Recently, there have been many press speculations on whether reselling used iPhones and cell phones in general is safe. As technology progresses and cell phones ultimately become on-the-go personal computers, the question of privacy is on the rise.
Many are particularly concerned that smart mobile devices might carry tracking data that can be easily mishandled and exploited if they get into the wrong hands. However, the truth is that our basic phone information, call, and texting history has been recorded and archived with our telecommunication carriers for years. Yet, only recently has innovative technology gone mass market, so the privacy question has become increasingly pressing.
So, what are the proper steps to take in order to sell iPhone without risking your personal information and/or privacy?
Steps to Safe iPhone Selling
- The first thing to do is to back up iPhone data. This can be done by simply connecting the iPhone device with the USB cord and launching iTunes, after which right-clicking the iPhone icon to get to the “backup” option.
- Once the data is backed up, you’re free to delete all information on your iPhone by accessing the Reset option in the Settings menus and then tapping “Erase all content and Settings” to completely remove all your information.
- Although it is completely personal preference how one chooses to sell their used devices, in terms of privacy, it is better to avoid person-to-person transactions since these usually lack documentation that could potentially be needed in case of any fraudulent activity. Stick to organizations.
- Be extra vigilant when choosing a company to sell your used iPhone to. Learn about their process beforehand. Ensure they erase your iPhone before it is resold to the end user. This information can usually be found in the How it Works section, Privacy Policies, or Term of Service pages.
In Conclusion
Selling your used iPhone is generally safe if you take precautions and use common sense. Never sell your iPhone without erasing it first. Performing a factory reset before parting with your cell is a quick and easy way to disable unauthorized access.
