How To: Wipe Your Personal Information From Your Old iOS Device

Now that you’ve bought a new iPhone, iPad, or even an iPod touch, (people still buy those, right?), you’ll likely either want to sell or donate your old device. That’s a great idea, but be sure you’ve deleted all of your personal data, files, and apps from the device before doing that. Here’s how to do it.

Backup your iOS Device

Before wiping your iOS device clean, it’s a good idea to back it up one last time. You may have already did this, so you could restore your data to your new device. If not, here’s how.

To backup your device to iCloud, simply tap “Settings” -> “iCloud” -> “Storage & Backup,” and then tap “Backup Now.” Your device will be backed up via Wi-Fi to Apple’s iCloud.

To backup your device via iTunes, you’ll need to connect your iOS device to your computer via its Lightning charge/sync cable and then load iTunes.

Click the name of your device that appears in the top frame of the iTunes app window, and then click the “Back Up Now” button in the “Backups” section in the iTunes window. iTunes will then begin to backup your device.

Erase the Content on Your iOS Device

Now that the device is backed up, you can wipe all of your information from the device.

Just tap “Settings” -> “General” -> “Reset” on your screen. Next, tap “Erase All Content and Settings.” You’ll likely need to enter your Passcode. Now, tap the “Erase iPhone” button.

If you have iOS 7 or higher installed on your device and also have the “Find My iPhone” activated on the device, you’ll be required to enter your passcode as well as your Apple ID and password.

Doing this will completely erase your device, making it ready for the next user to set it up for their use. The device will erase all of the data, and reset it to its factory settings.
Chris Hauk

Chris is a Senior Editor at Mactrast. He lives somewhere in the deep Southern part of America, and yes, he has to pump in both sunshine and the Internet.

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9 years ago