How to Safely Erase Your iPhone Before Selling or Recycling

Step by step

1. 2 min

   Back up your data to iCloud

   Open Settings, tap your name at the top of the menu, and select iCloud. Tap iCloud Backup and select Back Up Now to ensure your current photos, messages, and settings are saved to your account.

   Note: Verify the backup completed successfully by checking the date under Last Successful Backup.
2. 1 min

   Unpair your Apple Watch

   If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, open the Watch app on your phone. Go to the My Watch tab, tap All Watches in the top-left corner, tap the info icon next to your watch, and select Unpair Apple Watch.

3. 1 min

   Sign out of your Apple ID

   Navigate to Settings, tap your name, scroll to the bottom of the page, and tap Sign Out. You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID password to disable Find My and turn off Activation Lock.

   Note: Failing to sign out leaves Activation Lock active, which renders the device unusable for the next owner.
4. 2 min

   Initiate the factory reset

   Go to Settings, tap General, scroll down, and select Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings to trigger the wipe process.

5. 30 sec

   Confirm the erasure

   The iPhone will display a summary of data to be removed. Tap Continue, enter your device passcode when prompted, and tap Erase iPhone to confirm.

   Note: The phone will restart and display the Hello screen once the process is complete.
6. 1 min

   Remove the SIM card

   Use a SIM eject tool or a small paperclip to open the SIM tray on the side of the device. Remove your physical SIM card to prevent the new owner from accessing your cellular profile.

   Note: If you are using an eSIM, the data is removed during the factory reset process.