How to prepare your iPhone for sale without losing your data

1. Make a backup and check the transfer

Apple recommends backing up and transferring your information before removing it from the old device. Give yourself time to do this at home, where your trusted Wi-Fi and account information are available.

A transfer-complete message is a useful milestone, but check the things that matter to you: recent photos, contacts, messages and important files. Open a few items rather than assuming every app copied its data.

• Confirm you can access the backup or transferred information.
• Open your banking, email and other essential apps on the replacement device.
• Check authenticator-app transfer instructions and recovery methods.
• Keep the old phone until these checks are finished.

2. Move your phone number and account access

Make sure your replacement phone can receive the calls or messages you rely on for account recovery. Some services require their own transfer or sign-in process, separate from the phone's backup.

If you use eSIM, arrange the service transfer with your carrier before removing the old profile. Apple explains that deleting an eSIM does not cancel your mobile plan. If the phone has a physical SIM, remove it before handoff.

3. Record the device's condition

Before erasing, note the model, storage and battery information needed for your quote. Check for repair messages and record any functional issues. Keep condition photographs for your own records without including account names or private notifications.

Do not share your passcode, Apple Account password or recovery codes with a buyer. You can enter credentials yourself while completing the official preparation steps.

4. Use Apple's erase process

Follow Apple's linked preparation guide for your iOS version, including signing out and any paired Apple Watch steps. The erase route is Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. When selling an eSIM device, Apple instructs you to erase the eSIM profile too.

Do not delete individual synced photos, contacts or documents to clean the phone: that can remove them from iCloud and your other devices. If an account prompt, Activation Lock or security delay prevents preparation, resolve it before handing over the phone.

Finish with the device ready for its next owner, and keep your own record of the sale. If you are unsure whether an erase completed correctly, use Apple Support rather than giving a buyer your login.

Common questions