How to Clean Install Any Version of iOS or iPadOS on iPhone and iPad

How to Clean Install Any Version of iOS or iPadOS on iPhone and iPad.

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is slow, a clean install of iOS or iPadOS can help speed it up. Installing new system software means you’re starting from scratch with third-party App Store apps, broken configurations, and broken settings that can positively affect performance. A clean install can also fix issues that can’t be fixed with standard troubleshooters.

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You have several ways to clean install iOS and iPadOS. The first method involves deleting all content and settings from your iPhone or iPad only, while the second method requires you to reinstall the system software via your Mac or PC.

A clean install of iOS or iPadOS will delete your data, but you can always back up your files and settings beforehand. You can then start over from scratch or restore a backup and pick up where you left off.

Erase All Content and Settings

iPhone and iPad have a built-in “Erase This iPhone/iPad” tool that allows you to quickly reset your device to factory settings. It takes care of everything from backing up your data to iCloud, turning off Find My and Activation Lock, to completely removing all personal data from your device.

The Erase This iPhone/iPad tool doesn’t technically reinstall iOS or iPadOS, but this procedure restores system software to a state similar to what you get from an iPhone or iPad right out of the box. In addition, it is much faster and more convenient than performing a restore via a Mac or PC.

1. Open the Settings app from your iPhone or iPad home screen.

2. Select General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings (iOS 15/iPadOS 15 and later) or General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings (iOS13 /iOS 14/iPadOS 14 and earlier).

3. Select Continue.

4. Enter your iOS or iPadOS device password.

5. Select Finish Upload, Then Erase to upload a copy of your data to iCloud. If you’re short on iCloud space, create an offline backup on your Mac or PC. If you don’t want to create a backup, select Erase Now.

A warning.

If you don’t back up, you will permanently lose all data other than those actively synced to iCloud, such as photos, notes, and contacts.

6. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off to turn off Find My and Activation Lock. You won’t see this screen if Find My isn’t active on your iPhone or iPad.

7. Click “Erase iPhone/iPad” to confirm that you want to erase all media, data, and settings on your iPhone or iPad. Then wait until Erase This iPhone/iPad tool resets the device to factory default settings. This may take 10 to 15 minutes.

Go through the Setup Assistant to set up your iPhone or iPad after the reset procedure. Once in the Apps & Data screen, select “Restore from iCloud Backup” or “Restore from Mac or PC” to restore data from the backup. Or select Don’t Transfer Apps & Data to start using your iPhone or iPad as a new device.

Restore Device via Finder/iTunes

If you have access to a Mac or PC, you can clean install iOS or iPadOS using Finder or iTunes. Follow the steps below to turn off Find My and Activation Lock, back up your iPhone or iPad, and reinstall the latest iOS/iPadOS using an IPSW (iPhone/iPad software) file. This method is best if you are having trouble using the Erase This iPhone/iPad tool above.

Note. If you’re using a Windows PC, be sure to download iTunes from the Microsoft Store or the Apple website before you get started.

1. Go to Settings > Apple ID > Find My > Find My iPhone/iPad on your iPhone or iPad.

2. Turn off the switch next to Find My iPhone/iPad and enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

3. Connect your iPhone or iPad to Mac or PC via USB. Then unlock your iOS or iPadOS device and tap Trust.

4. Launch a new Finder window (if you’re using a Mac with macOS Catalina or later) or open iTunes. Then select your iPhone or iPad in the Finder sidebar or in the top left corner of the iTunes window.

5. Scroll down to the “Backups” section. Then select Back Up All Data on Your iPhone/iPad to This Mac/PC. If you want to back up your Apple Watch health data and passwords, check the “Encrypt local backup” box. Then select Back Up Now.

6. Wait for Finder/iTunes to finish backing up data on your iOS/iPadOS device.

7. Scroll up to the Software section and select Restore iPhone/iPad.

8. Select Restore and Update.

9. Select Accept to accept the software update license terms.

10. Wait for Finder or iTunes to download the latest IPSW file (containing all new features and bug fixes) for your iPhone or iPad. Depending on the speed of your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection, this may take up to an hour. The system software will then automatically reinstall. Don’t disconnect your iOS or iPadOS device from your PC or Mac yet.

After reinstalling iOS or iPadOS, select “Restore from this backup” and select the backup to restore data. Or select Set Up as New iPhone/iPad to start using your iPhone or iPad as a new device.

Try Recovery Mode or DFU Mode

In most cases, a simple factory reset of iOS or iPadOS should be more than enough to breathe new life into your iPhone or iPad or fix persistent software-related issues. If that doesn’t help, reinstall the system software on your Mac or PC.

If you cannot properly install iOS or iPadOS using both methods in this guide, you should use Recovery Mode or DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode instead. These are special recovery environments that can fix serious problems with your device. You can also clean install a previous version of the operating system and downgrade your iPhone or iPad without jailbreak if you like.