Selling an old iPhone sounds quick and easy: delete the data, find the box, and post an ad. In reality, the order of the steps is crucial – skipping or misdirecting any risks compromising data privacy or leaving the buyer with a useless device locked by the activation lock. This guide walks you through each step in the correct sequence, as recommended by Apple.
Over the years, an iPhone accumulates surprisingly sensitive data: photos, messages, location history, saved passwords, banking apps, health data, and biometric templates. Anyone selling, trading in, or giving away their device must reliably delete this data—and simultaneously ensure that the iPhone is signed out of their Apple account. Otherwise, the activation lock will engage, and the new owner will be left with a device they cannot set up.
The most important security measure is a current iPhone backup, because without a clean backup, data cannot be transferred to the new device or restored in an emergency. For the iPhone 18 Pro Max, an additional step is required before shipping: its battery must be discharged via software before being sent.
Key Facts at a Glance
- The order matters: first backup and data transfer, then log out and delete.
- Without logging out of the Apple account, the activation lock remains active, and the buyer cannot set up the iPhone.
- On iOS 26 and later, "Erase This iPhone" completes the process of logging out and erasing the device in one step.
- The protection against stolen devices should be deactivated before the sale, otherwise a security delay will occur during transit.
- An iPhone 18 Pro Max must be additionally discharged via "Prepare for Shipping" before shipping.
Step 1: Create a Backup
Before you erase anything or sign the iPhone out, a complete backup belongs at the start of any sales preparation. It is the only insurance against losing photos, notes, messages or app data during the handover.
Backup via iCloud
In Settings, tap your name at the top, then select "iCloud" and "iCloud Backup." Tap "Back Up Now" to start the process. This assumes you have enough iCloud storage; otherwise, iOS will automatically ask you if you need more. Regularly checking that your backup is up-to-date will prevent unpleasant surprises.
If the free 5GB of storage isn't enough, you should take a look at the iCloud storage plans and prices in good time, or alternatively, back up your data to a computer. Incidentally, Apple gives anyone who has bought a new iPhone free temporary iCloud storage – if your own 5GB isn't enough for a backup, this allows you to bridge the gap free of charge.
Backup via Computer
Those who prefer to store their data locally can connect their iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC using a cable. On a Mac, open Finder and select the iPhone in the sidebar; on a Windows PC, this is done via the Apple Devices app or iTunes.
The "Encrypt local backup" option should be enabled – this is the only way to ensure that passwords, health data, and keychain data are also backed up. The encrypted backup is password-protected; anyone who forgets this password will no longer be able to access the data.
Step 2: Transfer Data to the New iPhone
If you already have a new iPhone ready, it's worth transferring it directly via Quick Start before erasing the old device. Place the two iPhones side by side, turn on the new one – the Quick Start dialog will automatically appear on the old one.
Besides the quick start option, there are other ways to transfer data to a new iPhone, such as via an iCloud backup or a computer.
Step 3: Check the Parts and Service History
One step that is often overlooked, but crucial especially when trading in an iPhone via Apple Trade In, is the parts and service history. Apple displays whether any component in the iPhone has ever been replaced – and whether that repair was completed properly.
If the message "Complete repair" appears next to a part, this process must be completed before the device can be traded in. Otherwise, Apple will reject the device. You can find the service history in Settings under "General" → "About" → "Parts and Service History". This step isn't strictly necessary for a private sale, but it's helpful information for the buyer.
Step 4: Unpair the Apple Watch
An Apple Watch paired with an iPhone is often overlooked when selling it – with unpleasant consequences. If the old iPhone is disconnected before the Apple Watch is unpaired, the watch remains bound to the old connection and is difficult to set up again later with a new iPhone.
In the Watch app on your iPhone, open the "My Watch" tab and tap "All Watches." Tap the "i" icon next to the watch you want to unpair and select "Unpair Apple Watch." For an Apple Watch with cellular (GPS + Cellular), your iPhone will ask whether you want to keep or remove the cellular plan on the watch. If you're selling the watch to someone else, removing the plan is the right choice, as your phone number will otherwise remain on their device.
Next, enter your Apple account password; this will simultaneously deactivate the watch's activation lock. Before the actual unpairing process, the iPhone automatically creates a backup of the watch, which can later be restored to a new Apple Watch.
Step 5: Check Your AppleCare Plan
Anyone who still has AppleCare or AppleCare+ coverage for their device should decide what to do with it before selling it. Two options are available: cancel the contract or transfer it to the new owner. Both can be done through mysupport.apple.com.
Transferring the contract can increase the selling price because it's a selling point for buyers – cancellation, on the other hand, is worthwhile when switching to a new iPhone with its own protection.
