Preparing your iPhone properly before selling it takes about 15–20 minutes, and it's worth doing carefully. These steps protect your personal data, ensure the new buyer has a clean device, and help your sale go smoothly with no inspection surprises. Follow these five steps in order and you'll be ready to ship.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before you erase anything, make sure you have a copy of your data somewhere you can access it on your new device.

Option A: iCloud Backup — Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. Make sure your phone is on Wi-Fi and plugged in. The backup will include your photos, contacts, messages, app data, and settings. You'll be able to restore everything to your new iPhone during setup.

Option B: Backup to a Computer — Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC and open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows). Click your device, then click "Back Up Now." This creates a local backup you can restore from later.

Take a moment to verify your backup completed by checking the "Last Backup" timestamp in your iCloud settings.

Step 2: Sign Out of Apple ID and Disable Find My iPhone

This is the most important step. If you skip this, the next owner won't be able to activate the device, and your inspection may be delayed.

Go to Settings → [Your Name] and scroll all the way to the bottom. Tap Sign Out. You'll be prompted to enter your Apple ID password to turn off Find My iPhone — do this, and then choose to keep or remove your data from the device. Once you sign out, Activation Lock is removed and the iPhone is ready for a new user.

If you see "Find My iPhone" is still enabled, go to Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone and toggle it off before proceeding.

Step 3: Erase All Content and Settings

Now it's time to wipe the device. Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. You'll be asked to confirm a couple of times — this is irreversible, so only do this after your backup is complete.

The process takes a few minutes. When finished, the iPhone will restart to the "Hello" setup screen, just like it was out of the box. This confirms the reset was successful and your personal data has been removed.

Step 4: Remove Your SIM Card

Before packaging your iPhone, eject your SIM card using the SIM tool (the small pin that came with your iPhone) or a straightened paperclip. The SIM tray is located on the right side of the device on most models.

Keep your SIM card — you'll need it to transfer service to your new phone. Shipping it with the device isn't necessary, and leaving it in could create complications.

Note: If you have an iPhone 14 or later purchased in the United States, your device may be eSIM-only (no physical SIM card). In that case, there's nothing to remove — your carrier profile will be erased along with everything else during the factory reset.

Step 5: Clean the Device

A clean iPhone makes a better first impression during inspection and photographs better if the device is later listed for resale. Use a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the screen and back glass. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

Check the charging port for lint or debris — this is a common spot for buildup, especially in older devices. A dry wooden toothpick or a very gentle puff of compressed air can clear it out without causing damage. Make sure the speaker grills look clean as well.

You're Ready to Ship

Once all five steps are done, package your iPhone securely, attach your prepaid USPS shipping label from Rick's iStock, and drop it at any USPS location. Our team will inspect it within 24 hours of arrival, and you'll have payment in your account shortly after.

Questions? Call us at (928) 492-5777 or email support@ricksistock.com. Hours: Monday–Friday 9AM–6PM, Saturday 10AM–4PM.