How to Wipe Data Before Selling Your Old Phone: A Complete Guide

Planning to sell or trade in your old phone? Before you hand it over to its next owner, it’s crucial to wipe all your personal data securely. Whether you're using an Android or iPhone, a proper reset protects your privacy and ensures that no sensitive information falls into the wrong hands.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to erase data from your phone safely, step by step.

Why You Should Wipe Your Phone Before Selling It

When you use a smartphone, it stores tons of personal data — messages, photos, passwords, banking apps, and more. Simply deleting files or logging out of accounts isn’t enough. You need to perform a secure phone wipe to prevent data recovery.

Key reasons to wipe your phone before selling:

• Protects your personal information

• Prevents identity theft

• Prepares the phone for resale

• Helps the new owner set up the device cleanly

Step-by-Step Guide to Wipe Your Phone Before Selling

✅ Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before you reset your device, make sure to back up all important files, contacts, photos, and app data.

• iPhone users: Use iCloud or iTunes to back up your iPhone.

• Android users: Use Google Backup, Samsung Cloud, or a third-party backup app.

✅ Step 2: Sign Out of Accounts and Remove Locks

Sign out of all accounts to disable factory reset protection (FRP). This includes:

• iCloud / Apple ID (for iPhone)

• Google account (for Android)

• Samsung / Huawei / Xiaomi accounts if applicable

Also, turn off screen locks like PINs, passwords, and Face ID/Touch ID.

✅ Step 3: Perform a Factory Reset

Now, it's time to factory reset your phone — this will erase all data from your device.

🔁 How to Reset an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone

2. Tap Erase All Content and Settings

3. Enter your passcode and confirm

🔁 How to Reset an Android Phone:

1. Go to Settings > System > Reset options

2. Tap Erase all data (factory reset)

3. Confirm and enter your PIN if required

📌 Tip: The exact steps may vary slightly based on your phone’s brand and Android version.

Bonus Tips: Secure Phone Wipe Best Practices

• Remove SIM and microSD cards: These may still contain personal data.

• Unpair devices: Disconnect smartwatches, Bluetooth accessories, etc.

• Physically clean the phone: A wiped and clean device looks better for resale.

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