Posted on by Prateek Goel

Wipe Phone Data Before Selling: Android + iPhone step-by-step

Secure Data Wipe

A simple checklist to protect your photos, WhatsApp, and accounts — and avoid FRP/Activation Lock problems

Want to wipe phone data before selling your device? Do it the right way. A basic factory reset is not enough if you forget to sign out. That’s how people get stuck with Activation Lock (iPhone) or Factory Reset Protection (Android).

This guide shows the exact steps for:

  • iPhone (iOS)
  • Android (Samsung / OnePlus / Xiaomi and more)

It also includes a quick “seller proof” checklist so your pickup or ship-in goes smoothly.

✅ Sell with fewer headaches:

Add images (for Yoast + conversions)

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  1. Featured image (hero)
    • Alt text (include keyphrase): wipe phone data before selling
  2. In-body image (after “iPhone steps” or “Android steps”)
    • Visual: a “Reset complete / Setup screen” photo
    • Alt text (synonym): factory reset phone before selling
  1. TL;DR checklist
  2. Before you wipe: backups + what to remove
  3. iPhone steps (avoid Activation Lock)
  4. Android steps (avoid FRP)
  5. Verify reset is done (seller proof)
  6. Common mistakes (and fixes)
  7. Doorstep vs Prime: what to do differently
  8. FAQs

TL;DR: Wipe Phone Data Before Selling (10-point checklist)

  • ☐ Back up photos and WhatsApp chats
  • ☐ Move important files to cloud/PC
  • ☐ Remove SIM and microSD
  • ☐ Remove eSIM (if applicable)
  • ☐ Sign out of Apple ID / Google account
  • ☐ Turn off Find My (iPhone)
  • ☐ Remove screen lock (only when ready to reset)
  • ☐ Factory reset / erase all content
  • ☐ Confirm setup screen appears
  • ☐ Keep proof (photos/video + reset screen)

Need the full safe-selling flow?

1) Before you wipe: back up first (so you don’t lose data)

Start with backups. This is the step people regret skipping.

Back up photos and contacts

  • iPhone: iCloud Photos / iCloud Backup
  • Android: Google Photos / Google Backup

Back up WhatsApp

  • WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat backup

Remove anything physical

  • Remove SIM
  • Remove microSD (if any)

Tip: If you use an eSIM, remove it from settings before you erase (steps below).

2) iPhone: wipe phone data before selling (avoid Activation Lock)

On iPhone, the goal is simple: remove your Apple ID and Find My, then erase.

Step A — Turn off Find My iPhone

  • Settings → your name → Find My → Find My iPhone → turn off

Step B — Sign out of Apple ID

  • Settings → your name → Sign Out

Step C — Erase all content and settings

  • Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings

Step D — Remove the device from your Apple ID (important)

After erase, make sure it’s removed from your Apple account device list.

Step E — Confirm the setup screen

You should see the “Hello” screen. That’s your proof that the reset is complete.

Official reference:
Apple “Before you sell/trade”: https://support.apple.com/en-asia/109511

3) Android: wipe phone data before selling (avoid FRP)

On Android, the big risk is FRP. If your Google account stays linked, the next user may not be able to set up the phone.

Step A — Remove your Google account

  • Settings → Passwords & accounts / Accounts → Google → Remove account

Step B — Turn off screen lock (only when ready)

  • Settings → Security → Screen lock → None

Step C — Remove eSIM (if you use one)

  • Settings → Network & Internet / SIMs → remove eSIM

Step D — Factory reset

  • Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset)

Step E — Confirm setup screen

After reboot, it should show the first setup screen.

Official reference:
Android reset guide: https://www.android.com/intl/en_in/articles/how-to-reset-android-device/

4) Verify the wipe: “seller proof” that prevents disputes

This makes pickup and ship-in smoother.

Seller proof pack (2 minutes)

  • Photo: phone on the first setup screen
  • Short video (10 seconds): power on → setup screen
  • Screenshot: your booking/quote confirmation

If you want the full evidence pack + payment safety rules:

5) Common mistakes (and how to fix them)

Mistake 1: Reset without signing out

Result: iPhone Activation Lock or Android FRP blocks the next user.

Fix: Sign in again, remove the account properly, then reset again.

Mistake 2: Forgot microSD

Result: personal photos/files stay with the phone.

Fix: Remove microSD before handover.

Mistake 3: Handed over before confirming setup screen

Result: disputes + privacy risk.

Fix: Always show the setup screen (“Hello / Start”).

Mistake 4: Shared OTP/UPI PIN during selling

Result: payment fraud.

Fix: Never share UPI PIN/OTP. If scammed, report via 1930 and https://cybercrime.gov.in/

6) Doorstep vs Prime: what to do differently

If you use InstaCash Doorstep

  • Reset before pickup.
  • Keep your seller proof pack ready.
  • Handover only after you see the setup screen.

Start: https://getinstacash.in/

If you use InstaCash Prime (ship-in)

  • Reset before packing.
  • Remove SIM and microSD.
  • Pack securely and keep tracking.

Explore Prime: https://getinstacash.in/prime/

Need help?

FAQs

1) Is factory reset enough to wipe phone data before selling?

Factory reset is essential, but you must also sign out of Apple ID/Google and turn off the locks (Find My / FRP).

2) What if I forgot my Apple ID or Google password?

Recover access first. Don’t sell until you can remove the account properly. Otherwise the phone may be locked.

3) Do I need to remove my eSIM?

Yes, if your phone uses eSIM. Remove it before erase/reset.

4) How do I prove I wiped my phone?

Show the first setup screen and keep a short video.

Conclusion: wipe phone data before selling (and sell the safe way)

Do the steps in order: back up → sign out → turn off locks → reset → confirm setup screen.

Ready to sell with InstaCash?

References (Official)

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