Reset Your Phone Before Selling
Back up the information you want to keep, remove your linked accounts and use the manufacturer’s erase process before handing over your phone. Choose the guide for your device below.
Before you erase anything.
A reset removes information stored on the phone. Check your backup and access to important accounts before starting.
Check your backup
Open the saved copy or your new device and check the photos, contacts and files you need. Transfer authenticator access and banking apps as needed.
Keep account access
Make sure you can sign in to your Apple, Google or Samsung account. Enter credentials yourself; never send passwords or verification codes to Selle.
Move your mobile service
Arrange transfer of your phone number and eSIM with your network. Keep your physical SIM and any removable memory card.
Reset only when you are ready. Menu names vary by software version. Follow the official instructions linked below if your screen looks different or you cannot access the device.
Use the correct reset process.
These are preparation steps for a phone you own. A factory reset and removal of account protection are both part of getting it ready for someone else.
Apple iPhone
- Back up and transfer. Save your information, transfer it to your new phone and unpair an Apple Watch if applicable.
- Sign out. Follow Apple’s instructions for your iOS version under Settings → your name → Sign Out. Complete any account verification yourself.
- Erase the device. Use Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the prompts; when selling an eSIM device, choose to erase the eSIM profile too after arranging your service transfer.
Do not manually delete synced photos or contacts to clear the phone: this can also delete them from iCloud and other connected devices.
Apple’s full selling and reset checklist →Samsung Galaxy
- Back up your information. Check your saved copy before removing accounts or resetting the phone.
- Remove linked accounts. In Settings → Accounts and backup → Manage accounts, remove your Google account before resetting to avoid Factory Reset Protection. Sign out of your Samsung account too, completing its prompts.
- Reset through Settings. Go to General management → Reset → Factory data reset. Review the information and confirm Reset using your own PIN or password when requested.
Menu names vary. If you cannot unlock the device or remove an account, use Samsung’s official support before arranging handover.
Samsung’s backup and factory reset guide →Google Pixel
- Check your backup and sign-in. Make sure you can access the Google Account and know the device PIN. Google recommends waiting 24 hours after a recent Google Account password reset before factory resetting.
- Remove your Google Account. Use the account settings to remove it from the device before transfer. This turns off device protection; follow Google’s instructions for your Android version.
- Erase through Settings. Choose System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset), then follow the on-screen confirmation steps.
Check the eSIM options and transfer your mobile service before handing over the phone.
Google’s Pixel factory reset guide →
Google’s account protection guidance →Before the phone changes hands.
Take a moment to check the preparation is complete.
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Keep your own information.
Check the backup, your new device and access to accounts you rely on. -
Finish the erase and account removal.
Confirm the phone reaches its welcome or setup screen and is ready for a new owner. Do not sign your personal account back into it. -
Keep SIMs, cards and credentials.
Remove your physical SIM and memory card. Your passwords and verification codes remain private. -
Agree the device checks.
For local collection, confirm with Selle how preparation and condition checks will be handled before the appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful answers before you arrange your sale.
Is Deleting Photos Enough Before I Sell My Phone?
Use the manufacturer’s erase process after backing up and removing the linked accounts. Manually deleting synced items can affect cloud copies, so it is not a substitute for the preparation checklist.
Does a Reset Remove My Account Protection?
Follow the manufacturer’s full selling instructions. Remove your Google Account before resetting an Android phone, and follow Apple’s account and erase steps for an iPhone. A reset alone should not be treated as proof that every transfer requirement is complete.
Should I Give Selle My Password?
No. Enter passwords, device passcodes and verification codes yourself. Do not put them in valuation forms, email or messages.
What if I Cannot Unlock or Reset the Phone?
Contact the manufacturer for account recovery or device support, and tell Selle before arranging collection. We cannot promise to remove an account lock or recover access.
Will Resetting the Phone Cancel My Mobile Contract?
Arrange your mobile service and any number or eSIM transfer with your network provider. Do not treat erasing the handset as cancellation of a mobile contract.
Choose your phone for a valuation.
For a Liverpool or Merseyside collection, ask about preparation and device checks when booking your appointment.