How to prepare your phone before selling it

Preparing a phone properly protects your personal information and prevents account locks from delaying inspection or making the device unusable for its next owner. Do not start with a factory reset until you know your important information and account access are safe.

1. Record the phone and its condition

Before changing anything, record the model, storage, colour, serial number or IMEI and visible condition. Take photographs of the screen, rear, frame and camera area. Keep these details privately with your postage evidence.

Do not publish a full IMEI or serial number in a public advert. Share it only through a trusted process when genuinely required.

2. Back up everything you want to keep

Check more than photos and contacts. Messages, downloaded files, notes, voice recordings, health data, app logins, authenticator codes and locally stored documents may need separate attention.

1. Complete a cloud or computer backup using your phone manufacturer’s supported method.
2. Open the backup or synced service from another device to confirm the important information is present.
3. Transfer information to the replacement phone before erasing the old one where possible.
4. Keep the old phone until you have tested calls, messages, banking and authentication on the replacement.

3. Transfer security and account access

Move any authenticator app, passkey, banking approval or recovery method that relies on the old phone. Some services require you to approve a transfer while you still have access to the original device.

• Test your main email and password manager on another device.
• Transfer two-factor authentication and save recovery codes securely.
• Confirm banking apps and payment services work on the replacement.
• Move any eSIM or contact your mobile network if required.
• Unpair watches, headphones or other accessories when appropriate.

4. Remove accounts and activation locks

Follow the current instructions for your exact phone and software version. Apple’s UK guidance says to create a backup, transfer information and remove personal information; erasing the iPhone or iPad turns off Find My and Activation Lock. For Android, review the manufacturer’s account-removal instructions before resetting, especially where device protection may require the previous Google Account after reset.

5. Erase the phone using its settings

Use the manufacturer’s built-in erase or factory-reset process, not only manual deletion of photos or apps. Google states that a factory reset removes data from an Android phone and warns that the process erases all data. The ICO recommends a secure deletion method or at least restoring a device to factory settings before sending it to a specialist organisation.

Keep the phone charged and connected as required until the process completes. If an iPhone uses eSIM, Apple advises choosing the option to erase the device and eSIM profile when prompted if you are selling it.

6. Complete final physical and account checks

• Remove the physical SIM and removable memory card.
• Check that the phone starts at its initial welcome or setup screen.
• Check your Apple, Google or manufacturer account from another device and confirm the old phone is no longer locked to you as required.
• Remove saved payment cards through the appropriate account if needed.
• Clean the phone gently without allowing liquid into damaged areas.
• Photograph the reset welcome screen and final condition.

What if the screen is broken or the phone will not turn on?

Tell the buyer exactly what prevents you from completing the preparation. If possible, use the relevant online account tools to protect the account, change important passwords and remove payment access. Do not claim the phone has been wiped if you could not confirm it.

Ask the buyer how non-responsive devices and personal data are handled. The ICO recommends checking a specialist organisation’s process to ensure data will be securely deleted.

Common questions

Is deleting photos enough?

No. Photos, messages, app data, account sessions and other personal information may remain. Use the supported factory-reset or erase process after backing up and removing locks.

Should I reset the phone before getting a quote?

You can usually obtain a quote first. Complete the backup, account and reset steps before posting the phone, following the buyer’s instructions.

What should appear after a successful reset?

The phone should normally return to its initial welcome or setup screen. If it immediately asks for the previous owner’s account during setup, an account-protection lock may still be active.