Step 6: Prepare Stolen Device Protection
Since iOS 26.4, Stolen Device Protection is enabled by default – Apple made the feature the default setting with the update on March 25, 2026. In unknown locations, it enforces a one-hour security delay for key actions such as signing out of your Apple account, resetting the device, or disabling Stolen Device Protection itself. Apple therefore explicitly recommends disabling this protection before selling the device.
Those who prepare their iPhone for sale at home are generally unaffected by the delay because their home is registered as a trusted location. You can find the switch under Settings → "Face ID & Passcode" (or "Touch ID & Passcode") → "Theft Protection." Anyone planning to complete the process at an Apple Store or on the go should disable this protection at home beforehand – otherwise, the security delays will unnecessarily prolong the sale.
Only when shipping an iPhone 18 Pro Max: Prepare battery
Anyone shipping an iPhone 18 Pro Max has an extra step to take. Its battery has a capacity exceeding 20 watt-hours, and according to Apple, devices with such a large single-cell battery are subject to additional shipping regulations in most countries. Therefore, before shipping, the battery is software-discharged and a charge limit is set. All other iPhone models are unaffected, as is a Pro Max that has never been activated or is handed over in person.
This step should be taken before signing out, because iOS may ask for your Apple account password. Under Settings → General → Transfer/Reset iPhone → Prepare for Shipping, the iPhone offers two reasons. For a private sale, "Other" is the right choice; this preparation can be reversed at any time. "Repair, Trade In, or Return" applies to Apple Trade In, retailers, and network carriers, and limits charging to 80 percent for 14 days afterward.
Discharging can take up to several hours with a full battery; unplugging the charging cable speeds up the process. During this time, the iPhone will ask if it should be erased and signed out of the Apple account. Those wishing to follow the order of these instructions should decline at this point and complete both steps in steps 7 and 9. Sending the device to Apple also requires an undamaged original battery and, if using a shipping kit, a battery level of no more than 25 percent.
Step 7: Sign Out of Your Apple Account (iOS 26 or Later)
This step is by far the most important. Forgetting it leaves the buyer with a device locked via activation lock, which cannot be set up without the original Apple account login. Logging out also automatically disables "Find My iPhone," allowing the activation lock to be removed later without the Apple account password if the device is erased.
Sign-Out Process on iOS 26 or Later
In Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll all the way down, and select "Sign Out." iOS 26 will then ask you to choose one of two options: "Erase This iPhone" immediately removes all data and signs you out of your Apple account. "Sign Out, But Don't Erase" only disconnects you from your account without removing any local data.
For selling your iPhone, "Erase This iPhone" is the recommended method because it completes the sign-out and data erasure process in one step. If you want to make local adjustments or check apps, choose "Sign Out, But Don't Erase"—the separate erasure process will follow in the next step. When asked which account to sign out of, select "Sign Out of iCloud and the App Store.".
Sign-Out Process on iOS 18 or Earlier
Users with older iPhones running iOS 18 or earlier will see a different dialog when signing out. Here, you enter your Apple ID password and tap "Turn Off"—this disables "Find My iPhone" and removes the iPhone from your Apple ID. A separate reset process then follows.
Step 8: Deregister iMessage (Only When Switching to a Non-Apple Smartphone)
Anyone switching to an Android device should actively deregister iMessage. Otherwise, messages from other iPhone users will continue to be routed through the iMessage system and never reach the new Android smartphone.
As long as the old iPhone is still available, the cleanest way is directly on the device: Settings → "Apps" → "Messages" → turn off iMessage. Additionally, go to Settings → "Apps" → "FaceTime" → turn off FaceTime, because FaceTime is also linked to the phone number. Important: The SIM card should still be in the iPhone and cellular data should be active so that Apple can correctly process the number deregistration.
If your iPhone is already gone, Apple offers a web-based deregistration option: Go to selfsolve.apple.com/deregister-iMessage, enter your phone number, and confirm via the code sent to you by SMS. This step isn't necessary when switching to a new iPhone – iMessage transfers automatically.
Step 9: Erase All Content and Settings
If you selected "Erase this iPhone" in step 7 of the sign-out dialog, you can skip this step – iOS 26 and later already do this in one step. For everyone else, the actual reset process follows.
In Settings, go to "General" → "Transfer or Reset iPhone" → "Erase All Content and Settings." After entering the device passcode, iOS confirms the process; if the device was not signed out beforehand, iOS additionally asks for the Apple Account password. When using an eSIM, a prompt appears asking whether the eSIM profile should be deleted as well – when selling, please agree so that the new owner can use the device completely freely. In addition to this route, there are other methods for resetting an iPhone, for example via a Mac or PC.
Erasing the device automatically disables "Find My iPhone" and Activation Lock. The device then starts up as if it were brand new – ready for setup by the new owner.
