ERIC KIM ₿

How to prepare your iPhone for a return.

Before returning your iPhone, it’s essential to ensure that your personal data is removed, the device is properly deactivated, and it’s ready for a smooth return. Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing your iPhone for return:

1. Backup Your Data

Before erasing your data, make sure to back up all your important information. You can do this in two ways:

  • iCloud Backup: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
  • iTunes/Finder Backup (via a computer): Connect your iPhone to your computer, open iTunes (Windows) or Finder (macOS), select your iPhone, and click Back Up Now.

2. Sign Out of iCloud, iTunes & App Store

Signing out of your iCloud account is crucial to remove the iPhone from your Apple account.

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out at the bottom.
  • You’ll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password and asked whether you want to keep a copy of certain data (Contacts, Calendars, etc.). It’s safe to turn these off, as you’ll have backups.

3. Turn Off Find My iPhone

This step ensures that your iPhone is no longer linked to your Apple ID, which is necessary for the next owner to activate it.

  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone.
  • Turn off Find My iPhone and enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

4. Unpair Any Devices (e.g., Apple Watch)

If you’ve paired any devices like an Apple Watch, unpair them:

  • Open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap All Watches, then the “i” next to your Apple Watch. Choose Unpair Apple Watch.

5. Sign Out of iMessage and FaceTime (Optional)

To avoid missing messages if you’re switching to a non-Apple device, sign out of iMessage:

  • Go to Settings > Messages > turn off iMessage.
  • For FaceTime: Go to Settings > FaceTime > turn off FaceTime.

6. Erase All Content and Settings

To fully wipe your iPhone clean, follow these steps:

  • Go to Settings > General > Reset (or Transfer or Reset iPhone in iOS 15 and later) > Erase All Content and Settings.
  • Enter your passcode, if prompted, and confirm that you want to erase everything. This will restore the iPhone to factory settings.

7. Remove the SIM Card

If you’re using a physical SIM card, don’t forget to remove it with the SIM ejector tool or a paperclip.

8. Check Activation Lock

Ensure that the iPhone is not linked to your Apple ID:

  • After erasing, go to iCloud.com, sign in, click Find iPhone, select your device, and if it’s still listed, remove it from your account.

9. Clean the iPhone (Optional)

For a better presentation, wipe down your iPhone with a soft, lint-free cloth, avoiding any moisture on the ports.

Once you’ve completed these steps, your iPhone will be ready for return, whether it’s for a trade-in, warranty return, or resale.

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