Five Essential Steps Before Selling or Trading Your iPhone

If you're planning to upgrade your iPhone by swapping your current device at an Apple Store or any retailer, there are crucial steps you must not overlook.

Skipping out on backing up your data or erasing personal information can create unnecessary hassle. You might even forget to deactivate Find My iPhone or the Stolen Device Protection feature.

To ensure a seamless transition, carefully prepare your iPhone at home before you head out for the trade-in process. Here's a guide to help you streamline the necessary preparations.

1. Ensure Your iPhone is Backed Up

Protecting your apps, settings, and files as you transition to a new device requires a backup. Multiple options allow for this safety net.

For users of iTunes on Windows or Mac, there's the option to back up to your computer or the cloud—or both. Simply connect your device and open iTunes. Click your phone's icon and navigate to the Backups section. Choose between iCloud for cloud backup or This Computer for a local backup, and opt for encryption if desired.

Alternatively, initiate a backup directly from the phone. Go to Settings, tap on your profile icon, select iCloud, then tap iCloud Backup and start the process with Back Up Now.

After acquiring your new iPhone, you can restore your data during setup by selecting the iCloud Backup option and following the prompts.

2. Disarm Stolen Device Protection

iPhones starting with the XS model, come equipped with the Stolen Device Protection, a feature that uses Face ID or Touch ID to secure key settings. Modify this a feature based on location or need.

Turn off this protection before trading in your device. Navigate to Settings, open Privacy & Security, and look for Stolen Device Protection under Security. Slide the switch off.

3. Deactivate Find My iPhone

Crucially, turn off Find My iPhone to prevent future tracking. If the Stolen Device Protection is enabled, ensure it's disabled first. Go to Settings, tap your account profile, and navigate to Find My. Turn off the switch for Find My iPhone after providing your password.

4. Unpair Your Apple Watch

Remove any linked Apple Watches prior to trading in your current iPhone. Launch the Watch app, tap All Watches, select your watch, and then choose Unpair Apple Watch after following the given prompts.

5. Reset to Factory Settings

With backups secure and critical security features deactivated, your iPhone is ready for a factory reset. Access Settings, then General, and choose the option to erase all content and settings, confirming actions as prompted.

Decide whether to retain your SIM card, depending on whether your plan is to be transferred. For physical SIM cards, ensure removal, or activate your plan anew on a phone with an eSIM. Following these steps will restore your iPhone to default settings, devoid of personal data.