First make sure the used iPhone is erased and no longer linked to its previous owner’s Apple Account. Back up your old iPhone, transfer your data using Quick Start or a backup, verify the important information on the new phone, and only then erase the old one. This order helps prevent both an unusable destination phone and the loss of data you have not yet confirmed.
1. Check that the used iPhone is ready for your account
Turn on the used iPhone and begin setup. A Hello screen indicates that it is ready to be set up. If you see a passcode screen or the Home Screen, it has not been erased; ask the seller to erase it before you continue.
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If setup asks for the previous owner’s Apple Account, stop. The iPhone is still linked to that account. Ask the seller to enter their credentials or remove the device from their account remotely, then begin setup again. Apple advises buyers not to take ownership of a used iPhone until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account. See Apple’s guidance on Activation Lock and buying a used device.
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2. Back up your old iPhone and choose a transfer method
Make a backup before moving data, and have your Apple Account password ready. Apple supports three main routes: Quick Start, restoring an iCloud backup, or restoring a computer backup through Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. Which one suits you depends on whether the old phone is available, a backup already exists, and you can use the computer or cable required.
#1 Best Overall
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Please check with your carrier to verify compatibility.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
| Method | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Start | Both iPhones are available during setup. | Choose a direct transfer, which keeps both phones occupied until it finishes, or download from iCloud, which can continue in the background. |
| iCloud backup | A suitable backup exists and the old iPhone does not need to be beside you. | Select the right backup by date and size. Cloud content may continue downloading after the restore. |
| Computer backup | A backup is stored on a Mac or PC you can access. | Restore using Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. An encrypted backup is needed for Health and Activity data, and its password is required. |
Apple’s iPhone transfer overview describes the supported transfer routes. Transfer duration varies with the amount of data and network conditions; Apple does not give a general completion-time estimate.
3. Transfer with Quick Start
Quick Start can set up the used iPhone from your current iPhone. Apple’s setup guidance supports starting from another iPhone or iPad running iOS 11 or iPadOS 13 or later; full wireless data transfer requires compatible software versions. Managed devices enrolled in Apple School Manager or Apple Business cannot use Quick Start to transfer from a current device.
Rank #2
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- There will be no visible cosmetic imperfections when held at an arm’s length.
- This product is eligible for a replacement or refund within 90 days of receipt if you are not satisfied.
- Product may come in generic Box.
- Connect the old iPhone to Wi-Fi, turn on Bluetooth, and unlock it. Keep both iPhones near each other and connect them to power.
- Turn on the used iPhone and start setup. Follow the Quick Start prompts on the old iPhone and use it to authenticate when asked.
- Choose direct transfer or download from iCloud when offered, then follow the remaining on-screen instructions.
- Keep both phones near each other and connected to power until the migration is complete. A direct transfer occupies both devices; with an iCloud download, some content can continue arriving in the background.
For model-specific wired migration, Apple specifies a USB-C Charge Cable between iPhone 15 or later devices. To transfer from iPhone 14 or earlier to iPhone 15 or later, it specifies a USB-C to Lightning Cable. A cable is optional: wireless Quick Start and backup restores do not require one. See Apple’s wired-transfer instructions for the supported pairings and connection steps.
For detailed wireless setup instructions, see Apple’s Quick Start guide.
Rank #3
- Fully unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US-Cellular, Cricket, Metro, etc.).
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a charging cable that may be generic.
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
4. Restore from iCloud or a computer backup
Restore from an iCloud backup
During setup of the used iPhone, choose the option to restore from an iCloud backup. Sign in with the Apple Account used for that backup and select it by its date and size. Stay connected while the restore runs; photos and other cloud content may continue downloading afterward. If the used iPhone has already completed setup, Apple says you must erase it before restoring a backup. Follow Apple’s iCloud restore guidance.
Restore from a computer backup
Connect the used iPhone to the Mac or PC that holds the backup, then restore it in Finder, Apple Devices, or iTunes. If the backup is encrypted, you will need its password. An unencrypted computer backup does not transfer Health and Activity data, according to Apple’s computer-backup instructions.
Rank #4
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
5. Check the used iPhone before erasing the old one
Wait for the transfer or restore to finish, then check the information you rely on while the old phone is still available. For example, look for your photos, contacts, messages, accounts, and any Health or Activity information you need. App data does not necessarily behave identically across apps, so open important apps and confirm their contents and sign-ins rather than assuming every detail moved.
If you bought content using more than one Apple Account, Apple notes that you may need to sign in to each account to access that content. Do not erase the old iPhone until you have checked the data and access that matter to you.
Best Value
- This phone is unlocked and compatible with any carrier of choice on GSM and CDMA networks (e.g. AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint, Verizon, US Cellular, Cricket, Metro, Tracfone, Mint Mobile, etc.).
- Tested for battery health and guaranteed to have a minimum battery capacity of 80%.
- Successfully passed a full diagnostic test which ensures like-new functionality and removal of any prior-user personal information.
- The device does not come with headphones or a SIM card. It does include a generic (Mfi certified) charging cable.
- Inspected and guaranteed to have minimal cosmetic damage, which is not noticeable when the device is held at arm's length.
6. Erase your old iPhone
Once you have verified the transfer, use the path for the old iPhone’s software version:
- iOS 15 or later: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- iOS 14 or earlier: Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
Follow the prompts and enter the device passcode or Apple Account password if requested. Erasing removes the iPhone’s local content and turns off Find My and Activation Lock; it does not delete content stored in iCloud. If you are selling or giving away an iPhone with an eSIM and are prompted, choose the option to erase the eSIM profile. For Apple’s complete preparation steps, see How to prepare your iPhone for a new owner.
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