How do I ready my iPhone/iPad for sale?
Everyone loves setting up their shiny new iPhone or iPad Christmas present as soon as they unwrap it.
A little less exciting is what to do with your old device to get it ready for re-gifting or sale. Your Mac Tech recommends two quick steps to ensure your personal data is safe and secure before you hand over your old device.
1. Backup your device
You can backup to iCloud or your Mac using iTunes.
To backup to iCloud:
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Tap on your name at the top and then iCloud.
- Tap on iCloud Backup.
- Ensure the toggle is on if it is not already.
- Tap Back Up Now.
To backup using iTunes:
- Connect your device to your Mac.
- Select your device when it appears within iTunes.
- Within the Summary section, got to the Backups area.
- Under Automatically Back Up select This Computer.
- To ensure your backup is safe check Encrypt local backup (recommended).
- Enter a password (make sure you remember it as you will need it to recover your data).
- On the right click Backup Now.
2. Erase your old device
Erasing your old iPhone or iPad is a relatively easy, and leaves it ready for the new owner to set it up from scratch, without any of your data appearing.
- Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the App Store.
- Open the Settings app on your device.
- Tap on your name at the top and then scroll to the bottom of the page and select Sign Out.
- Also within the Settings app, go to the General section.
- Tap Reset
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- You may be asked to enter an Apple ID and password if Find My iPhone is enabled.
- You will also likely be asked for the device passcode.
- You will receive a final warning prompt, with options to cancel the procedure or to complete it with a tap of the Erase button.
Once your device restarts it will show the setup wizard ready for the new owner to setup their shiny, slightly used, device. All done!