Whether you're trading in your old iPhone for a discount on a new one, selling it, giving it away, or recycling it, you'll want to erase all of your data first. Not only do you want to keep your personal information out of the wrong hands, but let's face it:no one will want a phone with your old selfies on it.
After transferring all your data to a new phone (or, if you don't get a new phone, backing up your data), here's how to erase your iPhone:
Get rid of some identifiable features
- Turn off "Find My iPhone" by going to "Settings"> "
- Unpair all devices from your phone, including your Apple Watch.
- Disable iMessages (just in case).
Sign out of your Apple ID
- Select "Settings"> [your name] top button> "Sign Out" (bottom of page).
- Enter your Apple ID password.
- You will be asked if you want to keep a copy of your data on this iPhone. Assuming you've backed everything up and you're about to erase your phone, you don't need to activate anything.
- Tap "Sign out" in the top right corner, then tap "Are you sure?" » pop-up window.
Prepare to erase it
- Remove the SIM card from the phone.
- Go to "Settings"> "General"> "Transfer or Reset iPhone" and select "Erase All Content and Settings".
Updated September 15, 2021, 3pm ET: This article was originally published on April 13, 2020 and has been updated to add more information and reflect changes to the operating system.
