Before selling or giving away an iPhone, you need to keep your own data, remove the device from your Apple account, and then erase it. The order matters: if Activation Lock stays on, the next owner may not be able to set up the phone without your Apple ID.
These steps apply to iPhones running iOS 17 and iOS 18.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you are trading in, selling, gifting, or handing down an iPhone and want it wiped clean while still usable by the next person.
Back Up the iPhone First
- Connect the iPhone to Wi-Fi.
- Open Settings, tap your name, then go to iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now and wait for the Last Successful Backup time to update.
- Or back up to a computer with Finder on Mac or iTunes/Apple Devices on Windows.
- Make note of items that may not restore automatically, such as some two-factor apps, banking sessions, and app-specific logins.
Remove the iPhone from Your Accounts
- Open Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and remove work or school management profiles if present.
- If you use an eSIM, open Settings > Cellular, choose the plan, and delete the eSIM or plan if your carrier requires that before transfer.
- Open Settings, tap your name, scroll down, and tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password. This turns off Find My and Activation Lock.
- Remove any physical SIM card from the tray.
Erase All Content and Settings
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter the device passcode and Apple ID password if asked.
- Confirm Erase iPhone.
- When the iPhone restarts to the Hello setup screen, leave it there or power it off for the new owner.
Important Handover Notes
Activation Lock Check
If setup asks for your Apple ID after erasing, Activation Lock is still active. Remove the iPhone from Find My on another Apple device or at icloud.com/find.
Trade-In Programs
Apple, carriers, and retailers often walk through the same steps during trade-in, but doing it yourself first confirms what is left on the device.
SIM and eSIM
A physical SIM can be kept or moved. An erased eSIM may need carrier reissue, so handle your cellular plan before wiping if you still need that line.
Sources
- Apple Support: Erase and set up iPhone as new
- Apple Support: What to do before selling or giving away iPhone
- Apple Support: Remove a device from Find My before selling it