How to delete iphone data before selling

For most of us, our iPhones or iPads are used numerous times a day, every day, and have been for years. Over time, that device has accumulated a lot of sensitive data and information, such as messages, photos, videos, contacts, credit cards, passwords, and so much more. That's why it's important to make sure you have a backup of all of your important stuff so you can get rid of it before you sell it off or hand it down to someone else.

If you have a new device, you'll want to make sure that you get everything transferred over to your new great iPhone or iPad first. Then, before you sell or give away your old device, you'll want to wipe all personal data and erase your iPhone or iPad, so no one else has your private information. Thankfully, iOS makes it super easy to do, and all you need is a few minutes and several taps of the finger.

How to back up your iPhone or iPad before wiping it

Before you do anything else, you'll need an up-to-date backup of your iPhone. iCloud automatically creates a backup overnight as long as you're plugged in and on Wi-Fi, but a manual backup will make sure you're absolutely up to date. That way, you can ensure your data is somewhere safe before you erase your iPhone or iPad.

  1. Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. (If you're low on power, plug-in the device as well.)
  2. Launch Settings from the Home screen.
  3. Tap on the Apple ID banner at the top.
  4. Tap iCloud.

How to delete iphone data before selling

To backup your device, make sure it's connected to Wi-Fi. Next, launch Settings, then tap on the Apple ID banner, tap iCloud. (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup.
  2. Tap the switch to turn it on.
  3. Choose Back Up Now.

To backup your device, scroll down and select iCloud Backup. Tap the switch to turn it on. Choose Back Up Now. (Image credit: iMore)

Wait for your iPhone backup to complete before moving forward. You can also back up your iPhone or iPad with a computer.

How to erase all data from your iPhone or iPad

As long as you use a passcode, iOS devices are hardware encrypted. That means making your data inaccessible is as simple as throwing away the encryption key. iOS will still erase your iPhone or iPad, however, and return you to the setup process so that you have a clean device to start over with or sell.

  1. Launch the Settings app from the Home screen of your iPhone or iPad.
  2. Now tap on General.
  3. Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.

To erase your device, launch the Settings app, then tap General. Scroll, then tap Reset. (Image credit: iMore)
  1. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
  2. Tap Continue.
  3. Enter your device passcode.
  4. Enter your Apple ID password to turn off Activation Lock and remove the device from Find my iPhone.

Erase data on iPhone: Tap Erase All Content and Settings, tap Continue, enter passcode, proceed with on-screen instructions (Image credit: iMore)

Once the wiping process is complete, you can set up as a new device, restore from a different backup, or give or sell your device to someone else without worries.

Leave no stone unturned

We accumulate a ton of personal data and information on our devices over time, especially if we've been using iOS since its inception. All of that data and information is extremely private, and we definitely do not want it to fall in the hands of anyone besides us.

That's why it's super important to make sure that you backup your data so that it's always available, just in case. It's also equally as important to wipe all of your information before selling or giving away your device. Or maybe you just want to start over fresh — hey, whatever floats your boat! Regardless, follow these steps to wipe all personal data and erase your iPhone or iPad.

After years of usage, your iPhone has begun to look a bit dull now. So, you’ve decided to sell it out and upgrade to an all-new smartphone.

When it comes to sell your iPhone, you can't just power it down, take out the SIM card, and hope everything will be okay. There's valuable data on your iPhone, and you need to get rid of it. Completely erasing or wiping data on iPhone is the right way to reduce the risk of personal data falling into the wrong hands.

Here, we are talking about two ways to erase iPhone before selling.

  • Way 1. How to Erase All Data on iPhone Through Settings APP?(Recoverable)
  • Way 2. How to Permanently Erase iPhone for Sale via Syncios iOS Eraser Free?(Unrecoverable)

Way 1. How to Erase All Data on iPhone Through Settings APP(Recoverable)

As long as you use a passcode, iOS devices are hardware encrypted. That means making your data absolutely inaccessible is as simple as throwing away the encryption key. iOS will still erase everything, however, and return you to the setup process, so that you have a nice, clean device to start over with or sell.

