Before trading in your iPhone, back it up, transfer and check your data on your replacement phone, then sign out and erase the old device. Do not manually delete iCloud-synced items to “clean up” the phone. Finish any repair marked “Finish Repair,” remove or suspend cellular service as your provider requires, and follow the specific instructions for your trade-in route.
1. Back up and verify your data before erasing
Create a backup and transfer your information to your replacement iPhone before wiping the old one. Apple documents Quick Start for transfers from devices running iOS 11 or later; a backup can also be restored during setup. Check the new phone for the information you need before proceeding. Backup contents can vary, so confirm important app data separately if the app provides its own transfer or backup process. If you are changing phone numbers, Apple advises adding additional trusted phone numbers to your Apple Account so you can still access it.
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Do not delete contacts, calendars, reminders, documents or photos one by one while signed in to iCloud. Those deletions can sync to iCloud and your other connected devices. The safe distinction is to sign out and erase the old iPhone, not to remove synced content manually. Apple says erasing the device does not delete content stored in iCloud. See Apple’s pre-sale, giveaway and trade-in checklist.
2. Check for unfinished repairs and linked devices
Finish a repair if prompted
Before handing the phone over, check Parts and Service History where available. If a part is marked “Finish Repair,” complete that repair first; Apple’s trade-in guidance says an unfinished repair can prevent the trade-in.
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Unpair an Apple Watch and consider AppleCare
If an Apple Watch is paired with the iPhone, unpair it before the handoff. AppleCare is a separate matter: Apple says you can cancel the plan or transfer it to a new owner.
If you are switching to a non-Apple phone
Deregister iMessage when moving to a non-Apple phone so messages are not still routed through iMessage. Apple’s checklist covers this and the other pre-handoff steps at support.apple.com.
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3. Sign out, then erase the iPhone
- Sign out of your Apple Account and stores. Apple’s sign-out instructions vary by iOS version; follow the steps for the version on your phone, starting in Settings under your name.
- Erase the device. Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. You may be asked for the device passcode and Apple Account password.
- Choose what to do with the eSIM if prompted. Whether to erase the eSIM profile depends on your next transfer and your carrier’s instructions.
- Confirm that the erase has completed before handoff. Apple says erasing removes personal data from the iPhone and turns off Find My and Activation Lock.
These are the normal steps while you still have the phone. If it is already out of your hands, Apple’s remote Find My procedure is a different case: a remote erase alone does not turn off Activation Lock. After the erase, you must remove the device from your account to clear the lock. Do not remove a phone you still possess from Find My before securing and erasing your data. Apple’s full instructions are at What to do before you sell, give away or trade in your iPhone or iPad.
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4. Follow the handoff instructions for your trade-in route
The preparation that matters to the provider is not identical for every route. Apple’s detailed mail-in steps below are for its United States trade-in process; a store, carrier, other retailer or provider in another country may give different instructions.
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| Handoff route | What to do |
|---|---|
| Apple US mail-in kit | Follow the kit’s packing and shipping instructions. Remove a physical SIM; for eSIM service, contact your wireless provider to suspend service. Match the quote ID on the return label to the confirmation email, send one device per kit, and include only the trade-in device. Keep the courier receipt. |
| In-person handoff or another provider | Check that provider’s directions for cellular service, packaging, required preparation and eligibility. Do not assume Apple’s mail-in requirements apply. |
Apple’s US mail-in packing checklist
- Use the box or cardboard mailer and return label/commercial invoice supplied in the kit.
- Check the quote ID on the label against the confirmation email, and use one device per kit.
- Send only the iPhone being traded in. Apple says accessories or other items packed with it will not be returned.
- Keep the courier receipt. Apple states it is not responsible for shipping damage.
These shipment details come from Apple’s US mail-in trade-in instructions. For any route, check the current quote, condition requirements and local terms with the provider; the available Apple guidance does not establish that one provider will offer the best value.
5. Check whether a current software-specific step applies
Apple’s iOS 27 documentation describes Prepare to Ship for iPhone 18 Pro Max only. The feature lowers and limits battery capacity to a shipping-suitable level; it is not a general step for all iPhones. See Apple’s iOS 27 iPhone User Guide.
Apple also describes Ready for Repair or Trade In for eligible service or trade-in workflows on supported devices running version 27 or later. It can keep Find My on while the process is underway. It is conditional, not a replacement for the ordinary erase steps in every trade-in: Apple or the authorized provider will tell you if it applies. Details are in Apple’s Ready for Repair or Trade In guidance.
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