How to Get Back to the iPhone Setup Screen
There is only one way back to the iPhone setup screen, the Hello screen you saw when the phone was new. You have to erase the iPhone, which resets it to factory settings.
Back up first, because erasing removes everything. Then go to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, and Erase All Content and Settings.
How to Get Back to the iPhone Setup Screen
Do the backup below first, then follow these steps.
- Open the Settings app (the gray gear icon).
- Tap General.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Tap Continue, then enter your passcode if asked.
- Enter your Apple Account password when prompted. This turns off Find My and Activation Lock.
- Tap Erase iPhone to confirm.
The phone restarts, and in a minute you land on the Hello setup screen again.
Back Up Before You Erase
Erasing wipes everything: photos, contacts, apps, texts, and your Apple Pay cards. Save a copy first.
- Connect to WiFi.
- Open Settings and tap your name at the top.
- Tap iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now and wait for it to finish.
You can also back up to a computer. On a Mac, use Finder. On a Windows PC, use the Apple Devices app. iTunes is no longer the tool on newer computers.
Why Does It Ask for Your Apple Account Password?
If Find My iPhone is on, Apple asks for your Apple Account password before it will erase.
This is Activation Lock. It stops a stranger from wiping and reusing a lost or stolen iPhone.
Erasing with your password turns Find My and Activation Lock off, so the phone is ready for setup. If you cannot recall that password, here is how to reset a forgotten Apple ID password first.
Why People Want the Setup Screen Back
Most people want the Hello screen for one of a few reasons.
They picked the wrong language during setup. You can change that later in Settings, General, Language and Region, so you may not need to erase at all.
They are selling or handing off the iPhone. Erasing gives the new owner a clean setup.
They want a fresh start after a messy setup or a used phone. For a used iPhone, erasing is the right move, and it also clears any lock from a previous owner’s Apple ID.
Can You Reach the Setup Screen Without Erasing?
No. There is no shortcut back to the Hello setup screen.
The Setup Assistant only runs on a phone that is brand new or has just been erased. Everything it sets, like language, WiFi, and your Apple Account, can be changed later in Settings instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does erasing my iPhone delete everything?
Yes. It removes photos, contacts, apps, messages, and Apple Pay cards, and returns the phone to factory settings. Back up first so you can restore it all.
What is the current path to erase an iPhone?
Go to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, then Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode and Apple Account password when asked.
Do I need my Apple Account password to reset the iPhone?
If Find My is on, yes. Apple asks for it to turn off Activation Lock. If your iPhone keeps asking for the Apple ID password, sort that out before you erase.
I chose the wrong language. Do I have to erase?
Usually not. Finish setup, then go to Settings, General, Language and Region to change it. Erasing is only needed if you cannot get past that step.