People change phones every time and most people don’t just throw away their old devices. When we do not use a phone anymore, we give it out, sell or trade for another one. So, what must you do before selling your iPhone or iPad?
Our phones are much more than phones these days, they contain our lives literally. Smartphones are very powerful and people keep sensitive information in them, it is very risky and dangerous if this information gets in the hands of a wrong person.
Things to Do Before Selling Your iPhone or iPad
Before selling or trading away your iPhone, its important you backup important files and erase whatever personal information or accounts you are signed into. In this post, we will list what to do before selling your iPhone.
Backup to iTunes or Your Computer
Unless you do not need your data or files again which is not likely, it is very important you backup your device. Connecting your iPhone to your computer works with iTunes on Windows but Apple has now replaced that with Finder on your Mac.
When your iPhone is connected to your Mac, you can either backup from there to your iCloud or directly to your computer. You have the option of encrypting your backup on your computer in case it contains sensitive information you do not want anyone to access.
Backup to iCloud
If you did not toggle off the function, automatically your iPhone backups to iCloud. To confirm or backup your device up to date:
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Tap on your name, which is your profile.
Tap on iCloud and scroll down to iCloud Backup.
Tap Back Up Now.
It is going to take some time. So, make sure you have a strong WiFi or internet connection.
Unpair your Apple Watch or Connected Devices
If you own an Apple watch, it is very important your unpair it from the iPhone you are not going to use again. To do this:
Keep your iPhone and Apple Watch close.
Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone
Go to My Watch tab and select your Apple Watch.
Tap on the “i” icon next to it and unpair from your device.
If your AirPods or headset is connected, go to your Bluetooth and tap on “i” icon in from then Forget This Device.
Delete Apps and Photos
To leave out all traces and trace extra precautions, it is advised you delete all apps and photos by yourself.
Sign out of your iCloud, iTunes & App Store, iMessage and Facetime
You don’t want this to get in the wrong hands, it is important you do this before selling your iPhone or iPad. To sign out of iCloud, iTunes and App store:
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Tap you’re your profile icon.
Scroll down and tap on Sign Out.
You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID and password, after that hit Turn Off.
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Tap on Messages.
Tap on Send & Receive
Tap on your Apple ID and Sign Out.
Perform a General Reset to Erase all Content and Settings
Your iPhone would still contain important information such as WiFi name, passwords, profiles and tiny data that may not come to mind. Performing a reset wipes everything as clean as new.
Go to Settings on your iPhone.
Tap on General.
Tap on Reset.
Tap on Erase All Content and Settings, you may be prompted to enter Apple ID and password.
Your iPhone will power off and reboot
Deregister iMessage
Your iPhone is as clean as new at this point but you still need to deregister your iMessage on it especially if you are moving to an Android device. To deregister:
That’s all. If you do not have your iPhone with you anymore, you can still deregister iMessage online.
Conclusion
Now that you know what to do before selling your iPhone or iPad, it is very important you carry out these things. It is very important to be safer than sorry.
