How to wipe all data from your phone before selling (Android and iPhone)

Step-by-step factory reset for Android and iPhone, plus how to remove Google account and Activation Lock.

First: back up

Before wiping, back up photos, chats and contacts. After a factory reset, data cannot be recovered.

Android (most brands)

• Settings → Google → your account → Remove account (or Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove).
• Remove the screen lock if asked, and sign out of brand accounts (Samsung account, Mi account and so on).
• Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset). On Samsung: Settings → General management → Reset → Factory data reset.
• Wait for the phone to restart to the welcome screen. Do not sign in again.

iPhone

• Unpair your Apple Watch first, if you have one.
• Settings → [your name] → Sign Out (this turns off Find My and Activation Lock).
• Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
• When the Hello screen appears, the phone is ready for the next owner.

Why removing the account matters

If your Google account or Apple ID is still linked, the phone stays locked to you after a reset. The buyer cannot use it and will come back to you — or the dealer will lower the price.

Last checks

Remove the SIM and memory card, and delete the phone from your Google or Apple device list on another device or the web.

Selling guides

• Before you sell your phone: a 10-step checklist
• How the resale price of a used phone is calculated
• OLX vs instant buyback vs exchange: where to sell your old phone
• How to avoid scams when selling your phone online
• When is the best time to sell your old phone?