Getting ready to upgrade your iPhone or iPad? Before eCycling your old device, you'll need to properly prepare it by performing a factory reset. This process ensures your personal data stays secure while making your device ready for its next life through iPhone recycling programs.
How to factory reset your iPhone or iPad
Before you start the factory reset process, understand that this action will permanently remove everything from your device — including your contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, passwords, saved files, and account information.
This complete data wipe is exactly what you want when preparing to recycle your iPhone or iPad, as it protects your privacy and prevents unauthorized access.
Important note for business devices: If your device has Mobile Device Management (MDM) profiles, work with your IT department to remove them before starting the factory reset process.
Here’s how to reset your iPad or iPhone to factory settings:
- Unpair your Bluetooth connections. If you've paired AirPods, an Apple Watch, or other Bluetooth devices with your iPhone/iPad, unpair them before proceeding with the reset. Navigate to Settings > Bluetooth, find each device and tap the “i” icon, then select “Forget This Device.”
- Back up your device if needed. While optional, backing up ensures you don't lose important data. To perform a backup via iCloud, navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, then tap "Back Up Now." You can also choose to back up your data to a Mac or PC.
- Sign out of iCloud and your Apple ID. For iOS 10.3 or later, go to Settings > [Your Name]. Scroll down and tap "Sign Out." Enter your Apple ID password when prompted, and tap “Turn Off.”
- Disable Find My iPhone/iPad. This feature typically turns off automatically when you sign out of iCloud, but double-check its status by going to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone/iPad.
- Remove or erase your SIM. If your device uses a physical SIM card, don’t forget to remove it from your device. If it uses an eSIM, you’ll be given the option to delete it when performing the factory reset.
- Perform the factory reset. Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone/iPad. Tap "Erase All Contents and Settings," enter your passcode, and follow the on-screen prompts to complete the process.
- Remove your device from trusted devices. After the reset, log in to your Apple ID account online and remove the old device from your list of trusted devices.
Your device should now be reset and ready for the next step in its recycling journey. If you need help resetting your device before sending it in to Reunitus, reach out to our team and we’ll be happy to assist!
Why you shouldn't just toss your iPhone or iPad in the trash
Simply throwing your old iPhone or iPad in the trash negatively impacts the environment. Electronic waste contains harmful substances that release toxins as they break down in landfills, potentially contaminating soil and water sources, which harms both people and wildlife.
Additionally, your discarded device contains valuable materials like rare earth metals. When electronics end up in landfills, these finite resources can't be recovered and reused. Some regions even impose fines and penalties for improper electronic waste disposal, particularly for businesses.
Ready to recycle your iPhone or iPad (and maybe get a payout)?
You have several options for responsibly disposing of your reset device:
- Local retail drop-off programs at stores like Best Buy and Staples accept old electronics for proper recycling.
- The Apple Trade In program allows you to drop off devices at Apple stores or ship them in at no cost.
- Nonprofit donations help extend your device's useful life by getting it into the hands of organizations that need it.
- Mail-in recycling programs like Reunitus provide maximum convenience. You receive a prepaid shipping label, and depending on your device's condition and model, you may even earn money back.
These options are all effective, eco-friendly ways to dispose of iPhones and iPads. By keeping these devices out of landfills, you help protect the environment — and depending on the method you choose, you might even earn some cash back.
Ready to turn your old iPhone or iPad into cash? Start your eCycling journey with Reunitus today.