An old iPhone or iPad may still hold personal data, carrier service, and an Activation Lock. Prepare it before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle it.
The right steps change if the device is inaccessible, damaged, lost, or stolen. Start with the situation you have, not an old universal reset checklist.
Choose the Right Preparation Path
If the device is in your possession and you can unlock it, back it up, transfer needed information, and follow Apple’s current handoff steps.
If you cannot unlock or operate it, do not claim it has been erased. Ask Apple or the receiving recycler what data-destruction service it provides.
If the battery is swollen, damaged, or defective, do not mail the device. Apple specifically excludes those batteries from its mail-in shipping instructions.
If it is lost or stolen, use Apple’s missing-device process. Do not remove it from Find My, even after a remote erase, because that removes Activation Lock.
Prepare a Working Device You Still Have
Create a backup and confirm that the photos, messages, authenticator access, and other information you need are available on the replacement device.
Do not manually delete iCloud photos or contacts while signed in. Apple says manual deletion also removes that content from iCloud and connected devices.
Check Parts and Service History. If you see Finish Repair, complete that process before an Apple trade-in.
Unpair an Apple Watch, then review any AppleCare plan. Apple provides separate options to cancel or transfer coverage.
Follow the sign-out steps for your installed iOS or iPadOS version. Apple lists a different choice for iOS 26 than for iOS 18 and earlier.
Next, use Settings, General, Transfer or Reset, then Erase All Content and Settings. Apple says this fully erases the device without deleting your iCloud content.
If you are selling an eSIM device, choose to erase the device and the eSIM profile when Apple presents that option.
Switching to a non-Apple phone may also require deregistering iMessage. Remove the old device from your trusted-device list after completing the handoff steps.
Handle an Inaccessible or Missing Device
For a device already given away, ask the new owner to erase all content and settings. Then follow Apple’s no-longer-have-it steps for your account and services.
Changing your Apple Account password can limit access to iCloud, but Apple warns that it does not remove personal information stored on the old device.
For a lost device, use Find My to locate it and mark it as lost. Try recovery steps before choosing remote erase, which cannot be undone.
For theft, contact your carrier and local law enforcement. Keep the device in Find My so Activation Lock remains active.
Sell, Give Away, Trade In, or Recycle
A working device may be suitable for a family handoff, sale, or trade-in. Describe its condition honestly and complete the full preparation process before release.
Apple Trade In accepts Apple devices for free recycling, including devices without trade-in value. Local certified electronics recyclers are another option.
Do not put an iPhone or iPad in household trash or curbside recycling. Keep a damaged device intact and ask the receiver for safe handoff instructions.
Our old cell phone guide covers non-Apple devices and general electronics routes.