How to Safely Erase Your iPhone Before Selling or Recycling

Follow these steps to securely wipe your data, sign out of iCloud, and factory reset your iPhone to protect your privacy before disposal.

1. Back up your data to iCloud. Open Settings, tap your name at the top of the menu, and select iCloud. Tap iCloud Backup and select Back Up Now to ensure your current photos, messages, and settings are saved to your account.
2. Unpair your Apple Watch. If you have an Apple Watch paired to your iPhone, open the Watch app on your phone. Go to the My Watch tab, tap All Watches in the top-left corner, tap the info icon next to your watch, and select Unpair Apple Watch.
3. Sign out of your Apple ID. Navigate to Settings, tap your name, scroll to the bottom of the page, and tap Sign Out. You will be prompted to enter your Apple ID password to disable Find My and turn off Activation Lock.
4. Initiate the factory reset. Go to Settings, tap General, scroll down, and select Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings to trigger the wipe process.
5. Confirm the erasure. The iPhone will display a summary of data to be removed. Tap Continue, enter your device passcode when prompted, and tap Erase iPhone to confirm.
6. Remove the SIM card. Use a SIM eject tool or a small paperclip to open the SIM tray on the side of the device. Remove your physical SIM card to prevent the new owner from accessing your cellular profile.