Follow these steps before passing on an old iPhone or iPad
iPhones tend to hold their value better than any other brand of smartphone, and so if you’re thinking of upgrading it’s most certainly worth hawking the old one to help fund the new purchase. Or perhaps you’re feeling generous, and just want to pass your old device onto a friend or relative. Either way, there are some important steps you should take before parting company with an iPhone (or iPad, for that matter).
Follow our guide to ensure you don’t leave any personal data on your old device, and to make certain you’ll be able to restore your data onto a new one. We’ll also give you practical advice to help improve its retail value!
Back up your device
Before anything else, it’s important to back up the contents of your iPhone. This will mean you don’t lose any of the stuff stored on the device and will make it easy to transfer all your files to a new one. You can either back up over the Internet using iCloud, or with a wire and computer by plugging into Finder. Both are fairly straightforward – we’d recommend iCloud as the simpler, quicker option.
To create a backup using iCloud, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Wait for it to complete.
To create a backup using a computer, connect your device with a cable and go to Finder > Locations > [Your Name] iPhone > Back up all the data on your iPhone to this Mac (or PC). Choose Encrypt iPhone Backup if you wish to save passwords and Health data and press Back Up Now.
Unlock the iPhone
These days, most devices are sold unlocked – but in years past, and in some regions still, smartphones would be “locked” to a specific carrier when purchased as part of a fixed contract. If that’s the case, or you’re not certain, call your carrier and ask. Unlocked devices sell for higher prices and are easier for a friend or family member to set up. Have your device’s IMEI number (Settings > General > About) to hand when you make the call.
Remove the SIM card
Skip this step if you’re following these instructions with reference to a Wi-Fi-only iPad or a recent iPhone with eSIM. But if you have a SIM card, you’ll want to remove it as your phone number and cell plan are linked to it. Even if you’ve never had to do it before, removing a SIM card is easy.
You’ll find the SIM tray on the side of the device – look closely and there’s a tiny pinhole opening, used to pop the tray out. Insert the “SIM-eject” tool that came in the original packaging, or use a bent paperclip if you don’t have the proper tool to hand. Apply a bit of pressure and the tray will pop out. Remove the SIM and then click the empty tray back into place. You may need this SIM card for your new iPhone, so keep it somewhere safe.
Erase and reset the device
You’ll want to remove all the personal data on the iPhone before passing it on. Luckily, apps, emails, music, photos and the like can all be deleted in one fell swoop; no need to manually trash anything.
Open the Settings app and go to General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. A dialog box will ask you to confirm this action; press Erase iPhone. Your device will spend some time removing everything, reboot and then come back to life as if it were a new device. It’ll be on the introductory welcome screen that lets new users get set up – perfect for the next owner!
If you don’t have the device anymore
If you’ve already parted with your device – especially if it was lost or stolen – you’ll be pleased to know it’s possible to wipe all your personal data remotely. Sign in to iCloud.com and select Find iPhone. Click All Devices, choose your iPhone, then press Erase iPhone. Next, press Remove from Account. This decouples the device from your Apple ID, and will cause it to delete any of your files left on it, too.
You can also remotely erase a device from the Find My iPhone app
Where to sell
There are a lot of ways to sell an old device, and choosing what to do really comes down to whether you prioritize convenience or cash. You’ll get a much better price if you sell privately through a service like eBay or even Facebook‘s marketplace section (accessed via the shop tab in the app). If that sounds like a lot of effort there are a number of third-party services such as WeBuyAnyPhone.com and MusicMagpie.co.uk that appraise your device with minimal effort and even come and pick it up!
Lastly, perhaps the easiest option of all is to trade it back to Apple. You won’t get the best price, but the money can go directly towards the purchase of a new iPhone and it removes the middleman. For more details, it’s worth investigating Apple’s iPhone Upgrade Program.
Good luck, and happy selling!