Before selling your iPhone you need to properly erase data and unlink the device from your Apple ID. Otherwise the new owner won't be able to activate it, and you'll lose the ability to use Find My on your new iPhone. Here's the full step-by-step guide.
1. Make a backup
First thing – save all your data. There are two ways: iCloud (automatic) or a wired backup via Finder on Mac / iTunes on Windows.
- 1iCloud: Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
- 2Wired backup: plug your iPhone into a Mac, open Finder → select the device → Back Up Now
A wired backup includes more data (passwords, Health, Keychain) if you tick "Encrypt local backup".
2. Unpair Apple Watch
If you have an Apple Watch paired with this iPhone, unpair it from the Watch app. This automatically backs up the watch data and resets the device.
3. Sign out of Apple ID
A critical step. Without it the new owner won't be able to activate the iPhone because of Activation Lock.
- 1Settings → [your name]
- 2Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out
- 3Enter your Apple ID password to disable Find My
- 4Confirm sign-out
4. Reset and erase content
Once you've signed out of Apple ID you can safely erase the data.
- 1Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- 2Erase All Content and Settings
- 3Follow the on-screen instructions
After the reset the iPhone will restart and show the welcome setup screen – that means the device is ready to hand over to the new owner.
5. Physical preparation
- Wipe the case and screen with a microfiber cloth
- Check that you have the original cable and box – it bumps up the price
- Take photos from multiple angles for your listing
- Write down the IMEI and serial number for the buyer
Common mistakes when selling an iPhone
Many sellers make mistakes that cost them money or put their personal data at risk. Here are the most common ones.
- Forgetting to sign out of iCloud – the buyer can't activate the iPhone, the deal falls through
- Not removing the SIM card – your phone number stays in someone else's device
- Leaving personal data behind – photos, messages, saved passwords
- Not checking battery health before selling – losing leverage in negotiations
- Not unpairing Apple Watch or AirPods – causing pairing issues with the new iPhone
The most critical mistake is selling an iPhone without signing out of Apple ID. The buyer ends up with a brick due to Activation Lock, and they'll keep calling you for the password. Always double-check this step.
How to back up your iPhone
A backup saves all your data so you can transfer it to your new iPhone later. You have two options – iCloud or a computer backup.
iCloud backup
- 1Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi
- 2Go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup
- 3Tap Back Up Now
- 4Wait for the process to finish – it may take 5 to 30 minutes
Backup via Mac or PC
- 1Connect your iPhone to the computer with a Lightning/USB-C cable
- 2On Mac: open Finder and select your iPhone in the sidebar
- 3On Windows: open iTunes and select the device
- 4Check "Encrypt local backup" to save passwords and Health data
- 5Click Back Up Now
How Balkan HUB buyback works
If you don't want to deal with selling on your own, we offer a buyback service. The process is as simple as it gets and takes no more than 30 minutes.
- 1Send us photos of your device and model info via Telegram (@bhub_support)
- 2We'll assess the condition and send you a quote within 15 minutes
- 3Bring the iPhone to our service center in Vracar
- 4We'll inspect the device, confirm the price, and pay you the same day
With Balkan HUB buyback, we handle the Apple ID sign-out and data reset for you. No need to prep the device yourself – just bring it in.
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