Steps users should take before upgrading to Apple’s iPhone 16 next week to protect their data

Millions of people will trade in their smartphones for the new iPhone 16 next week.

But if you sell or trade in an outdated device, you risk identity theft, stalking, and other dangers.

There are important steps you can take to secure an iPhone so your digital life doesn’t end up in someone else’s hands.

The action plan includes backing up the iPhone, unpairing certain devices, and disabling tracking.

Apple will host an event called “It’s Glowtime” on September 9, where the company is expected to unveil its latest flagship iPhones.

Rumors suggest that four new iPhone models will launch on Monday: the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max.

Moreover, the smartphones are designed to support the latest iOS 18 features, especially the new AI-driven platform.

Apple has reportedly produced over 90 million iPhone 16 units for the upcoming season, meaning users will be handing over their older smartphones, which will first need to be wiped and secured.

1. Make a backup

Our phones hold our entire lives in one place. Photos, contacts, and other important bits of personal information are all stored on that one piece of technology.

Don’t risk losing any of it. Here’s how:

Note: Make sure you are logged into a Wi-Fi network during the entire backup process.

● Go to Settings > (your name) > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

● Tap Back Up Now.

If you don’t have enough cloud storage for a full backup, your best bet is to use your Mac or PC.

2. Disconnect your Bluetooth devices

Start by unpairing your Apple Watch. Here’s how to do this:

● Sign out of iCloud and the iTunes & App Store.

○ On iOS 10.3 or later, tap Settings > (your name). Scroll down and tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.

○ On iOS 10.2 or earlier, tap Settings > iCloud > Sign Out. Tap Sign Out again, then tap Delete from My (Device) and enter your Apple ID password. Then go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.

Next, take care of the rest of your Bluetooth devices, such as AirPods or other headphones, speakers, headsets, wearables, health trackers, and smart home devices.

To find everything connected to your iPhone:

● Find the device you want to unpair and tap the ‘i’ icon next to it.

● Tap Forget this device and confirm.

3. Disable tracking

Disabling Find My is essential so that the new owner can activate and use it without any issues. You also don’t want any persistent connections to you and your account.

● Go to Settings > (your name) > Find My > Find My iPhone.

● Turn off Find My iPhone.

● Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

Next, you’ll want to make sure to turn off Find My Activation Lock. This feature is designed to prevent anyone else from using your iPhone if it’s lost or stolen.

When you turn off Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, Activation Lock is automatically removed.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > (your name) > Find My. Tap Find My (device), then turn off Find My (device).

4. Reset the phone to factory settings

Now that your data is backed up and you’ve logged out, it’s time for the heavy lifting.

It’s best to reset your phone to factory settings to ensure that all of your personal data remains personal.

● Open Settings > General.

● Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.

● Select Erase all content and settings and wait for the process to complete.

● If your device uses eSIM, choose the option to erase your device and the eSIM profile when prompted.

5. The final step

If you are setting up a new phone, your eSIM should be transferred to the new phone. That means you are done.

Need help? Call your provider, visit their website or visit a point of sale. Ask to deactivate the old phone from their network.

That was a lot of work. Luckily for you, getting all your data onto your new phone is easy. These days, it’s as simple as opening the box, turning on the phone, and following a few on-screen steps.