4 Steps to Prepare Your Phone for Selling or Trading

Create a Backup

Before resetting your iPhone, you first need to ensure all your data is securely backed up. Ideally, you should have two copies of this backup, one on iCloud and another on your computer. By doing this, you ensure the safety of your data and can restore it to your new iPhone or an existing device.

Check Your Latest Backup in iCloud Settings

To check your last backup on iCloud:

1. Ensure your device is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network.
2. Go to your iPhone's Settings, tap your name, and select "iCloud."
3. In the iCloud settings, tap on "iCloud Backup" to see the status of your backup.

Here, you can see the date and time of your last backup.

Create a New Backup if Needed Using iCloud or By Connecting to a Computer

If your most recent backup is outdated, you'll want to create a new one. Follow the same steps above—connect to Wi-Fi, navigate to "iCloud Backup," and tap "Back Up Now." You must stay connected to Wi-Fi until the backup process is complete.

In addition to creating an iCloud backup, you should also create a backup on your computer. Connect your iPhone to your computer and locate your device on "Finder" or "My Computer." After confirming that your computer can trust your device, select the option to back up data. For sensitive data, you can encrypt your backup. Once your backup settings are in place, click "Back up Now."

Resetting Your Old Phone

After creating a backup of your data, the next step is to reset your phone. A factory reset wipes your phone clean, erasing your data and settings to return the device to its original state. This is important to ensure your data doesn't fall into the wrong hands. Here's how to do it.

Navigate to Reset Settings

Getting to the reset settings on your iPhone is straightforward. Open the Settings app on your phone and tap the "General" option. Scroll down and select the "Reset" option. You will find several options in the Reset menu, including one to completely erase your iPhone.

Choose to Erase All Content and Settings

The option to "Erase All Content and Settings" is the one you need to select to factory reset your iPhone. Tap on this option and confirm your decision. This will erase all your data and settings, resetting your device to its original state.

Enter Apple ID and Passcode to Remove Device From Find My iPhone Service

After confirming your decision to reset, you'll be asked to enter your phone's PIN code. You will then need to provide your Apple ID password. Entering these credentials is required to turn off Apple's Find My iPhone service, which helps to locate lost or stolen iPhones. Once these details are entered, the reset process will begin. Your screen will go dark, and the Apple logo and a progress bar will appear. After a while, a screen saying "Hello" in multiple languages will flash, indicating the successful reset of your device.

Dealing with eSIM

If you're using an eSIM on your iPhone XS or later models, you'll need to account for it before selling or trading in your device. An eSIM is a digital SIM that allows you to use two different phone numbers on your iPhone. It's crucial to manage this before wiping your device to ensure a smooth transition to your new iPhone.

Understanding the Need to Delete eSim Before Trading or Selling Phone

Before selling your iPhone or trading it in, it's important to ensure you won't face any trouble setting up the eSIM on your new device. So, check with your carrier or look on their website's eSIM section to understand how to transfer your eSIM. Once you've done that, you can safely remove the eSIM from your old iPhone. Neglecting this could result in problems with cellular service on your new device.

Steps to Confirm if the eSim Has Been Transferred to the New iPhone

To remove the eSIM plan from your iPhone, navigate to Settings, then select Cellular. From there, tap on the second plan and choose "Remove Cellular Plan." Once the eSIM has been removed and successfully set up on your new phone, you can proceed with the necessary steps before selling or trading in your iPhone.

It's advised to still have the old device in your possession while doing these steps, as some may require access to the old phone. Double-check whether you've followed all necessary steps before letting go of your old iPhone.

Confirm The Reset Completion

After going through the process of backing up, erasing eSIM (if applicable), and factory resetting your iPhone, it's essential to ensure that the process has been completed successfully. An incomplete reset could leave some of your personal data on the phone.

Identify the Completion Sign: The Animated "Hello" Screen

How do you know if the factory reset has been successful? The iPhone gives a clear indication of a successful reset. Once the reset process is finalized, you'll see the iOS welcome screen displaying "Hello" in different languages. This animated greeting indicates that the reset has been wholly conducted, and the phone is now back to its factory settings.

Clean the Phone and Make It Ready for Trade-in or Sell

With the successful reset of your iPhone, it's now ready to be handed over for trade-in or sale. But before you do that, you may want to physically clean your device. Wipe off any dirt or smudges from the screen and casing, remove any SIM cards or SD cards if applicable, and ensure your iPhone looks presentable for its new user. Also, if you have original packaging and accessories, organizing those together with the phone can increase its resale value and appeal to buyers. The phone should now be in the best condition possible, ready for the next user.