Step 1 — Back up anything you want to keep
Go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now, or plug into a computer and back up with Finder (Mac) or the Apple Devices app (Windows). Once the phone is erased, there's no undo.
Step 2 — Unpair your Apple Watch first
If an Apple Watch is paired to this iPhone, unpair it before you erase the phone — otherwise the watch keeps its own Activation Lock. We have a separate Apple Watch unpairing guide if you're selling the watch too.
Step 3 — Move your phone number
If you're keeping your number, set up your new phone (or move your eSIM) before erasing this one. During the erase, iOS will ask whether to keep or delete the eSIM — choose delete once your number is safely on your new device. If you use a physical SIM, you'll pop it out in step 5.
Step 4 — Erase All Content and Settings
- Open Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode, then your Apple Account password when prompted. This is the step that signs you out and turns off Find My and Activation Lock — don't skip it.
- Confirm, and let the phone finish. It will restart to the "Hello" setup screen.
On an iPad the path is identical: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Erase All Content and Settings.
Step 5 — Pull your SIM card
Use a SIM tool or a paperclip to eject the tray and keep the card. Your account stays with you, not the phone.
Step 6 — Verify it's actually clear
The phone should sit at the "Hello" screen and setup should not ask for a previous owner's Apple Account. Belt and suspenders: sign in at icloud.com → Find Devices and confirm the iPhone no longer appears under your account. That's exactly what we check during the 5-minute verification at your appointment.
Done? Get your number
Tell us the model, carrier, and condition and we'll text you a cash offer — here's what we look for in iPhones. We buy iPhone 14 and newer.