Guide: Preparing Your iPhone or iPad for Sale or Trade-In

Guide: Preparing Your iPhone or iPad for Sale or Trade-In

So, you’re thinking of parting ways with your iPhone or iPad? It’s important to make sure your personal data is secure and that your device is ready for its new owner whether you’re selling, giving away, or trading in your Apple Device.

If You Still Have Your iPhone or iPad:

1. Transferring Information to Your New Device:

  • For New Devices: If you have a new iPhone or iPad and it runs iOS 11 or later, use Quick Start to effortlessly move your data.
  • For Older Devices: For those with iOS 10 or earlier, use iCloud, iTunes, or the Finder to do the transfer.
  • Changing Phone Numbers?: Update trusted phone numbers to avoid losing access. You can even generate a two-factor authentication code on the old device if necessary.

2. Securing Your Personal Data:

  • Apple Watch: If paired with your iPhone, unpair it.
  • Backup: Ensure you back up your device.
  • AppleCare: Cancel it if you’ve purchased an AppleCare plan.
  • Signing Out: Depending on your iOS version, navigate through settings to sign out of iCloud, iTunes & App Store.
  • Switching Brands?: If you’re moving to a non-Apple phone, remember to deregister from iMessage.
  • Trading In-Store?: If trading in at an Apple Store, a Specialist will guide you. For online trade-ins, move to the next step.
  • Erase Everything: Head to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset. Follow the prompts to erase all content.
  • Carrier Notification: Notify your carrier for a seamless service transfer.
  • Trusted Devices: Remove the old device from your list.
  • Final Note: Erasing your device turns off Find My [device] and the Activation Lock. Forgot your Apple ID or password? You’ll want to retrieve or reset these before proceeding.

If You No Longer Have Your iPhone or iPad:

If you’ve already parted with your device without the steps above:

  • For the New Owner: Ask them to erase all content using the aforementioned steps.
  • Using iCloud?: Use iCloud.com/find or the Find My app, select the device and erase. Then remove it from your account.
  • Apple ID Password: If the above isn’t possible, change your password. It doesn’t erase stored information, but it does prevent data deletion from iCloud by the new owner.
  • Switching Brands?: Deregister iMessage.
  • Apple Pay: Remove your cards at iCloud.com. Under Account Settings, remove Apple Pay from the concerned device.
  • Trusted Devices and AppleCare: Remove the device from your list and cancel the AppleCare plan if you had one.

Maintaining the Value of Your Device When Selling:

To maintain the value of your device when selling, it’s crucial to ensure that the next user can use it without any restrictions. Failing to do the following can drastically reduce the device’s worth:

  • Log out of Apple ID: This is the first and most critical step. If you’re still logged into Apple ID, the device becomes entirely unusable. If this ID belongs to an employee, and you don’t have the password, only they can reset it. Also, ensure you turn off “Find My [device]” during this process.
  • Release from MDM or Remote Management: Navigate to System preferences and click on sharing. Click on the lock icon and enter the name and password of the user with administrative privileges.
  • Turning Off Find My (device): For iOS devices, go to Settings > tap on your name > “Find My”. Toggle it to turn off, then enter the Apple ID password and confirm the turn-off.

Trading in an Android Device to Apple?
Here’s what to do:

  • Backup: Safeguard your data.
  • Erase: Wipe your device clean.
  • Miscellaneous: Remove SIM cards, memory cards, cases, and screen protectors.
  • Need Help?: Contact your device’s manufacturer for assistance.

By following this guide, you’ll ensure a smooth transition between devices while keeping your personal information secure. Safe selling or trading!

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