How to Reset Your iPhone and Sign Out of iCloud (Step-by-Step Guide)

It only takes a few minutes — and once it’s done, your phone is ready for its next user.

Here’s exactly how to do it.

Step 1: Back up your iPhone

Before resetting, make sure you’ve saved anything you want to keep. Apple also has a guide on this: https://support.apple.com/en-nz/108771

Option 1: iCloud backup

• Go to Settings

• Tap your name

• Tap iCloud

• Tap iCloud Backup

• Select Back Up Now

Option 2: Computer backup

• Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC

• Use Finder (Mac) or iTunes (PC)

• Select Back Up

Step 2: Sign out of iCloud

This step ensures your iPhone is no longer linked to your account.

• Go to Settings

• Tap your name at the top

• Scroll down

• Tap Sign Out

• Enter your Apple ID password

• Confirm

Once this is done, your iPhone is no longer connected to your iCloud account.

Step 3: Turn off Find My iPhone

Before resetting, this needs to be switched off.

• Go to Settings

• Tap your name

• Tap Find My

• Tap Find My iPhone

• Toggle it off

Step 4: Reset your iPhone

Now you’re ready to erase everything and reset the device.

• Go to Settings

• Tap General

• Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone

• Tap Erase All Content and Settings

• Follow the prompts

Your iPhone will restart and return to its original setup screen.

Step 5: Remove your SIM card

Before sending or handing over your phone:

• Use a SIM eject tool or paperclip

• Remove your SIM card

Quick checklist

Before you’re done, make sure:

• Your phone is backed up

• You’ve signed out of iCloud

• Find My iPhone is turned off

• The phone has been reset

• SIM card removed

Keep it simple

Once these steps are done, your iPhone is ready to go.

If you’re planning to sell it, this is all you need to prepare your device properly.

If you haven’t already, you can also check what your phone is worth here: https://twice.nz/sell/