How to Reset the Ownership Information and Settings on Your iPhone

One of the things you’re asked to do when setting up your iPhone is specify ownership information. The exact information you are asked to provide includes a name for the device as well as a few other pieces of information that were entered at the time of the device’s original configuration.

If you’ve recently purchased a used iPhone, that device will likely come with registration data from the previous owner already stored in its memory. Likewise, if you’re planning on selling your iPhone to another person, you can remove that content so that it doesn’t get sold along with the device. You can change the ownership information and settings on your iPhone by following a few basic steps.

Image licensed Under Attribution

Step 1            

Turn on your iPhone and open the device’s main “Settings” application. Scroll down to the center of the window on your device’s screen and select the “General” menu option. A new window, titled “General,” will appear on your iPhone screen.

Step 2

Scroll all the way down to the bottom of the “General” window and select the button that says “Reset.” As with all other application and menu options, you can select the “Reset” button by tapping on it with your finger one time.

Step 3

Tap the second option in the menu on screen, titled “Erase All Content and Settings.” The appropriate option is the second entry in the “Reset” menu and is located just below the “Reset all Settings” option and above the “Reset Network Settings” option.

You want to select the “Erase All Content and Settings” option so that all ownership preferences and information are erased along with the rest of the content on the device. The “Erase All Content and Settings” option is the only item in the menu that will allow for a true factory reset.

Step 4

Tap “Confirm.” All of the ownership information as well as all settings and other types of content will be erased from your iPhone.

Step 5

If you have purchased a used iPhone, connect your device to your computer using the included Apple USB cable (for older iPhones) or Apple USB Thunderbolt cable (for the iPhone 5). Open the latest version of iTunes on your computer and follow the prompt on screen to set up and personalize the configuration of your new device.

If you’re getting ready to sell your iPhone, you don’t actually have to do anything. The new owner of your device will be able to plug it into a computer and configure it as if it were a new device.


Wes couldn’t find any iPhone 4S deals to suit him so he bought a used iPhone and altered the ownership details.  He hopes the guide above will be useful to other used iPhone owners.