How to completely reset an iPhone before selling it

Choose the correct reset for your purpose

A restart turns the phone off and on. Reset All Settings changes settings while keeping personal content. Apple distinguishes that option from the full erase needed when selling or giving a device away.

If you are only trying to solve a problem and keeping the phone, consider the relevant troubleshooting first. If changing owners, plan an erase only after checking your information. Record the model, capacity, condition and accessories beforehand so you do not need to restore personal data for a selling enquiry.

Create a backup and verify what you need

Make a current backup using your preferred official method. For iCloud, use Settings, your name, iCloud, iCloud Backup and Back Up Now. Stay connected until completion and check the last-backup timestamp. Apple's backup instructions explain the process.

Also inspect important synced photos, contacts and documents on another trusted device. Confirm your replacement phone can access essential information and account recovery methods. If an Apple Watch is paired, Apple's handover instructions say to unpair it before erasing the iPhone.

Erase through the owner-authenticated Settings flow

Following Apple's factory-reset guide, go to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, then choose Erase All Content and Settings. Read the summary, continue and authenticate when asked. Wait for any backup to finish and for the erase process to complete.

When selling or giving away an eSIM iPhone, choose the option to erase both the device and its eSIM profile, as Apple's handover guide directs. Arrange your service transfer first; deleting an eSIM may require provider help to reactivate the plan. Remove your physical SIM if fitted before handover.

Complete the handover checks

Apple's erase guide covers preparing an iPhone through Settings. Follow the account prompts yourself so the device can be released legitimately.

When the phone restarts to its welcome screen, leave it ready for the next owner rather than restoring your own data. If setup still requests the previous owner's account, stop and resolve Activation Lock. A welcome screen alone is not a reason to ignore a later ownership prompt.

If you cannot complete the erase

Use the recovery help linked in Apple's reset guide for your own forgotten passcode or password. Company-managed devices require the authorised administrator. Do not use bypass services or hand over private credentials. Tell EXE if damage prevents preparation, and agree the data situation before handover rather than claiming an unverified reset.