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Sell & Trade-In Guide03 Jun 2026Posted byLiam Harris

How to Prepare Your iPhone for Trade-In (2026 Guide)

How to Prepare Your iPhone for Trade-In (2026 Guide)

Most rejected trade-ins come down to one thing: an active iCloud Activation Lock. The phone arrives, nobody can set it up, and the offer drops to zero, or the device gets sent back.


Preparation takes around 15 minutes. This guide covers every step in the right order, including two that most guides skip: eSIM transfer and the iOS Stolen Device Protection delay.


If you are still deciding when to sell or want to know what your iPhone is worth right now, theĀ iPhone resale value guide covers current trade-in prices by model.

Step 1: Get Your Trade-In Quote First

Get your quote before changing any settings. This locks in the figure you are working to protect.


Get an instant trade-in quote at Phonebot in under 2 minutes.


Condition adjustments happen after the device is received and assessed. Screen integrity, battery health, and hardware function are all checked on arrival. If the device matches what you selected, payment is processed within 24 hours.

Step 2: Request a Carrier Unlock (If Your iPhone Is Locked)

Do this now because it takes 1 to 3 business days.


A carrier-locked iPhone, tied to Telstra, Optus, or Vodafone, returns around 10 to 15% less than an unlocked equivalent. Contact your carrier and request an unlock. Most carriers do this for free once contract obligations are met.


By the time you finish the steps below, the unlock will likely be done.

Step 3: Back Up Your iPhone

Everything from Step 4 onwards is permanent. Once the device is erased, your data cannot be recovered.


iCloud backup: Settings ā†’ [Your Name] ā†’ iCloud ā†’ iCloud Backup ā†’ Back Up Now


Wait for it to complete. The screen shows the date and time of the last successful backup. If you see "Not Enough iCloud Storage," use the computer method instead.

Computer backup: Connect your iPhone to a Mac or PC. Open Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows, select your device, and click Back Up Now.


Computer backups are faster and do not need iCloud storage. If your phone has years of photos and messages, this is the more reliable option.

Step 4: Transfer or Delete Your eSIM

iPhone 14 and all later models sold in Australia are eSIM-only. There is no physical SIM tray. An eSIM must be transferred or deleted before you erase the phone, your number stays tied to a device you no longer own.


Transferring to a new iPhone: Settings ā†’ Mobile Data ā†’ [Your number] ā†’ Transfer SIM


Your carrier issues a new eSIM to the destination device automatically.


If you are not moving to a new phone yet: Settings ā†’ Mobile Data ā†’ [Your number] ā†’ Delete SIM


Your carrier will reactivate the number when you are ready.

Step 5: Check Stolen Device Protection

iOS 17.3 introduced Stolen Device Protection, which adds a one-hour security delay to certain actions, including turning off Find My and signing out of iCloud, when your iPhone is away from a trusted location, such as home or work.


Check it now: Settings ā†’ Face ID and Passcode ā†’ Stolen Device Protection


If it is on and you are not at a trusted location, go home first or temporarily disable it, complete Steps 6 to 9, then re-enable it on your new device. Starting the process without checking this is the reason many people get stuck partway through.


If you are not doing a factory reset and just handing the phone over, unpair your Apple Watch first via the Watch app and forget your AirPods under Settings ā†’ Bluetooth. A factory reset handles both automatically, so if you are completing all the steps below you can skip this.

Step 6: Turn Off Find My iPhone

This is the step that matters most. Find My iPhone = Activation Lock. If it is still on when the device arrives at trade-in, the payout drops to zero.


Settings ā†’ [Your Name] ā†’ Find My ā†’ Find My iPhone ā†’ toggle off


Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.


After turning it off, verify the device no longer appears at iCloud.com under All Devices. If it is gone from the list, Activation Lock is cleared.

Step 8: Sign Out of iCloud

Settings ā†’ [Your Name] ā†’ scroll to the bottom ā†’ Sign Out


Enter your Apple ID password. You will be asked whether to keep a copy of certain data on the device. Tap Sign Out. This removes all iCloud data and unlinks the device from your Apple ID.