Step 10: SIM Card and Carrier
If you're selling your iPhone with a physical SIM card, remove the card before handing it over. When selling an iPhone with an eSIM, you have the option to delete the eSIM profile during the reset process. Anyone transferring their mobile contract to a new device should clarify this with their provider beforehand. Some providers allow eSIM transfers directly through their customer portal, while others require a phone call or the submission of a QR code.
Step 11: Remove the Device from the List of Trusted Devices
The final check takes place at account.apple.com. In the "Devices" section, check if the sold iPhone is still listed – if so, select "Remove from account." This ensures that the device can no longer receive two-factor authentication codes for the Apple account and is no longer considered a trusted device.
What to Do When the iPhone Has Already Been Sold
If your iPhone has already left the house and you only realize later that you've missed a step, there are still ways to react. You can remotely erase the device via iCloud.com/find, provided it's online. Then, remove it from your trusted devices list in your Apple account's device overview.
Changing your Apple account password is also a good idea – this ensures that the new owner cannot delete or modify data stored in iCloud, even if the device is not yet signed out. If you use Apple Pay, you should also remotely remove the cards from your Wallet.
If account login data was stored on the old device, it's worth taking a look at the real warning signs of a compromised iPhone and performing a data leak check of the stored passwords.
Risks When Buying a Used iPhone
The other side of the coin: Anyone buying a used iPhone should have the seller perform the deregistration and reset process on site. An iPhone sold with activation lock enabled is practically worthless – even a factory reset won't help, because the device will still ask for the original Apple account login afterwards.
A warning sign is an iPhone that has already been reset and immediately displays the activation lock screen when switched on. In such cases, the purchase should be cancelled – in the worst case, it could be a stolen device.
A Clean Sale Is a Matter of Order
Apple has significantly simplified the sign-out and reset process in iOS 26 and later – but even the best mechanism won't work without following the correct sequence. Backup, transfer, service check, unpair Watch, check AppleCare, disable stolen device protection, prepare the battery when shipping an iPhone 18 Pro Max, sign out of your Apple account, disable iMessage (only when switching to Android), erase the device, manage the SIM card, and remove it from trusted devices. Following these steps carefully ensures you hand over a fully prepared iPhone and leave no sensitive data or open security connections behind.
Are you selling your old iPhone privately, trading it in at Apple, or keeping it within the family – and which of these steps have you ever overlooked? Tell us in the comments what you almost forgot to do the last time you sold it.
Frequently Asked Questions: Selling Your iPhone Safely
Your iPhone remains linked to your Apple account via Activation Lock. The buyer cannot set up the device and will be prompted to enter your Apple account information upon startup. If this has happened, you can remotely erase the iPhone via iCloud.com/find and then remove it from your devices at account.apple.com.
No. "Erase All Content and Settings" removes the data, but if you weren't signed out of your Apple account beforehand, iOS will ask for your Apple account password during the reset. On iOS 26 and later, Apple handles sign-out and erasure in one step if you select „Erase This iPhone“ in the sign-out dialog. "Find My iPhone" is automatically disabled in this process.
Yes, as soon as it's activated and shipped. Its battery capacity is over 20 watt-hours, so it needs to be discharged beforehand under Settings → "General" → "Transfer/Reset iPhone" → "Prepare to Ship". For a private sale, the "Other" option is the correct choice. This step is unnecessary for in-person handovers and all other iPhone models.
Apple explicitly recommends this, especially for purchases in an Apple Store. Since iOS 26.4, this protection is enabled by default and enforces a one-hour security delay when logging out and resetting your device in unfamiliar locations. You can find the toggle under Settings → Face ID & Passcode → "Theft Protection." This delay does not apply at home in a familiar location.
Only if you are switching to a non-Apple smartphone. Otherwise iMessage messages will continue to be routed through Apple's system and will not arrive on your new Android device. On the iPhone, this works via Settings → Apps → Messages, and additionally Settings → Apps → FaceTime, turning off both. When switching to a new iPhone, this step is not necessary – iMessage moves over automatically with your Apple Account.
Tapping "Erase All Content and Settings" automatically removes Apple Pay cards from your device; they remain linked to your Apple account and are immediately available on a new iPhone. If you're using an eSIM, iOS will ask if you want to delete the eSIM profile as well—you should do this when selling your device so the new owner can use their own SIM. You should arrange for the eSIM transfer to a new device with your mobile carrier beforehand.
Have the seller reset the iPhone in front of you, and then go through the initial setup steps yourself. If the iPhone asks for the previous owner's Apple account login, the activation lock is still active. In that case, cancel the purchase; if you suspect the device is stolen, it could be a tamper-evident device.
