"Cleaning" an old iPhone often refers to the process of completely erasing all personal data and settings from the device. This is a crucial step when preparing an iPhone for sale, trade-in, or giving it away, ensuring your information remains private.
The most effective way to "clean" your old iPhone in this sense is by performing a factory reset that erases all content and settings.
How to Erase All Content and Settings
Erasing all content and settings will wipe your iPhone clean, returning it to its original factory state. This process removes all your apps, data, photos, and settings.
Follow these steps to erase your old iPhone:
- Unlock your iPhone or iPad and launch the Settings app.
- Tap General.
- Scroll to the bottom and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone (or iPad).
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Review the details of the data about to be wiped, then tap Continue.
- Tap in your passcode if requested.
(Based on information from macrumors.com, published 24-May-2024)
Performing these steps will securely erase your personal information from the device, effectively "cleaning" it in preparation for a new owner. It's important to ensure you have backed up any data you wish to keep before starting this process.
