How to factory reset your phone before selling it
July 29, 2026 · 4 min read
A step-by-step wipe checklist for iPhone and Android, including removing activation locks.
Back up first
Use iCloud or Google One, then verify the backup completed before erasing anything. Photos and message history are the two things people miss most.
iPhone
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. This also removes Find My and Activation Lock, which is required before we can process your trade-in.
Android
Remove your Google account under Settings → Accounts first, then Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data. Removing the account first avoids Factory Reset Protection lockouts.
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