Protect Your Data and Maximize Your Phone’s Value
Selling your old phone? Before you hand it over, follow this complete guide to protect your personal information and ensure you get the best price.
This 5-step process takes about 15-20 minutes and ensures your data stays private while your phone is ready for its next owner.
Step 1: Back Up Your Data
Don’t lose your photos, contacts, or important files. Back up everything before wiping your device.
For iPhone Users:
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup
- Tap Back Up Now
- Wait for backup to complete (usually 5-15 minutes)
Pro tip: Verify your backup completed by checking the date/time under “Last Backup.”
For Android Users:
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Go to Settings → System → Backup (or Settings → Accounts → Google)
- Tap Back up now
- Confirm backup to Google Drive completed
Alternative: Use Google Photos for photos/videos, Samsung Cloud for Samsung devices, or third-party apps like Google Drive.
Step 2: Sign Out of All Accounts
Remove your personal accounts to prevent unauthorized access after you sell your phone.
Critical Accounts to Sign Out Of:
- iCloud / Apple ID (iPhone) – Settings → [Your Name] → Sign Out
- Google Account (Android) – Settings → Accounts → Google → Remove Account
- Social Media – Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X
- Email Apps – Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo Mail
- Banking & Payment Apps – Mobile banking, Venmo, PayPal, Cash App
- Streaming Services – Netflix, Spotify, YouTube Premium
- Game Accounts – Sign out and unlink game progress
iPhone users: Signing out of iCloud will prompt you to disable Find My iPhone – do this!
Step 3: Factory Reset Your Device
A factory reset erases all your data and returns the phone to its original state.
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your passcode and Apple ID password
- Confirm erasure
- Wait 5-15 minutes for the process to complete
For Android:
- Go to Settings → System → Reset options
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
- Confirm and enter your PIN/password
- Tap Erase Everything
- Wait for the reset to complete
Important: Make sure your phone is charged to at least 50% before starting a factory reset.
Step 4: Clean Your Phone
A clean phone = better first impression = better price.
Cleaning Checklist:
- Use a microfiber cloth to wipe screen and back
- Remove phone case and screen protector
- Clean charging port with compressed air or soft brush
- Remove SIM card and SD card (if applicable)
- Wipe down camera lenses
What to use: Microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water or 70% isopropyl alcohol. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Step 5: Gather Accessories
Including accessories can increase your phone’s value.
What to Include (if available):
- ✅ Original charging cable
- ✅ Power adapter (wall plug)
- ✅ Original box
- ✅ User manuals or documentation
- ✅ Unused screen protectors
- ✅ Original earbuds/headphones
Don’t have accessories? No problem! We still buy phones without original packaging.
Important Safety Checks Before Selling
1. Verify Factory Reset Completed
Turn on the phone and check if it shows the setup screen. If you see your old data, the reset didn’t work – try again.
2. Disable Find My iPhone / Find My Device
- iPhone: Settings → [Your Name] → Find My → Find My iPhone → Turn Off
- Android: Settings → Security → Find My Device → Turn Off
3. Remove Screen Lock
Make sure no PIN, password, or biometric lock is active after factory reset.
4. Confirm Device Isn’t Blacklisted
Check your IMEI at IMEI.info or Swappa ESN Check to ensure it’s not reported lost/stolen.
5. Ensure Device Powers On
Charge it to at least 50% so the buyer can verify it works.
Additional Tips for Maximum Value
Document Your Phone’s Condition
Take clear photos of:
- Front and back of phone
- Any scratches or damage
- Screen functionality (powered on)
- Serial number or IMEI
Note Your IMEI Number
Record your IMEI for your own records:
- iPhone: Settings → General → About → IMEI
- Android: Settings → About Phone → IMEI
- Quick method: Dial *#06#
Pack It Securely
If shipping your phone:
- Use bubble wrap or padding
- Place in a sturdy box
- Seal securely with packing tape
- Use the provided shipping label
- Get tracking number
Ready to Sell Your Phone?
Cell Me Your Phone offers:
- 💵 Same-day cash payment
- 🤝 Safe, local meetups in Salt Lake Valley
- 📱 Free quote in 60 seconds
- ✅ All conditions accepted (except iCloud-locked)
Questions? Call or text: (385) 503-2882
Trusted by hundreds of Salt Lake Valley residents. Turn your old phone into cash today.