Prep your device for trade-in and perform a factory reset.

Apple users can track and erase their devices remotely using iCloud and the Find My feature. Be sure to disable this feature before giving the device to another user or sending it in for repair or trade-in.

To turn off this feature:

• Go to "Settings."
• Select "iCloud."
• Select "Find My."
• Enter your Apple ID.
• Select "Turn Off."

A factory reset will delete your personal data and any apps you've installed from your device. It also resets the device back to its default state.

For Apple iOS:

• Go to "Settings."
• Select "General."
• Select "Reset."
• Select "Erase all content and settings."

For Android:

• Go to "Settings."
• Select "Backup and reset."
• Select "Factory data reset."

For Windows:

• Go to your app list.
• Go to "Settings."
• Select "About."
• Select "Reset."
• Select "Yes" (in answer to the warnings about data loss – you did back up your data, right?).

The Activation Lock prevents anyone from activating, completing the Setup Assistant, or erasing a device without first unlocking it using a linked Apple ID. If you are planning to give your device to someone or to send it in for repair or trade-in, you’ll want to disable the Activation Lock first. This can be done two different ways:

On the device

To turn off the Activation Lock using the device, you will need to reset it to its original factory settings. For instructions on how to do this, see the Perform a factory reset section above.

Using the Apple ID

The Activation Lock feature works by tracking the device through your iCloud account. Removing it from your Find My list will disassociate it from your account and the Activation Lock will then be disabled.

• On a computer, log on to the iCloud platform at icloud.com using your Apple ID.
• Select "Find My."
• From the "All Devices" menu, select the device you would like to remove.
• Select "Erase [device type]."
• Confirm you want to erase the device from your account.
• Enter your Apple ID password.
• Select "Next" until you get the "Erase Started" pop-up box.
• Select "Remove from Account."
• Confirm your decision to remove the device from your Apple account by selecting "Remove" in the pop-up box.

Once you've completed the steps outlined above, go back to "Find My" and make sure the device has been removed from the "All Devices" menu. If it is no longer on the list, the device is ready to be serviced or transferred to another person.

Smartwatches

Apple Watch

How to remove the Find My feature and unpair your Apple Watch: 

• Keep your Apple Watch and iPhone close together. On your iPhone, open the "Watch app."
• Select "My Watch."
• Select "All Watches" at the top of the screen.
• Select the "Info" button next to your Apple Watch.
• For cellular models, select "Remove (Carrier) Plan" and follow the prompts to remove account.
• Select "Unpair Apple Watch."
• Follow the prompts to enter your Apple ID password.

Samsung Galaxy Watch

Depending on your watch, the reset methods may be a little different. On a Galaxy Watch:

• Go to "Settings."
• Swipe to and select "General."
• Swipe to and select "Reset."
• Select the checkmark and follow any on-screen instructions to start the reset.

OR on your connected phone:

• Open the "Galaxy Wearable app."
• Go to "Watch Settings."
• Select "General."
• Select "Reset" and then tap "Reset" again to confirm.
• You may be prompted to enter your Samsung ID password to remove a "SmartThings Find" account.

Headphones

Unpair headphones from the phone and confirm they are not connected to any of your personal accounts (Apple, Google, Samsung, etc.).

• Go to "Settings."
• Select "Bluetooth" menu.
• Select the name of your headphones.
• Select "Forget this device" or "Remove."

Remove the "Find My" feature from your Apple AirPods or Apple AirPods Max:

• Go to "Settings."
• Select "Bluetooth" settings.
• Select "AirPods."
• Select "Forget device."

Verify that AirPods are no longer visible in the "Find My" feature. If they are, select "AirPods" and scroll to "Remove this device."