular data or try a different Wi-Fi network.
If you've forgotten your restrictions passcode (Screen Time), that's a different headache. You might have to reset the phone using the computer method mentioned above, because the phone won't let you wipe it from the settings menu without that specific code.
Also, check your eSIM. The iPhone 12 supports dual SIM. When you go to erase the phone, it will ask if you want to Keep or Delete your eSIM. If you're keeping the phone and just refreshing it, keep the plan. If you're selling it, delete that plan immediately. You don't want the next guy using your data plan to browse Reddit.
Preparation for the Next Owner
Once the phone reboots and you see "Hello" in fifteen different languages, you are done. Do not go through the setup process. Just hold the power button and shut it down.
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If you're shipping it off, give it a quick wipe with a microfiber cloth. The iPhone 12 is a fingerprint magnet, especially the Pro models with the stainless steel rails. Use 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth—not directly on the phone—to get it sanitized.
Actionable Next Steps
- Confirm the Wipe: If you are selling the device, log into iCloud.com/find on another device to make sure the iPhone 12 is no longer listed in your devices. If it is still there, "Remove from Account."
- Physical Clean: Remove your SIM card using a paperclip or SIM tool. You'd be surprised how many people leave their physical SIMs inside.
- Documentation: Take a photo of the "Hello" screen and the IMEI number (found on the SIM tray) as proof that the device was functional and reset before you shipped it.
- Revoke Access: Go to your Apple ID settings on your new phone and remove the old iPhone 12 from your "Trusted Devices" list to keep your two-factor authentication secure.
Following these steps ensures your personal data doesn't end up in a stranger's hands and your iPhone 12 remains a functional device for its next life cycle.