How to Completely Erase iPhone Data Before Selling

Before you sell or give away your iPhone, it’s crucial to remove all your personal data . Many users skip this step and unknowingly expose themselves to major privacy and security risks - from personal photos to passwords and messages that can be recovered later .

Luckily, Apple makes it easy to securely erase all your data so your old phone feels brand-new. Follow these essential steps before you hand over your device.

Step 1: Turn Off iMessage & FaceTime​

If you’re switching to a new iPhone or another brand, make sure to disable iMessage and FaceTime first. Otherwise, you may not receive texts or calls properly on your new phone.

Here’s how:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Messages → turn off iMessage.
3. Go back to Settings → tap FaceTime → turn it off.

Done! Your Apple communication services are now safely disconnected from your old phone.

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Step 2: Unpair Your Apple Watch​

If you own an Apple Watch, unpair it before wiping your iPhone. This ensures both devices are properly reset and ready for reuse.

Follow these steps:

1. Open the Watch app on your iPhone.
2. Go to the My Watch tab.
3. Tap the “i” next to your watch name.
4. Select Unpair Apple Watch.
5. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted.

Tip: If you have a GPS + Cellular model, remove your cellular plan too.

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Step 3: Back Up Your Data​

Before erasing your iPhone, make sure to back up your data. This lets you easily restore your information on your new device.

iCloud Backup​

1. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings → tap your name.
3. Go to iCloud → iCloud Backup.
4. Make sure iCloud Backup is turned on.
5. Tap Back Up Now and wait until it finishes.

iTunes / Finder Backup​

1. Connect your iPhone to your Mac or PC.
2. Open iTunes (or Finder on macOS Catalina+).
3. Select your iPhone → go to the Summary section.
4. Choose This Computer under “Backups.”
5. Click Back Up Now.

Your entire device - from photos to messages - will be safely stored.

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Step 4: Turn Off “Find My iPhone”​

This is essential before erasing your phone or selling it.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap your name → iCloud → Find My iPhone.
3. Toggle Find My iPhone off.
4. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

This step removes the device from your iCloud account and prevents Activation Lock issues.

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Step 5: Factory Reset Your iPhone​

Now it’s time for the final wipe!

1. Open Settings → General.
2. Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Enter your Apple ID password when asked.
5. Wait for the erasing process to finish.

Once done, your iPhone will restart as if it’s brand new - with no trace of your data left behind.

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Final Thoughts​

Erasing your iPhone properly before selling it ensures your privacy and security stay protected . It also gives the next user a smooth, fresh setup experience.

Before you hand over your phone:
Back up your data
Turn off all Apple services
Erase everything completely

Do these steps, and you’ll never have to worry about personal information falling into the wrong hands again .