Trading in your iPhone can lower the cost of a new model, but there are several things you should do before handing over your old device. Backing up your data, transferring your information, turning off Find My and erasing the iPhone are essential steps before a trade-in.
Whether you are trading in through Apple, your carrier or another retailer, preparing the iPhone properly helps protect your personal information and prevents issues with Activation Lock. It can also make the trade-in process faster and easier.
What To Do Before Trading In Your iPhone
Before you erase your old iPhone, make sure everything you need has been backed up or transferred. Once the device has been erased, recovering locally stored information can be difficult or impossible.
1. Back Up Your iPhone
Create a fresh backup before doing anything else. You can back up your iPhone using iCloud or a Mac or PC.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Tap iCloud.
- Select iCloud Backup.
- Tap Back Up Now.
- Keep your iPhone connected to Wi-Fi until the backup is complete.
If you are moving to a new iPhone, you can also use Quick Start to transfer your data directly to the new device.
2. Transfer Your Data To Your New iPhone
If your new iPhone is already available, transfer your data before erasing the old one.
Quick Start can transfer your apps, photos, contacts, messages, settings and other information between iPhones. Keep both devices nearby and connected to power while the transfer is taking place.
After the transfer, check the new iPhone to make sure your important photos, contacts, messages and other data are available.
3. Turn Off Find My iPhone
You should turn off Find My before trading in your iPhone. Find My is connected to Activation Lock, which can prevent someone else from activating the device.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap your name at the top of the screen.
- Tap Find My.
- Tap Find My iPhone.
- Turn off Find My iPhone.
- Enter your Apple Account password if prompted.
If you use an Apple Watch with the iPhone, unpair it before completing the trade-in.
4. Sign Out Of Your Apple Account
Once your data has been backed up and transferred, sign out of your Apple Account.
Open Settings, tap your name, scroll down and tap Sign Out. Follow the instructions to remove your account from the iPhone.
This ensures your personal Apple Account information is no longer connected to the device.
5. Erase All Content And Settings
After confirming that your data is safely backed up or transferred, erase the iPhone.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Review the information shown and tap Continue.
- Enter your iPhone passcode or Apple Account password if prompted.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to erase the iPhone.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process. This removes your personal information, apps, settings, Apple Pay cards and other data from the device.
Do not erase your old iPhone until you are certain that your important data has been transferred or backed up.
6. Remove Your SIM Card
If your iPhone uses a physical SIM card, remove it before handing the device over.
Open the SIM tray using the SIM eject tool and remove the card. If you are switching to a new iPhone, make sure your cellular service has been transferred first.
If your iPhone uses an eSIM, follow your carrier’s instructions for transferring or removing the cellular plan.
7. Check Your iPhone Before Sending It
Inspect the device before completing the trade-in. Check the display, cameras, buttons, speakers, microphones, charging port and other major functions.
Remove your case, screen protector and any other accessories you do not want to trade in.
If you are mailing the iPhone, take clear photos of the device before packaging it. These photos can provide a record of its condition when you sent it.
8. Check Your Apple Account
After erasing the iPhone, check your Apple Account from another device to make sure the old iPhone is no longer associated with your account.
Some trade-in services may require the device to be removed from your account before they can complete the process. Follow the specific instructions provided by the company handling your trade-in.
9. Pack The iPhone For Trade-In
If you are mailing your iPhone, use the packaging provided by the trade-in service when possible. Secure the device properly to prevent damage during shipping.
Do not include your physical SIM card. Also avoid sending accessories unless the trade-in instructions specifically request them.
Does Erasing An iPhone Remove Everything?
Yes. Using Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings removes your personal data and settings from the device.
However, make sure you have completed your backup, data transfer and account steps first. Erasing the iPhone should be one of the final things you do before handing it over.
Should You Remove The SIM Card Before Trade-In?
Yes, if your iPhone has a physical SIM card, remove it before trading in the device. Your SIM contains your cellular account information and should stay with you unless your carrier has instructed otherwise.
For eSIM-equipped iPhones, make sure your cellular plan has been transferred or removed according to your carrier’s instructions.
iPhone Trade-In Checklist
Before you hand over your old iPhone, check that you have:
- Backed up your iPhone
- Transferred your data
- Turned off Find My iPhone
- Signed out of your Apple Account
- Erased all content and settings
- Removed your physical SIM card
- Checked the device’s condition
- Removed the old iPhone from your account if required
- Taken photos of the device if mailing it
- Packed the iPhone according to the trade-in instructions
Completing these steps before trading in your iPhone helps protect your data and ensures the device is ready for its next owner.
