It seems that Apple is going to unveil its new iPhone at an event scheduled for Sept. 10. A lot of Apple users want to get the new iPhone. Upgrading to the latest iPhone is always exciting but what to do with your old device? Many consider selling their original, old, iPhones (iPhone 5, iPhone 4S, iPhone 4 or other) to trade up to the new model (iPhone 5S or iPhone 6). If you’re planning to sell or give away your old iPhone, there are simple four steps that you should take to prepare your device for a new owner to protect your privacy as well as providing a pleasent experience for the buyer:
Steps:
1. Back up your device
It is probably that your iPhone likely has a lot of vital, often confidential, information that you probably don’t want to lose or share. You may want to back up (then restore the backup to your newly purchased iPhone 5S or iPhone 6) the content on your iPhone using iCloud or iTunes (iTunes vs iCloud, How to choose?). Here is how:
iCloud
Tap Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup and turn iCloud Backup on. Make sure that your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and to a power source before backing up. Then tap Back Up Now in Settings > iCloud > Storage & Backup.
iTunes
if you don’t have an iCloud account or if your iPhone is using a version of iOS earlier than iOS 5, then you may use iTunes to backup. Simply connect your iPhone device to a computer. In iTunes, click the View menu then Show Sidebar. Select your iPhone in iTunes under Devices and then Click the Back Up Now button.
2. Remove the SIM and Cancel (or transfer) Cellular or Data Plan
Depends on where you are and your carrier, you may need to remove your SIM card. For instance, If you have a GSM iPhone,( AT&T or T-Mobile), you may want to remove your SIM before you sell the phone. If you’re on Verizon or Sprint (CDMA phone), you should de-activate your iPhone by call your carrier and have them de-activate it for you. Best thing you can do is to contact your carrier for guidance.
3. Turn off Messages, iCloud and FaceTime
- Tap Settings > iCloud > Delete Account. Note that this will remove the iCloud account from this device only. It will not delete your account itself.
- Tap Settings > Messages > iMessage and turn the slider to Off.
- Then tap Settings > FaceTime and turn the slider to Off.
4. Wipe your iPhone’s memory – Delete Everything
Tap Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to restore the iPhone to new. This will remove all settings and information from your iPhone. This process can take from a few minutes to several hours (Erase All Content and Settings).
After your device is erased, you may also want to set up your iPhone as a new device so that your potential buyer can see and test a fully functioning device. Select “Set up as new” and then tap Next to continue.
! Important !: You should skip the Apple ID sign-in.
Thats all. Of course you may also want to clean your iPhone, physically.
Related:
How to prepare your used iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch for sale