Step 9: Remove the Physical SIM (iPhone 13 and Earlier)

For iPhone 13 and earlier models, use the SIM ejection tool that came with the phone, or a straightened paperclip. Press it into the small hole on the side of the device, and the tray pops out. Keep the SIM card for your new phone.

Step 10: Erase All Content and Settings

Settings ā†’ General ā†’ Transfer or Reset iPhone ā†’ Erase All Content and Settings


Enter your passcode when asked. The device will restart and land on the Hello setup screen. That screen confirms the reset worked and Activation Lock is cleared.


If the Hello screen asks for an Apple ID and password, Activation Lock is still active. Return to Step 7 and confirm the device has been removed from your iCloud account at iCloud.com.

Step 11: Check Condition Before You Ship

Phonebot's assessment on arrival covers screen integrity, battery health, and hardware functionality. What you select at quote time should match what arrives.

Check these before boxing the phone:

  • Screen: Cracks or chips reduce the payout. If the display is damaged, select the correct condition at quote time so the offer already accounts for it.
  • Body: Deep scratches or dents affect the grade. Minor surface marks are acceptable under Grade B.
  • Rear camera glass: A common damage point. Check for cracks across the camera lenses.
  • Buttons and ports: Test the volume buttons, side button, and Lightning or USB-C port. If anything does not work, select the appropriate condition in your quote.
  • Cleaning: Wipe the screen and body with a dry microfibre cloth before shipping.

Original packaging is not needed. Sending a working charger with the device can add to the final offer.

How Phonebot Pays You

Once the device arrives and passes assessment, payment is processed within 24 hours. You have three options:

  • Bank transfer
  • PayPal
  • Phonebot Store Credit at 1.2x the trade-in value

The store credit option is worth considering if you plan to buy a refurbished iPhone straight away. A trade-in payout of A$1,500 becomes A$1,800 in store credit, a difference of A$300 on the same transaction.


Shipping is free. Phonebot provides a prepaid Australia Post label when you accept your quote. The full process from shipping to payment takes 5 to 7 business days.

Quick Checklist

  • Carrier unlock requested if locked
  • iCloud or computer backup is complete
  • eSIM transferred or deleted (iPhone 14 and later)
  • Stolen Device Protection checked (iOS 17.3 and later)
  • Apple Watch unpaired and AirPods forgotten (only if not doing a factory reset)
  • Find My iPhone turned off, device gone from iCloud.com
  • Signed out of iCloud
  • Physical SIM removed (iPhone 13 and earlier)
  • Erased All Content and Settings, Hello screen showing
  • Screen, body, camera, buttons, ports checked
  • Device wiped clean and packed

Posted by Liam Harris

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Liam Harris

Liam Harris

Iā€™m Liam Harris, a tech writer at Phonebot with a passion for technology. I provide trusted insights on refurbished phones, tablets, and accessories, focusing on quality, sustainability, and affordability. With a solid understanding of the refurbished market, I offer practical tips, product comparisons, and the latest tech updates to help you make informed decisions. My goal is to connect you with high-quality devices that fit your budget and lifestyle. Stay tuned for more on the best in refurbished tech here at Phonebot.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget to turn off Find My before sending?

The device will be returned, or the payout will be reduced to zero. Confirm the phone no longer appears in your iCloud account at iCloud.com before shipping.


Can I trade in a cracked iPhone?

Yes. Select the appropriate condition when getting your quote and the payout reflects the damage. Sending a cracked device under an "as new" quote will result in a downward adjustment on arrival.


How long does the process take?

5 to 7 business days from shipping to payment. Payment is processed within 24 hours of Phonebot receiving and verifying the device.


My iPhone is eSIM only. What do I do with my number?

Go to Settings ā†’ Mobile Data ā†’ your number ā†’ Transfer SIM to move it to your new phone. If you are not moving to a new phone yet, select Delete SIM and your carrier will reactivate the number when needed.

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