Most of us use our iPhones and iPads all day, every day. Over the lifespan of a device, we accumulate lots of sensitive data and information, including messages, photos, videos, contacts, credit cards, passwords, and much more. That's why it's important to make sure you have a backup of all of your important stuff so you can get rid of it before you sell it off or hand it down to someone else.
If you have a new device, you'll want to make sure that you get everything transferred over to your new iPhone or iPad first. Then, before you sell or give away your old device, you'll want to wipe all personal data and erase your iPhone or iPad to make sure all of your sensitive information is gone from the device.
Thankfully, iOS makes it super easy to do this, and all you need is a few minutes, whether you're wiping your data from an ancient iPhone or one of the latest iPhone 14 Pro handsets.
How to back up your iPhone or iPad before wiping it
Before you do anything else, you'll need an up-to-date backup of your iPhone so that the information you erase is stored somewhere. iCloud automatically creates a backup overnight as long as you're plugged in and on Wi-Fi, but a manual backup will make sure you're absolutely up to date.
- Make sure your iPhone or iPad is connected to Wi-Fi. (If you're low on power, plug-in the device as well)
- Launch Settings from the Home screen
- Tap on the Apple ID banner at the top
- Tap iCloud
- Scroll down and tap iCloud Backup
- Tap the switch to turn it on
- Choose Back Up Now
Wait for your iPhone backup to complete before moving forward. You can also back up your iPhone or iPad with a computer, this might be a better option if you're pressed for time.
How to erase all data from your iPhone or iPad
iOS makes erasing your device simple and returns you to the setup process after so that you have a clean device to start over with or sell.
- Launch the Settings app from the Home screen of your iPhone or iPad
- Now tap on General
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Tap Continue
- Enter your device passcode
- Enter your Apple ID password to turn off Activation Lock and remove the device from Find my iPhone
Once the process is complete, you can give or sell your device to someone else without any worries of a personal data breach.
Your data is precious
Some may say that your iPhone or iPad is your most personal device. iOS is filled with information from your home location to your pictures of your children, that's why it's so important to make sure you've erased data on your old device.
By backing up your data so that it's always available, you will never have a situation where precious photos get lost or key information disappears into the abyss.
If you're giving away an old Mac, or you've bought yourself a new one, you'll need to do the same thing. Follow our how to transfer data to your new Mac from your old Mac guide.
