Erase your iPhone securely by going to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone, tapping Erase All Content and Settings, and entering your Apple Account password to remove Activation Lock.
Selling your iPhone? One wrong move — like forgetting to disable Activation Lock — and the buyer could be locked out, or your data could linger on the device. The official process to erase an iPhone before selling takes about 10 minutes using the built-in iOS settings. Below is the exact sequence to zero out your personal data, disconnect your Apple Account, and leave the phone ready for its new owner, plus how to handle a disabled or forgotten lock screen passcode.
How To Securely Erase Your iPhone: The Exact Settings Path
Erasing an iPhone using the built-in reset menu is the most reliable method. It deletes all content, removes your Apple ID, and disables Find My iPhone in one automated flow.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General.
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Tap Continue.
- Choose your eSIM option: Keep eSIM (if transferring to a new iPhone) or Delete eSIM (requires carrier reactivation).
- Enter your Device Passcode.
- Enter your Apple Account password (this step disables Find My iPhone and Activation Lock).
- Tap Erase iPhone to begin the wipe.
Wait for the device to restart. The “Hello” setup screen confirms the wipe is complete. Do not proceed through setup — the device is ready for its new owner. Follow Apple’s official erase steps for the latest confirmation.
Pre-Erase Checklist: Backup, SIM, and Apple Watch
Tying off loose ends before you wipe the phone saves you from losing data or leaving the new owner with an unusable device. Run through these steps before tapping “Erase All Content and Settings.”
- Backup your data: Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now. Confirm the backup finishes before proceeding.
- Unpair your Apple Watch: Open the Watch app on the iPhone, tap All Watches, tap the i icon next to your watch, and tap Unpair Apple Watch.
- Remove the physical SIM: Eject the SIM tray using a SIM tool or paperclip. If you use eSIM, you can keep it if switching to another phone on the same carrier.
- Cancel active subscriptions: Go to Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions. Cancel AppleCare+ or any streaming services tied specifically to this device.
Common Mistakes That Lock Out The Buyer
Missing a single step can leave your personal data exposed or lock the buyer out of the device. Here are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.
| Mistake | Consequence | Correct Action |
|---|---|---|
| Skipping Apple ID password | Find My stays ON; Activation Lock prevents the new owner from setting up the phone | Enter your Apple Account password during the “Erase All Content” flow |
| Using “Reset All Settings” instead of “Erase All” | Personal data, photos, and apps remain on the device | Always choose Erase All Content and Settings |
| Forgetting to unpair Apple Watch | Watch remains locked to your Apple ID, making it unusable for the next owner | Unpair the Watch in the Watch app before erasing the iPhone |
| Leaving physical SIM inside | The new owner could receive your calls and texts | Eject the SIM card before wiping the device |
| Deleting eSIM without planning | Carrier must send a new activation code; cannot be undone without carrier support | Select “Keep eSIM” if transferring to another phone you own |
Alternative Route: Erase a Locked or Disabled iPhone
If you set up the iPhone for a family member and they forgot the passcode, or the device is disabled after too many incorrect attempts, the standard Settings menu is inaccessible. You can still erase it remotely or via a computer.
Via iCloud.com: Go to iCloud.com/find, sign in with the Apple Account linked to the device, select All Devices, choose the iPhone, and click Erase iPhone. This command requires the device to be online to execute.
Recovery Mode (computer method):
- Connect the iPhone to a Mac (Finder) or PC (Apple Devices app or iTunes).
- Enter Recovery Mode:
- iPhone 8/X/11/12/13/14/15/16: Press Volume Up, then Volume Down, then hold the Side button until the recovery screen appears.
- iPhone 7: Hold Volume Down + Side button.
- iPhone 6S or earlier: Hold Home + Side button.
- A dialog will appear offering to Update or Restore. Click Restore iPhone.
This reloads iOS and removes the passcode. Note that if Find My was enabled, the Apple ID password is required after the restore finishes to complete setup.
Does Erasing All Content And Settings Remove Everything?
Yes, when done correctly through the official settings path, the process is a secure wipe that destroys the encryption keys on the device. Your data, apps, and settings are erased, and your Apple Account is disconnected so the next user can set it up as their own. The only exception is an eSIM profile if you selected Keep eSIM during the process.
The Final Pre-Sale Device Check
After the phone shows the “Hello” screen, it is ready for transfer. Hand the device off in this state to ensure the new owner can start the setup process without hitting a lock screen or Activation Lock.
| Checklist Item | How To Verify |
|---|---|
| Activation Lock removed | No Apple ID prompt appears on the “Hello” setup screen |
| eSIM status confirmed | Kept or deleted according to your plan |
| Physical SIM removed | Tray is empty |
| Device is powered off for transport | Hold the side button and drag the power slider |
References & Sources
- Apple Support. “Erase iPhone and use the eSIM quick transfer feature.” Official documentation for erasing iPhone and managing eSIMs.