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How to wipe an iPhone before selling it (step by step)
Back up, turn off Find My, sign out of your Apple ID and erase your iPhone properly before you sell it. A clear UK guide with the steps in the right order.
Updated 23 October 2026 · 4 min read
Wiping an iPhone before you sell it protects your photos, messages and accounts, and it's also what makes the phone usable for whoever gets it next. An iPhone that's still linked to your Apple ID is Activation Locked, which means nobody else can set it up. Buyers can't accept those phones, so this step matters.
The process takes about fifteen minutes plus however long your backup takes. Do it in this order and you won't run into problems.
Step 1: Back up your iPhone
You have two main options.
- iCloud backup: Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Make sure you're on Wi-Fi and plugged in.
- Computer backup: On a Mac, connect the phone and open Finder. On Windows, use the Apple Devices app or iTunes. Choose to back up all data to the computer, and tick "Encrypt local backup" if you want health and saved password data included.
If you're moving to a new iPhone, Apple's Quick Start can transfer everything directly when the two phones are side by side.
Step 2: Unpair any Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch paired with the phone, unpair it first in the Watch app (All Watches > tap the info icon > Unpair Apple Watch). This backs up the watch to the phone and removes Activation Lock from the watch too. If you're selling the watch as well, see our guide to selling a smartwatch.
Step 3: Deal with your SIM or eSIM
Physical SIM: pop it out with a SIM tool or a straightened paperclip. eSIM: if you're moving to a new phone, transfer it first using the set-up process on the new phone or by contacting your network. When you erase the phone you'll be asked whether to keep or delete your eSIM — delete it only once it's working on your new device.
Step 4: Sign out of iCloud and turn off Find My
Go to Settings > [your name] and scroll down to Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password when asked. This turns off Find My and removes Activation Lock.
Also worth doing:
- Sign out of the iTunes & App Store if it's a separate account.
- If you use iMessage and are switching to Android, deregister your number so texts from iPhone users don't go missing. Apple has a deregistration page for this.
Step 5: Erase all content and settings
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode and Apple ID password if prompted. The phone will restart to the "Hello" screen when finished.
Stop there. Don't set it up again — leave it on the welcome screen.
Step 6: Double-check Activation Lock is off
The surest sign is that the phone restarts to the "Hello" screen and can be set up without asking for your Apple ID. You can also sign in at icloud.com, open Find My, and make sure the phone no longer appears under your devices. If it does, remove it there.
What if I've forgotten my Apple ID password?
Reset it at Apple's iForgot page before you start. Don't try to sell a phone you can't remove from your account — it won't be accepted, and you'll just end up waiting for it to come back.
What if the phone won't turn on?
If the iPhone doesn't power on at all, it can't be wiped normally, and it also counts as faulty — something we can't buy. You can remove it from your account remotely at icloud.com (Find My > select the device > Remove This Device), then take it to an electronics recycling point. See e-waste recycling in the UK.
Selling it once it's wiped
With your phone wiped and on the Hello screen, it's ready to go. Get an instant offer on SendForCash, accept it, and we'll email a free postage label. We pay the same day we inspect the phone. Full details are in our guide to selling your old phone for cash.
FAQ
Does erasing an iPhone remove all my data?
Yes. Erase All Content and Settings removes your data and settings and resets the encryption keys, which makes the old data unreadable.
Should I remove my case and screen protector?
Remove the case. A screen protector can stay on if it's in good condition, but if it's cracked or peeling, take it off so the screen can be properly assessed.
Is it safe to sell a phone I've already restored from backup on a new phone?
Yes. Once your new phone has everything, wiping the old one doesn't affect your backup or your new device.
Do I need to remove my Apple Pay cards?
Signing out of your Apple ID and erasing the phone removes them. You can also check in the Wallet app before you start if you want peace of mind.