Before you sell or trade in an iPhone, you need to do three things: turn off Find My, sign out of your Apple Account and erase the phone. It takes about ten minutes, protects your data and means we can pay you without delay. An iPhone that is still linked to your Apple Account cannot be reset or resold, so we have to pause the sale until the lock is removed.
1. Back up your iPhone
Save your photos, messages and apps before you erase anything. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap Back Up Now. You can also back up to a Mac or PC with a cable. If you are moving to a new iPhone, you can use Quick Start to transfer everything directly.
2. Unpair your Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch, unpair it first so it is not left locked to the old phone. Open the Watch app, tap All Watches, tap the info button next to your watch and choose Unpair Apple Watch.
3. Erase all content and settings
- Open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode and your Apple Account password when asked. This turns off Find My and Activation Lock and signs you out of your Apple Account.
- If you use an eSIM, you will be asked whether to keep or delete it. Delete it unless you are moving the number to a new phone.
When the iPhone restarts on the "Hello" screen, it is ready to send. Do not set it up again.
4. Check Find My is off
Sign in at icloud.com/find on another device and make sure the iPhone is no longer listed. If it is, select it and choose Remove This Device.
5. Remove your SIM and case
Take out any physical SIM card and remove your case and screen protector unless they are part of the sale.
Forgotten your passcode or Apple Account password?
You can reset your Apple Account password at iforgot.apple.com. If you have forgotten the iPhone passcode, you can erase it from icloud.com/find, then remove it from your account. Get in touch before you post it and we will help.
Ready to sell?
Get your price on our iPhone page, choose bank transfer, PayPal or cheque, and send it free with the Royal Mail label or QR code we email you. Not sure which model you have? See how to find your iPhone model.
Before you send it
- Turn off Find My and sign out of your Apple Account.
- Back up, then erase all content and settings. See how.
- Remove your SIM or eSIM.
- Pack it well. Packing tips.
iPhones: your questions answered
How much do you pay for iPhones?
It depends on the exact model, storage and condition. Choose your model on our iPhones page to see your offer in about 30 seconds. Your price is then locked for 14 days.
What condition does it need to be in?
Choose the condition that best matches your device when you get your price. Our condition guide explains what each one means. We test every device when it arrives and check it against the condition you chose.
How do I send it to you?
Postage is free. After you complete your sale, we email you a Royal Mail Tracked 48 label or QR code, which includes cover up to £150 under Royal Mail terms. You can also book a doorstep collection. See postage and collection and our packing tips.
How and when do I get paid?
Choose bank transfer, PayPal or cheque. We pay the day we test your device. See payments for details.
What should I do before I send it?
Back up your data, sign out of your accounts and reset the device to factory settings. Follow our step-by-step guide. Remove any SIM or memory card.