# Erase and start over

> Erase this device's copy of your library, or delete the copy in iCloud. Your license stays active either way.

- Page: https://resurf.so/guides/erase
- Section: Your data
- Works on: Mac, iPhone, iPad
- Last checked against the app: 2026-10-17
- Mac: Settings → Data
- iPhone and iPad: Settings → Sync

## Erase this device

Erasing deletes the library on this device for good, not to the Trash, and starts Resurf empty. Sync turns off on this device so the library doesn't download again. Your iCloud copy, your other devices and your license aren't touched.

On Mac:

1. Open Settings (`⌘,`), choose **Data**, and click **Erase…** beside **Erase this Mac**.
2. Read the line at the top. It says whether Resurf found another copy in iCloud.
3. Tick the checkbox and click **Erase this Mac**, or **Erase everything** if no iCloud copy was found.
4. Resurf restarts into first-run setup.

On iPhone and iPad:

1. In Resurf's Settings, tap **Sync**, then **Erase this iPhone** (**Erase this iPad** on iPad).
2. Tick the checkbox and tap **Erase this device**, or **Erase everything**.
3. The app closes. Open it again to start fresh.

## Delete your iCloud copy

This removes everything Resurf keeps in your iCloud and turns sync off on this device. The captures on this device stay.

On Mac:

1. Open Settings (`⌘,`), choose **Data**, and click **Delete…** beside **Delete iCloud data**.
2. Tick **I understand this can't be undone** and click **Delete**.

On iPhone and iPad:

1. In Resurf's Settings, tap **Sync**, then **Delete iCloud data**.
2. Tap **Delete** to confirm.

Other devices that still sync keep their copy and may upload it again. Turn sync off there too if you want it to stay deleted.

## Questions

### Does Erase this Mac delete my iCloud copy?

No. Use Delete iCloud data for that.

### Can I get my library back after erasing this device?

If your iCloud copy is still there, yes. Turn sync back on in Settings → Sync and it comes down again.

### Is my license kept?

Yes. Neither action touches your license.

## More guides

- Previous: [Import](https://resurf.so/guides/import.md)
- [Where your library lives](https://resurf.so/guides/vault.md): Your library is a folder of ordinary files on your device, named Resurf Library.
- [Sync](https://resurf.so/guides/sync.md): Your library syncs between your devices through your private iCloud, and it starts on its own.
- [Sync status](https://resurf.so/guides/sync-status.md): One line in Settings says whether sync is working, with a checklist and a report you can send to support.
- [Backup and export](https://resurf.so/guides/backup-and-export.md): Save the whole library as a zip, now or on a schedule, or export it as a spreadsheet with its files.
- [Import](https://resurf.so/guides/import.md): Bring captures in from a CSV file or from the old Resurf 1.0 app.
- [Every guide](https://resurf.so/llms.txt)