If you’re an iPhone^® user, you might not be able to imagine parting with your pocket-sized Apple^® device at the moment. However, the day may come when you need to sell your smartphone, whether for personal reasons or the urge to upgrade. Before heading to a reseller and handing over a wealth of personal information, use the following tips to wipe the iPhone clean.

3 Steps to Take Before Selling Your iPhone

1. Back Up Files

If you’ve owned any Apple devices in the past, you’ve probably been warned about the dangers of not backing up your data. While it might seem unnecessary to do for a cellphone, just think about all of those pictures hiding in your camera roll. To ensure they’re not lost forever, back up all the data to the cloud, a computer, or an external hard drive before selling. The easiest way to do this is to plug the phone into a computer; when iTunes^® pops up, it will allow you to save all of the data to the computer.

2. Deauthorize Programs That Use Your Information

Next, you’ll want to protect yourself from the future user of your iPhone by deauthorizing any apps or programs that are linked to your account. First, disconnect any other devices that might be paired with your phone, such as an Apple Watch®. Then, sign out of iCloud^® and the App Store^® by tapping “Settings,” “Your Name,” and “Sign Out.” If there are any other apps using your data, such as “Find My iPhone,” sign out of these as well.

3. Delete All Information

If you successfully uploaded all of your data to the cloud or a computer, you should be able to wipe the phone clean with peace of mind. This will ensure that any leftover bits of personal information—from contacts to social media logins—will remain private. You can delete everything by going to “Settings,” “General,” “Reset,” and “Erase All Content and Settings.”

Once you’re ready to trade in an old iPhone for a new Apple device, contact Experimac North Tampa. This trusted one-stop shop in Hillsborough County, FL, offers everything from pre-owned devices to computer and cellphone repairs, so you can satisfy all of your tech needs in the same place. To learn more about their selection of Apple devices, visit their website, or call (813) 280-2620 to speak with a friendly representative.