How to prepare a phone before selling it

Selling or trading in your old phone is a good way to get some money back. A little preparation protects your data and makes the sale smoother. Here is the order I use on the bench.

1. Back up everything

Before you change anything, back up the phone. Use the backup option built into your phone, or copy photos and files to a computer. Check that the backup finished and that you can open your photos somewhere else.

Do not forget:

• Two factor authentication apps. Move them to your new phone first, or you may lock yourself out of accounts.
• Chat apps that keep their own backups.
• Notes, voice memos and files stored only on the phone.

2. Move your number

If you are moving to a new phone, set up your number on it first. For a physical SIM, move the card. For an eSIM, ask your carrier how to transfer it. Test a call on the new phone before you go further.

3. Unpair accessories

Unpair watches, earbuds and other accessories from the old phone. Some watches need to be unpaired from the phone itself to remove them from your account properly.

4. Check the phone is paid off

If the phone is on a payment plan, pay it off before you sell. A phone with a balance can be locked to the carrier, and some carriers can block a phone if payments stop. A buyer will thank you, and it avoids trouble later.

5. Unlock it if you can

An unlocked phone works with more carriers, so more buyers can use it. If your phone is paid off and your account is in good standing, ask your carrier to unlock it. It is often free. Our carrier guides cover AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Cricket and Boost Mobile. Check your carrier’s current policy, since the rules change.

6. Sign out of your accounts

This is the step people forget, and it matters most.

• iPhone: sign out of your Apple ID in Settings. This turns off Find My and Activation Lock for that phone.
• Android: remove your Google account and any other accounts in Settings. This stops the phone asking the buyer for your Google login after a reset.
• Samsung and other makers: remove any maker account you added as well.

If you skip this, the buyer may see a screen asking for your login and cannot use the phone. Nobody can legitimately remove that lock for them, so do it now.

7. Factory reset

Now erase the phone using the reset option in Settings. This removes your apps, data and settings. When it finishes, you should see the welcome screen a new phone shows.

8. Remove the SIM and eSIM

Take out the SIM card. If you used an eSIM, delete the profile, or make sure the reset removed it. Keep the SIM card safe or destroy it if you no longer need it.

9. Clean it and take honest photos

Wipe the screen and case with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Clean the ports gently with a soft brush. Take clear photos of the front, back and edges, including any scratches. Honest photos mean fewer arguments later.

10. Write down the IMEI

Note the IMEI before you hand it over. You can find it in Settings or by dialing *#06# before the reset. Buyers often ask for it so they can run their own IMEI check. Sharing the IMEI is normal. Never share your passwords.

11. Gather the extras

Original box, charger, cable and receipt all help a sale. If you have a paid off statement from your carrier, include it. It answers the most common worry buyers have.

A short checklist

• Backup done and checked.
• Number moved and tested on the new phone.
• Accessories unpaired.
• Phone paid off, and unlocked if possible.
• Signed out of all accounts.
• Factory reset done.
• SIM removed and eSIM deleted.
• Cleaned and photographed.
• IMEI noted.

Summary

Back up, move your number, sign out, reset and clean. Unlock it first if your carrier allows. Your data stays yours, and the buyer gets a phone that is ready to use.