Simple Steps to erase all data from your iPhone:

  • Launch the Settings app from the Home screen of your iPhone or iPad.
  • Now tap on General.
  • Scroll all the way to the bottom and tap on Reset.
  • Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
  • How to delete iphone data before selling

  • Tap on Erase iPhone.
  • Tap on Erase iPhone again to confirm.
  • How to delete iphone data before selling

  • Enter your Passcode.
  • Enter your Apple ID password to turn off Activate Lock and remove the device from Find my iPhone.
  • How to delete iphone data before selling

Once you’ve done this, the iPhone will power up as though it’s just come out of the box.


Part 2. Erase All Personal Data on Your iPhone and iPad

Syncios iOS Data Eraser is a thoughtful and efficient tool created for iOS devices. It is designed for data management of all kinds of data on iPhones and iOS devices. Its power comes from being able to remove and erase files permanently with zero chance of being recoverability by any recovery tool anywhere in the world.

How to delete iphone data before selling
Syncios iOS Data Eraser

Syncios iOS Data Eraser supports to erase messages, contacts, call history, photos & video, browsing data and more with 0% recovery and 100% wipes 3rd-party apps. With Syncios you can protect your private data by:

  • Permanently Erasing All of Your Private Data
  • Permanently Erasing even All of Your Deleted Files
  • Erasing All Data at One Time
  • Erasing Private Fragments from 3rd-party Apps

 Download
Win Version

How to delete iphone data before selling

It also removes the stresses of having to delete files with your hands and deleting them one after the other. This makes it efficient and swift and extremely useful if you want to erase your iPhone for any reason. This powerful product also comes with 3 different erase options that put the power with you according to your needs.

  • Erase all data: Erases all files permanently but with zero chance of being recoverability.
  • Erase deleted files: Find previously deleted files and delete them permanently.
  • Erase private data: Will delete all private files from third party apps and iOS system data.
  • How to delete iphone data before selling

    It also have a 1-click cleanup function, to speed up iPhone and free up space by deleting all hidden junk files, temporary files, and bulk delete unwanted photos, videos & apps.

    How to Permanently Erase iPhone Data with Syncios iOS Data Eraser

    Step 1 : Download Syncios iOS Data Eraser to your computer from Syncios official site. Run the downloaded file and click “Install”, then connect your iDevice – iPhone, iPad and iPod touch.

    How to delete iphone data before selling

    Step 2 : Read the 3 tips before erasing data, and you can select a security level. The default recommended level is Medium, and there are other two options: Low Level and High Level. Simply select your preferable one.

    How to delete iphone data before selling

    Step 3 : Syncios will ask you to confirm the deletion process. Type "delete" in the spaces provided and click on the "Erase now" to initiate the data deletion process.

    How to delete iphone data before selling

    Your iPhone/iPad will be deleted in a span of few minutes. All you have to do at this point is to sit back and wait as iOS Data Eraser simultaneously deletes your data. You can monitor the deletion progress. Just download this iOS Data Eraser tool and wipe your iPhone/iPad data safely with 100% success.

    How do I completely wipe my iPhone?

    Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone. Do one of the following: Prepare your content and settings to transfer to a new iPhone: Tap Get Started, then follow the onscreen instructions. When you finish, return to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, then tap Erase All Content and Settings.

    How do I clear my iPhone for a new owner?

    Go to Settings > [your name], scroll down, tap Sign Out, enter your Apple ID password, then tap Turn Off. Erase all content and settings that contain personal information. If you previously turned on Find My for your iPhone, Activation Lock is removed when you erase iPhone, making it ready for a new owner.

    Will erasing my old iPhone affect my new one?

    Don't worry, resetting old iPhone will not affect the new one. It will only erase content on old iPhone where the operation is done. The data that have been transferred to the new iPhone or the files that have been saved to iCloud will not be affected in any way.

    Does erasing iPhone delete iCloud?

    No, factory resetting your iPhone will not alter your iCloud. Upon setting up your iPhone again you will be given the option to reconnect to your iCloud account if you desire. iCloud also stores iPhone backups that you can restore your phone from.