🔐 Why Wiping Your Phone Matters
Your smartphone holds everything — texts, emails, passwords, banking apps, location history, even your selfies from 2016. A factory reset without proper prep might leave traces of that data behind.
Whether you're selling, recycling, or trading in your phone, following these steps ensures:
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Your privacy is protected
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Your device is clean and ready for its next owner
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You avoid iCloud or Google account lock issues that could delay your upgrade or refund
📱 How to Wipe an iPhone (iOS)
✅ Step 1: Backup your data
Use iCloud or iTunes to back up:
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Go to Settings → Your Name → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Tap Back Up Now
✅ Step 2: Sign out of iCloud & Find My iPhone
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Settings → Your Name → Scroll down → Tap Sign Out
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Make sure Find My iPhone is turned off (under iCloud settings)
Pro Tip: Not signing out can “Activation Lock” the phone, making it unsellable.
✅ Step 3: Erase all content
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Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
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Enter your passcode and Apple ID password when prompted
✅ Step 4: Remove SIM or eSIM
Take out the physical SIM card or remove your eSIM via your network settings.
🤖 How to Wipe an Android Phone (Samsung, Pixel, etc.)
✅ Step 1: Backup your data
Use your Google account:
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Settings → Google → Backup → Turn on & tap Back Up Now
✅ Step 2: Sign out of your Google account
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Settings → Passwords & accounts (or Users & accounts) → Tap your Google account → Remove account
On Samsung devices, also sign out of your Samsung account in Settings → Accounts.
✅ Step 3: Factory reset the phone
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Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset)
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Confirm when prompted
✅ Step 4: Remove your SIM or microSD card
Easily overlooked, but important before shipping or recycling.
♻️ Want to Recycle or Trade In?
If you’re not sure what to do with your old phone, we’ve got you:
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🌍 We buy back eligible devices and give them a second life
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🛠️ Devices beyond repair? We recycle them responsibly, preventing e-waste
Wiping your phone properly doesn’t take long — and it gives you peace of mind while ensuring your old tech has a clean slate. Whether you're passing it on, trading it in, or recycling it with us, these steps will keep your data secure and the process smooth.
Next step? Reward yourself with a smarter upgrade.
