Before selling, trading in, or giving away an iPhone, wipe it with Apple’s built-in erase process rather than deleting photos, messages, and apps individually. A proper erase removes your personal content and returns the phone to the setup screen.
Back Up or Transfer Important Data
Use iCloud Backup or create a local backup with Finder on a current Mac or Apple Devices on current Windows. If you already have your replacement iPhone, you can also use Apple’s device-to-device transfer during setup.
Unpair an Apple Watch if Needed
If an Apple Watch is paired to the iPhone you are giving up, unpair it first. This helps preserve the watch backup and removes the existing pairing cleanly.
Erase All Content and Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Review what will be removed and continue.
- Enter the device passcode and Apple Account password if requested.
Handle the SIM or eSIM
Follow the on-screen choices and your carrier’s instructions for transferring or removing cellular service. Remove a physical SIM when appropriate. For an eSIM, make sure the service has been transferred or removed as required for your situation.
Verify the Wipe
Wait until the iPhone restarts to the Hello/setup screen. Do not hand the device to another person while your Home Screen, apps, photos, or account information are still visible.
If the iPhone Cannot Be Erased Normally
For a device that will not boot correctly, use recovery mode with Finder on a Mac or Apple Devices on a current Windows PC. Computer recovery is a fallback, not the normal first step for a working trade-in or sale device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is deleting my photos enough?
No. Use Erase All Content and Settings to remove the device’s personal content and settings.
Should I sign out of every app first?
No. Follow the full-device erase workflow instead of deleting apps one at a time.
Do I need iTunes to wipe an iPhone?
No. A working iPhone can erase itself from Settings, and current computer workflows use Finder or Apple Devices.
Summary
Back up what you need, unpair an Apple Watch if applicable, use Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings, handle cellular service, and verify the Hello screen before handing over the device.
Matthew Roberts created this site to help his friends and family with questions that they might have about how to change the settings on their iPhones. It now serves as an archive of iPhone how-to guides to help anyone that stumbles upon this website.