Before you return, sell or repair a phone: 5 steps
Protect your data and avoid delays. The checklist we use for every returned or traded device.
A device that is still signed in to your account cannot be inspected, resold or repaired, and it holds your private data. These five steps take about fifteen minutes. 1. Back up iPhone: Settings → [your name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now . Android: Settings → Google → Backup . Also copy any photos you keep only on the phone. 2. Sign out and turn off Find My iPhone: Settings → [your name] → Sign Out , then enter your Apple ID password. This also turns off Find My and Activation Lock. Android: remove your Google and Samsung accounts in Settings → Accounts . 3. Unpair accessories Unpair your Apple Watch from the phone and remove the device from any smart-home or banking apps that are tied to it. 4. Remove your SIM and eSIM Take out the physical SIM. If you use an eSIM, ask your carrier before erasing whether you need a new QR code for your next phone. 5. Erase the device iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings . Android: Settings → System → Reset → Erase all data . Then pack it For a return, use the original box with all accessories and follow the steps in our returns policy . A device that is still locked to an account cannot be accepted until it is unlocked.