How to Factory Reset an iPhone Before Selling

Before your iPhone goes to a new owner, you need to wipe it properly. Done right, a factory reset protects your personal data and clears Activation Lock so the sale completes smoothly. Done wrong — or skipped — and your photos could go with the phone, or the buyer ends up with a device they cannot use. Follow these steps in order.

⚠️ Do this last. Get your quote and book your collection first, so your iPhone stays usable until the day it is collected.

Step 1: Back up everything first

Erasing is permanent, so save your data before you wipe.

• iCloud: Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
• Computer: connect your iPhone, open Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app (Windows), and choose Back up now.

This is what you will restore onto your next phone, so don't skip it.

Step 2: Sign out and remove your accounts

If you are erasing with Erase All Content and Settings (Step 4), this happens automatically when you enter your Apple Account password. To do it manually first, go to Settings > [your name], scroll down, and tap Sign Out.

Also worth doing: unpair your Apple Watch if you have one (in the Watch app), and remove any eSIM only if you have already arranged its transfer with your carrier.

Step 3: Turn off Find My (if resetting manually)

Erase All Content and Settings turns off Find My and Activation Lock for you. If you are resetting another way, turn it off first: Settings > [your name] > Find My > Find My iPhone > Off. This step is critical — we explain why in remove Find My iPhone before selling.

Step 4: Erase all content and settings

This is the actual reset:

1. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Tap Continue, then enter your passcode.
4. When prompted, enter your Apple Account password to sign out and turn off Activation Lock.
5. Confirm Erase iPhone.

The phone will restart and show the "Hello" setup screen. That is exactly what the new owner should see — it means the device is clean and unlocked.

Step 5: Remove your SIM and any cards

Pop out the physical SIM with the ejector tool and keep it. If you use an eSIM, make sure it has been transferred or cancelled with your carrier — don't hand over a phone with your active line on it.

Quick pre-collection checklist

• Backed up to iCloud or computer
• Signed out of Apple Account / iCloud
• Find My turned off (automatic with Erase All Content)
• Erased all content and settings — phone shows "Hello" screen
• Physical SIM removed
• eSIM transferred or cancelled

What if I already sold or sent it without erasing?

Don't panic. If you still know your Apple Account login, sign in at iCloud.com/find, select the device, and choose Erase, then Remove from Account. This clears your data and Activation Lock remotely. More detail in our Find My iPhone guide.

You're ready to sell

With your iPhone backed up, signed out, and wiped, it is ready for collection. If you haven't yet, get your instant quote and book a free home collection — then get paid the same day.