It's a question that is often asked. I want to sell my iPhone, iPad or iPod touch - but how do I delete all data from the device under iOS 13 or iPadOS? We'll show you how.
There are users who replace their iOS device every year - if a new one is purchased, the old one usually finds a new owner. But an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch cannot simply be passed on - after all, valuable and personal data is stored on it.
So before you want to sell your device, you have to delete it completely - including all data such as photos, messages, other files, settings and much more. But of course, this cannot be done without preparation.
How to back up the data of your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch under iOS 13 or iPadOS
Before you begin the deletion process, you should of course back up your iOS device first. The easiest way to do this is to create a backup in iCloud. If someone uses iCloud backup by default, they should at least have a partially up-to-date data backup, as iOS devices usually update their backups overnight – provided the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is connected to a Wi-Fi network and a power cable. To have a truly up-to-date backup, we should create a manual backup. Here's how: Make sure your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is connected to a Wi-Fi network and ideally plugged in. Now open the settings of your iOS device and navigate to the area with your name (Apple ID) at the top. Now tap on "iCloud" and scroll down a bit to the menu item "iCloud Backup." From here, you can start a manual backup by selecting "Start Backup Now." Depending on the amount of data, the backup may take some time – please wait until the process is completely finished.
Note – If you prefer a local backup on your PC or Mac, you can of course go that route too. If you want to create an iOS backup on your Mac under macOS Catalina, you can find out here how to do this. If you are using an older Mac operating system or another PC, you will find a suitable step-by-step guide here.
How to disable Find My iPhone – the anti-theft protection for your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
Once you have a current and complete backup, we can proceed. Before we begin the deletion process, however, you must disable "Find iPhone" – otherwise, even if the device has been erased, no one will be able to set up the iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch as a new device. This is where the so-called iCloud lock, also known as theft protection, comes into play. You can disable "Find iPhone" on iOS 13 or iPadOS as follows:
On iOS 13 or iPadOS, open your device's Settings. Navigate to the top section with your name (Apple ID) and select the "Find My" menu item. From there, tap the "Find My iPhone" bar and then deactivate the feature under the same name, "Find My iPhone." You can now activate an erased iPhone with a new/different Apple ID.
On iOS 12 or earlier – If you're using an older operating system on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you'll need to take a slightly different approach. Open iOS Settings and tap the section with your name (Apple ID). Now select "iCloud" and scroll down. There you'll find "Find My iPhone" – open the bar and then deactivate "Find My iPhone."
How to delete all data from your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch
So, if you've disabled Apple's Anti-Theft Protection, you can now finally completely erase the respective iOS device. Whether you're using iOS 13, iPadOS, or an older operating system, it doesn't matter. The path to the delete key is the same. To do this, open the iOS settings and navigate to "General." Then you'll find the "Reset" section at the very bottom - please open this. From here, you can choose between several options. Please note: to completely delete all data such as photos, notes, and other files from your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you must click the "Erase All Content & Settings" bar - this is the only way to completely erase your device. So, once you've selected the "Erase All Content & Settings" command, a pop-up window will open asking "Do you want to update your iCloud backup before deleting?" Since we've already created a current backup, you can confirm the "Erase Now" option.
To start the deletion process, you must enter your key code one last time - now your iPhone, iPad or iPod touch will be completely deleted and reset to factory settings. As soon as the process is complete, you can hand the device over without worry.
Tip – a price comparison on the Internet can be worthwhile – in addition to the usual platforms, you can also advertise your device in our own Facebook group – you can find the Apfelapotheke here. (Photo by Chinnapong / Bigstockphoto)
