Selling your iPhone is a great way to upgrade to a newer model or make some extra money, but before doing so, it’s crucial to erase all your personal data to protect your privacy. Simply deleting files or performing a factory reset may not be enough to ensure your information can’t be recovered.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to securely erase all data and deactivate essential security features before selling your iPhone.
How to remove all data from your iPhone before selling
To ensure that no one can retrieve your information, follow these steps before selling your iPhone:
Back up your data
Before wiping your device, make sure to save any important data. You can back up your iPhone in two ways:
- iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then tap Back Up Now.
- iTunes/Finder: Connect your iPhone to a computer, open iTunes (Windows/macOS Mojave or earlier) or Finder (macOS Catalina or later), and select Back Up Now.
Sign out of iCloud and disable “Find My iPhone”
This is one of the most important steps because if “Find My iPhone” remains active, the new owner won’t be able to activate the device.
- Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Scroll down and turn off “Find My iPhone”.
- Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.
- Sign out of iCloud to completely unlink the iPhone from your account.
⚠ If you skip this step, the iPhone will remain locked with Activation Lock, preventing the new owner from using it.
Is a factory reset enough to erase my data?
A factory reset removes most of your data, but some files may still be recoverable with specialized tools. To ensure complete data removal, follow these steps:
Factory reset your iPhone
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm and wait for the process to complete.
Overwrite data to prevent recovery
To ensure deleted files can’t be restored, you can overwrite them:
- Reset your iPhone and fill up the storage with random data (e.g., duplicate photos or large apps).
- Reset the iPhone again after this process to remove the overwritten data.
What happens if you don’t disable “find my iPhone”?
If “Find My iPhone” is not deactivated before selling, the new owner won’t be able to activate the device because it will still be linked to your Apple ID. This can cause problems for both you and the buyer.
Additionally, if the device remains connected to your account, you may continue receiving location and usage alerts.
How to ensure your data is completely unrecoverable
For maximum security, consider these additional steps:
- Data erasure software like iShredder or Dr.Fone – Eraser can be used to wipe data permanently.
- Overwrite storage by filling it with random files before resetting the device again.
- Unlink your iPhone from all connected services, including iCloud, App Store, and any third-party accounts.
Following these steps ensures your personal information is completely erased before selling your iPhone.
Protect your privacy before selling your iPhone
Making sure your iPhone is completely wiped before selling it is essential to prevent privacy risks. From backing up your data to permanently erasing information, following these steps will help you sell your iPhone securely and worry-free.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I remove all data from my iPhone before selling it?
Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
What happens if I don’t disable “Find My iPhone” before selling?
The new owner won’t be able to activate the smartphone, as it will remain linked to your Apple ID even after the reset. This renders your iPhone unsellable and effectively void your online buyback offer.
Is a factory reset enough to erase my data?
Not always. Not always. It’s recommended to overwrite data.
How can I make sure my data is completely unrecoverable?
Use secure erase tools, such as Eraser or Darik’s Boot and Nuke, and overwrite your storage before performing a final reset.
Sources consulted:
- https://support.apple.com/en-us/109511
- https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/how-to-clear-an-iphone-before-selling-it
- https://www.simplymac.com/iphone/i-want-to-sell-my-iphone-how-do-i-delete-everything
- https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-reset-your-phone-before-you-sell-it
- https://www.solveyourtech.com/how-to-erase-iphone-a-step-by-step-guide-to-wiping-your-device
