When you're logged into iCloud with your Apple Account¹, manually deleting items will permanently remove them. This includes contacts, calendars, reminders, documents, and photos from iCloud servers and all your connected devices.

If you still have your old iPhone or iPad

Complete the following steps:

1. Create a backup.

2. Transfer the information to your new device.

3. Remove your personal information from your old device.^{_{2, 3}}

Create a backup

Creating a backup allows you to copy and save the information from your iPhone or iPad. If you replace your device, you can use a backup to transfer your information to a new device.

Transfer information to your new device

If your old device has iOS 11 or later, use Quick Start to automatically transfer information to your new device. If your old device has iOS 10 or earlier, use iCloud, iTunes, or the Finder to transfer information to your new device.

If your phone number will change with your new device, you must add additional trusted phone numbers to your account to ensure that you don't lose access.

Remove your personal information from your old device

1. Back up your device.

2. If you paired an Apple Watch with your iPhone, unpair your Apple Watch.

3. If you have an AppleCare plan for your device, you can cancel your AppleCare plan or transfer your AppleCare plan to a new owner.

4. Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, or the App Store:

   1. If you're using iOS 26 or later:

      1. Tap Settings > [your name].

      2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out.

      3. Choose Erase this [Device] or Sign Out But Don't Erase. Learn what data stays on your device when you choose Sign Out But Don't Erase.

      4. If asked which account you want to sign out of, tap Sign out of iCloud and Store.

   2. If you're using iOS 18 or earlier:

      1. Tap Settings > [your name].

      2. Scroll down and tap Sign Out.

      3. Enter your Apple Account password and tap Turn Off.

   3. If you're using iOS 10.2 or earlier:

      1. Tap Settings > iCloud > Sign Out.

      2. Tap Sign Out again, then tap Delete from My [device] and enter your Apple ID password.

      3. Go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.

5. If you're switching to a non-Apple phone, deregister iMessage.

6. Go back to Settings and tap General > Transfer or Reset [device] > Erase All Content and Settings.^4,5,6

7. If asked for your device passcode or Restrictions passcode, enter the passcode.

8. Tap Erase [device].⁷

9. If you aren't using a SIM card with your device, you can contact your carrier to get help transferring service to the new owner.

10. Remove your old device from your list of trusted devices.

If you no longer have your iPhone or iPad

• Try contacting the new owner and asking them to erase all content and settings using the above steps.

• If you lose your device, or if someone steals your device, erase it in Find Devices on iCloud.com.

• Remove your device from your list of trusted devices.

• Change your Apple Account password and turn on two-factor authentication. These actions won't remove personal information stored on your old device, but changing your password prevents the new owner from deleting your information from iCloud.

• If you're switching to a non-Apple phone, deregister iMessage.

• If you're using Apple Pay, remove cards and passes in Wallet on iPhone.

• If you have an AppleCare plan for your device, you can cancel your AppleCare plan or transfer your AppleCare plan to a new owner.

If you're trading in an Android device to Apple

Before sending an Android device to Apple as a trade-in, consider the following:

• Back up your data.

• Sign out of your account on the device to remove your personal information. Failing to sign out of your Android account will impact the trade-in eligibility of your device.

• Erase the device.

• Remove any SIM cards, memory cards, cases, and screen protectors.

Contact your device's manufacturer if you need help.

Trade in or recycle your iPhone or iPad

No matter the model or condition, we can turn your device into something good for you and good for the planet. Learn how to trade in or recycle your iPhone or iPad with Apple Trade In.