Resetting your Apple screen can mean several things, from simply reorganizing your app icons back to their original layout to performing a deeper system reset. The most common interpretation, often referred to as "resetting your screen," specifically refers to restoring your Home Screen Layout to its default configuration.
Resetting Your iPhone Home Screen Layout
If your iPhone's Home Screen has become cluttered or you want to return your app icons to their factory default positions (with Apple's pre-installed apps appearing first, followed by your downloaded apps in alphabetical order), you can easily reset its layout. This process does not delete any of your apps or data; it only rearranges the icons.
Here's how to reset your Home Screen layout:
- Open the Settings app. on your Apple iPhone.
- Navigate to General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Reset.
- Select Reset Home Screen Layout.
- Confirm by tapping Reset Home Screen when prompted.
After this, your app icons will revert to their original positions, organizing Apple's default apps first, followed by your third-party apps alphabetically in folders.
Other Ways to "Reset" Your Apple Device's Screen or Settings
The term "resetting your Apple screen" can sometimes refer to other actions that affect your device's display or overall settings. Here are a few common scenarios and their solutions:
Force Restarting Your iPhone (Hard Reset)
If your iPhone screen is frozen, unresponsive, or experiencing minor software glitches, a force restart (often called a "hard reset") can often resolve the issue without erasing any data. This process forces your device to shut down and restart, clearing temporary memory issues. The steps vary slightly depending on your iPhone model. For most modern iPhones (iPhone 8 and later), quickly press and release the Volume Up button, then quickly press and release the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Side button until you see the Apple logo.
Resetting All Settings (Without Erasing Data)
If you're experiencing persistent issues with your iPhone's behavior that aren't resolved by a force restart, but you don't want to lose your apps, photos, or other data, you can reset all of your device's settings. This action reverts all system settings (like Wi-Fi passwords, wallpaper, network settings, keyboard dictionary, location settings, and privacy settings) to their factory defaults, but leaves your personal data untouched.
To do this:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset All Settings.
Adjusting Display Settings
If "resetting your screen" refers to issues with your screen's appearance (like brightness, color, or text size), you might just need to adjust your display settings:
- Go to Settings > Display & Brightness to modify options such as:
- Brightness: Adjust the slider to make your screen brighter or dimmer.
- True Tone: (If available) Automatically adjusts the screen's color and intensity to match the ambient light.
- Night Shift: Adjusts the display's colors to the warmer end of the spectrum after dark.
- Text Size: Make text larger or smaller.
- Display Zoom: Choose between "Standard" or "Zoomed" view.
Erasing All Content and Settings (Factory Reset)
This is the most comprehensive type of reset and should only be performed if you intend to sell, give away, or completely troubleshoot a major software issue with your iPhone. This action permanently deletes all data, apps, and settings from your device, returning it to its original factory state. Always back up your iPhone before performing a factory reset.
To perform a factory reset:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Summary of Reset Types
To help you decide which "reset" is right for your situation, here's a quick overview:
Reset Type | What It Does | Data Affected | When to Use |
---|---|---|---|
Home Screen Layout Reset | Restores app icon arrangement to default. | None | Cluttered home screen, disorganized apps. |
Force Restart (Hard Reset) | Clears temporary software glitches, unfreezes device. | None | Frozen screen, unresponsive apps, minor system errors. |
Reset All Settings | Reverts all iPhone settings to default; keeps data. | Settings | Persistent configuration issues, troubleshooting without data loss. |
Adjust Display Settings | Changes screen's visual appearance (brightness, color, text size). | None | Screen too dim/bright, colors look off, text is too small/large. |
Erase All Content & Settings | Deletes all data, apps, and settings; returns iPhone to factory state. | All data erased | Selling device, major software problems, starting fresh (requires backup). |