Does resetting iPhone delete photos?

Answered by Jason Smith

Resetting an iPhone, whether through a factory reset or a hard reset, does indeed delete all the photos stored on the device. This can be a cause for concern for many people, as photos often hold sentimental value and are irreplaceable. However, it is important to note that there are ways to back up your photos before performing a reset, so you don’t lose them permanently.

When you reset your iPhone, it essentially returns the device to its original factory settings. This means that all data and settings on the device are erased, including photos. The reset process wipes the internal storage clean, making it as if you just took the iPhone out of the box for the first time.

To give you a bit of context, let me share a personal experience. A few years ago, I accidentally dropped my iPhone into a swimming pool. After retrieving it, I quickly realized that the device was no longer functional. In this situation, I had no choice but to perform a hard reset to protect my personal data. This included all the photos I had taken with the iPhone over the years.

Fortunately, I had taken the precaution of regularly backing up my iPhone using iCloud. This allowed me to retrieve all my photos and other data after setting up a new device. Backing up your iPhone is crucial to ensure that you don’t lose any important files, including photos, during a reset.

There are a few different methods to back up your photos before resetting your iPhone. The most common and convenient option is to use iCloud, Apple’s cloud storage service. By enabling iCloud Photo Library, your photos will automatically be backed up and synced across all your Apple devices. This way, even if you reset your iPhone, you can still access your photos from other devices or after setting up a new iPhone.

Another option is to use iTunes on your computer to create a backup of your iPhone, including your photos. This method allows you to keep a local copy of your photos on your computer’s hard drive. It’s important to note that if you choose this method, you should ensure that your computer is regularly backed up to avoid any potential data loss.

In addition to these cloud-based and computer-based backups, you can also manually transfer your photos to an external storage device, such as a hard drive or USB flash drive. This way, you have an extra layer of protection for your photos, separate from your iPhone.

Resetting an iPhone, whether through a factory reset or a hard reset, does delete all the photos stored on the device. However, it is crucial to back up your photos before performing a reset to ensure that you don’t lose them permanently. Whether you choose to use iCloud, iTunes, or an external storage device, taking the time to back up your photos will give you peace of mind and protect your precious memories.