Bought iPhone 16E? Do This Before You Sell Your Old iPhone
Upgrading to iPhone 16E? Ensure your old device is wiped clean of personal data with this simple step-by-step reset and backup guide.
image for illustrative purpose
If you plan to sell or hand off an iPhone, you must clear all personal data before you transfer the device. Whether you’re replacing an old model with the new iPhone 16E or passing a unit to a relative, wiping personal information is essential.
Personal data on an iPhone can include family photos, credit card details, contacts, and app records. Failure to remove this data can expose information to the next user. Clearing an iPhone ensures that all information stored on the device is erased.
Before you erase anything, back up any data you want to keep. Use an iCloud backup by opening Settings, tapping your name, selecting iCloud, then choosing iCloud Backup and Back Up Now. After you back up to iCloud, you can restore that same data on another device.
To create a manual backup, connect your iPhone to a computer. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, open Finder and select your device. On a Windows PC, use iTunes to sync and back up. Maintaining a backup is crucial in case you need to recover files after you wipe the old device.
Next, sign out of all accounts. Go to Settings, tap Apps, and then select Mail, Contacts or Calendar and Accounts to remove linked email and cloud accounts. Log out of banking, messaging, and workplace apps, as well as digital community services. Finally, disable Find My by tapping Settings, then your name, choosing Find My, and turning it off.
If you’re moving to a new iPhone, transfer your cellular service before you erase your old device. Newer models in the United States, including iPhone 14 and later, use eSIM instead of a physical SIM card. Contact your carrier to port your data plan to the new device. If you already wiped the old phone, visit a carrier retail store for a digital transfer.
Once you complete backups, account sign-outs and service transfers, you’re ready to reset the old iPhone. Open Settings, tap General, then select Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your device passcode, then your Apple ID password to confirm. The screen will turn black and display a progress bar. When the process finishes, the word “Hello” will appear in multiple languages, indicating the device is ready for its next user.
Clearing your iPhone before you hand it off removes personal data and resets the device to its factory state. This process applies whether you sell, donate or gift your iPhone. Skipping these steps could leave private information accessible to someone else.
