How to Erase Your iPhone Before Selling It

Before selling your iPhone you need to prepare it: back up, turn off Find My, sign out of iCloud, erase the content and reset the device, then remove the SIM. Here are the 5 steps, in order, to safely wipe and clear everything with no data left behind.

What to do before you sell your iPhone (in order)

In short, five steps do it: 1) back up your data · 2) turn off Find My iPhone · 3) sign out of iCloud · 4) erase all content and settings · 5) remove the SIM card. Each step is detailed below.

1. Back up your data

Make a copy first — it’s irreversible afterward. Settings → your name → iCloud → iCloud Backup, or plug the iPhone into a computer. You’ll restore everything on your next device.

2. Turn off Find My iPhone

This is the step that lifts Activation Lock. Settings → your name → Find My → Find My iPhone → Off. Skip it and the buyer ends up with a locked, unusable device.

3. Sign out of iCloud

Detach your account from the device. Settings → your name → scroll to the bottom → Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

4. Erase all content (full reset)

One action erases and resets everything. Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. The device reboots blank, like new.

5. Remove the SIM card

Keep your number. Eject the physical SIM; for an eSIM, remove it in Settings → Cellular (only once your new phone is set up).

What if I can’t erase it?

Broken screen or unresponsive device? The team can guide you in store. A certified erase is part of the SubSell process: we verify and wipe the device in front of you, or remotely via your iCloud account if the screen is unusable.

Once these steps are done, no data is recoverable and Activation Lock is lifted for the buyer — you can sell with peace of mind.

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Ready to sell? Get your offer at /en/sell/, see the where to sell your iPhone in Montreal comparison, or read our how to check a used iPhone guide if you’re buying.