Selling your old phone should feel straightforward. If you’re wondering how to wipe your phone safely, start by backing up your data, removing linked accounts and completing a factory reset. Whether you want to sell privately or trade in your device, these steps help protect your personal information and prepare it for its next owner.
Follow the guide for your device below. Before you reset your phone, make sure everything you want to keep is safely stored elsewhere.
Back up and check your important data
Save your photos, contacts, messages and files using your phone’s backup tools or a computer. Check that the backup has finished and that important files are accessible.
Some apps need separate transfers or backups. Check messaging apps, authenticator apps and banking access before erasing anything. Make sure you can receive verification codes on your replacement device.
Get your passwords ready
Have your screen passcode and account passwords available. Charge your phone and connect to Wi-Fi before starting. A factory reset removes data from the handset, so pause if you’re unsure whether something has been backed up.
Unpair any connected Apple Watch. Open Settings > [your name] > Sign Out and follow the prompts, which vary by iOS version. Keep your Apple Account password ready.
If you’re moving to Android, deregister iMessage so messages can reach your new phone.
If it hasn’t already been erased during sign-out, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the prompts and enter the requested credentials.
Completing Apple’s erase process turns off Find My and Activation Lock. Simply deleting photos or signing out is not a complete wipe.
Transfer your mobile service before erasing. Remove your physical SIM, or select the option to erase your eSIM profile when prompted. Leave the erased phone at its welcome screen.
Important: Don’t manually delete synced photos or contacts while signed into iCloud; this can delete them from your other connected devices too.
After checking your backup, open Settings and find the accounts section. Select each Google Account and choose Remove account. Names and locations vary by device.
This turns off Google’s device protection, helping prevent the next owner from being blocked by Factory Reset Protection. Follow your manufacturer’s instructions for signing out of any additional device accounts.
On supported Samsung devices, open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset, then follow the confirmation prompts.
For other Android phones, check your manufacturer’s instructions for the correct reset menu. Choose the option that erases personal data, rather than one that only resets settings. Menu names can differ depending on your model and software version.
Remove your physical SIM and any microSD card. If you use an eSIM, transfer your service before erasing and follow your manufacturer’s instructions to remove the old profile. Don’t assume the reset has erased removable storage or your eSIM.
Leave the phone at its welcome screen without adding your accounts again.
Clean the handset gently, record its condition and pack it securely according to your buyer’s instructions. Never include your passwords with the device.
To find the best value when selling your phone, compare the final offer and service terms. Check whether free postage includes tracking, how expert inspection affects the quoted price, and when same day payment applies. These details help you understand what to expect before sending your phone.
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