The "Reset" option on an iPhone provides several choices to restore certain settings or wipe the device, each with specific effects:
- Reset All Settings: This resets all system settings (like network settings, keyboard dictionary, location, privacy, Apple Pay cards) back to their defaults but does NOT delete your personal data such as photos, apps, or documents.
- Reset Network Settings: This only resets network-related settings like Wi-Fi connections and cellular settings, removing saved Wi-Fi passwords and trusted certificates, but leaves other data intact.
- Erase All Content and Settings (Factory Reset): This erases everything from your iPhone — all personal data, apps, settings, passwords, accounts, media — essentially restoring the iPhone to its factory state as if it were new. This is useful when selling, trading, or troubleshooting the device. Before doing this, you should back up your data because everything will be deleted.
In summary, "Reset" can mean either restoring settings to default or erasing the device completely, depending on your choice in the reset menu. The factory reset option removes all data, while other reset options just clear settings without deleting personal content.
