Being Tricky
The short answer
To wipe phone before selling, go in this order: back up, sign out of your Google, Samsung or Apple Account, then factory reset.
At a glance
About 30 minutes · Advanced · For Android
Key point 1 of 5
Phones have anti-theft locks tied to your account.
Key point 2 of 5
Menu names vary by phone maker and Android version.
Key point 3 of 5
Afterward, sign in at your Apple Account settings and remove the old iPhone from your list of trusted devices.
Key point 4 of 5
You can still clean up from another device.
Step 5 of 5
Open Settings and go to Passwords & accounts. On some phones it’s just Accounts; search Settings for “accounts” if you can’t find it.
Quick tip
Remove your Google account (Step 1) on a Galaxy too, before the reset. It costs a minute and makes sure the buyer won’t hit a Google sign-in lock.
Watch out
Don’t delete an eSIM to “troubleshoot” or before your new phone has service. Once it’s deleted, you need your carrier to set up a new one.
You might ask
Does a factory reset delete everything? It erases your apps, data and settings and returns the phone to its setup screen.
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Being Tricky