How to Securely Erase Your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Erasing your device’s data and restoring it to factory settings is an essential step before selling, trading, or giving away your device. Follow these steps to ensure your personal information is safely removed.

Step 1: Back Up Your Device

Before you begin, it’s crucial to back up your device. This ensures that you can restore your data later if needed.

• Why Back Up? Backing up your data means you won't lose important information like contacts, photos, or documents.
• How to Back Up: Use iCloud or connect your device to your computer and use iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac) to back up your data.

Step 2: Erase All Content and Settings

Now that your data is safely backed up, follow these steps to erase your device:

1. Navigate to Settings: Tap on Settings General Transfer or Reset [Device].
2. Select Erase All Content and Settings: This option will completely erase your device’s data and settings, restoring it to factory condition.

Step 3: Enter Your Passcode or Apple ID Password

For security purposes, you’ll be prompted to enter your passcode or Apple ID password.

Forgot Your Passcode or Apple ID? No worries! You can recover them using the following links:

• Recover your passcode
• Recover your Apple ID password

Step 4: Confirm Erasure

If your device has an eSIM, you will be asked whether you want to erase it as well. If you choose to erase your eSIM, you may need to contact your carrier to reactivate your cellular plan.

eSIM Consideration: Erasing the eSIM removes your cellular plan details, so make sure you’re prepared to reactivate your plan if needed.

Step 5: Wait for the Process to Complete

The erasure process may take a few minutes. Once complete, your device will restart as if it were brand new.