5 Things to Do Before iPhone Trade-in | Back Up, Transfer and Erase Data Before Upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro series or a New iPhone
The new iPhone 18 Pro series has launched, prompting many users to consider a new phone. Whether the iPhone 18 Pro series is your next choice or you have another iPhone model in mind, trading in your old iPhone can help lower the upgrade cost. Before handing it over, properly back up and transfer your data, move your mobile number and remove linked accounts to avoid missing content or delays during inspection and handover.
The five steps below follow the typical upgrade journey and cover the iPhone trade-in estimate, device inspection, backup, phone-to-phone transfer, SIM／eSIM transfer and data erasure. From the newly launched iPhone 18 Pro series to other suitable iPhone models, this checklist helps you prepare the new phone and hand over the old one in a clear order.
1. Check the trade-in estimate and phone condition
The iPhone trade-in value normally depends on the model, capacity, appearance and functionality. Confirm the old iPhone details and request an online estimate to understand its value and plan the cost of a new phone. If you are considering the iPhone 18 Pro series or another iPhone model, compare the trade-in value with the new phone price before choosing an upgrade option.
Find the model and storage capacity
Navigation pathSettings > General > About- Check Model Name and Capacity
- If the iPhone has been repaired, scroll to Parts and Service History and complete any outstanding prompt
- Capture or record the serial number for quotation and device matching
Quick iPhone Trade-in Value Check
Select an iPhone model to view the FORTRESS trade-in value and eligible enhanced trade-in value. The actual quote may vary by storage, appearance, functionality and inspection result.
Loading the latest quotation data...
*The enhanced trade-in value applies only when purchasing selected products. Values are indicative; the online quotation and inspection result determine the final amount.
Run a quick self-check
- Display and touchscreen
- Face ID or Touch ID
- Front and rear cameras
- Power and volume buttons
- Speakers and microphones
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile network
- Lightning or USB-C charging
- Body, camera and screen condition
2. Back up the old iPhone and verify the transferred data
Whether you choose the iPhone 18 Pro series or another iPhone model, a proper backup is essential before trade-in. Check not only photos and contacts, but also WhatsApp history, financial apps, work files and authentication tools so that nothing important is missed after handover.
Choose a backup or transfer method
Navigation pathiCloud: Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup- Turn on Back Up This iPhone
- Connect to Wi-Fi and power, then tap Back Up Now
- Check that the latest successful backup shows the current date and time
- For Quick Start, enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on both phones, place them nearby and connect them to power
- iCloud backup: suitable when you have enough cloud storage and reliable Wi-Fi.
- Quick Start: useful when both the old and new iPhones are available for a direct transfer.
- Computer backup: use Finder on Mac or the Apple Devices app on Windows. Select an encrypted backup if you need to retain supported health data and saved passwords, and keep the backup password safe.
What to verify on the new iPhone
- Photos and videos
- Contacts, calendars and notes
- WhatsApp and other messages
- Banking, investment and payment apps
- Authenticator and two-step verification
- Work email, VPN and business accounts
- Health and Apple Watch data
- Local files not stored in the cloud
3. Unpair devices and review accounts and wallet items
An old iPhone may remain linked to Apple Watch, payment cards, subscriptions and personal accounts. Handle these connections before handover. Whether you later use the iPhone 18 Pro series or another new iPhone, completing these settings first makes account sign-in, payment setup and device pairing smoother while removing access from the old phone.
Handle Apple Watch first
Navigation pathWatch app > All Watches > Info button beside the watch > Unpair Apple Watch- Keep Apple Watch close to the old iPhone
- Open the Watch app and go to My Watch
- Tap All Watches, then the information button beside the watch
- Choose Unpair and enter the requested account details
- Open the Watch app on the new iPhone and pair again
Review payment and account settings
Navigation pathApple Account: Settings > [your name]; Wallet: open the Wallet app- Confirm the Apple Account password and trusted number
- Review payment cards, Octopus and passes
- Reverify bank cards on the new phone and follow the on-screen transfer process for Octopus or other services
- If moving to Android, go to Settings > Messages and turn off iMessage
4. Transfer the SIM or eSIM and test mobile service
Your mobile number supports calls, SMS, banking sign-in and two-factor authentication. When upgrading to the iPhone 18 Pro series or activating another new iPhone model, confirm that communication and verification functions work before erasing the old device to reduce the risk of temporarily missing verification codes.
For a physical SIM
Navigation pathPower off the iPhone > Open the SIM tray with a SIM eject tool- Remove the SIM from the old phone and place it in the new phone
- Power on and wait for the mobile network name
- Test calls, SMS and mobile data
- Confirm the old SIM tray is empty
For an eSIM
Navigation pathNew iPhone: Settings > Cellular > Set Up Cellular or Add eSIM- Choose transfer from a nearby iPhone, scan a QR code or use the operator-supported option
- Test calls, SMS and mobile data after activation
- Confirm banking and two-step verification messages can be received
- Remove the old eSIM only after service works on the new phone
5. Perform a final check, then erase the old iPhone
Erase the old iPhone only after data, accounts and the mobile number are working on the new phone. Do not delete photos or apps one by one. Use the built-in reset option to return the old iPhone to the initial setup state before trade-in inspection and handover.
Where to erase the iPhone
Navigation pathSettings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings- Recheck the data and mobile number on the new phone
- Tap Continue and enter the device passcode
- Enter the Apple Account password if requested
- Wait for restart and confirm the initial Hello screen
Follow the on-screen prompts and enter the required device or account credentials. When complete, the iPhone should restart at the initial setup screen.
Final handover check
- Initial setup screen is displayed
- No personal content or account is visible
- Physical SIM has been removed
- eSIM has been transferred or removed
- The phone powers on normally
- Personal case has been removed
- The quotation remains valid
- Handover proof is retained for delivery
iPhone trade-in FAQs
Can I erase the old iPhone as soon as the iCloud backup is complete?
Do not rely only on the backup confirmation. Open photos, WhatsApp, banking apps, an authenticator and work accounts on the new iPhone first, and verify that both the data and sign-in functions work.
What should I do if SMS verification does not work on trade-in day?
Keep the old iPhone and do not reset it. Check that the new phone is connected to the mobile network, then test calls, SMS and mobile data. For an eSIM, confirm its activation status with your Hong Kong mobile operator.
Can I complete the trade-in if I have forgotten my Apple Account password?
The missing password may prevent account removal or device erasure. Reset it before visiting the store and confirm that the trusted phone number can receive verification codes.
Will a missing original box, cable or accessory reduce the quote?
Requirements differ between trade-in programmes. Follow the quotation terms and inspection criteria rather than assuming that accessories are mandatory or will increase the value.
Can an iPhone with scratches, an ageing battery or repair history still be traded in?
It can generally be submitted for assessment, but appearance, functionality, parts condition and repair history may affect the final value. An online estimate is not the confirmed inspection price.
How do I know that an erased iPhone is ready for handover?
The phone should restart at the initial setup screen with no personal account or content visible. Also check that a physical SIM has been removed and that any eSIM has been transferred or removed as required.
Complete all 5 steps for a smoother iPhone trade-in
Planning to upgrade to the iPhone 18 Pro series or another preferred iPhone model? Preparing the old phone properly is an important part of the upgrade. After checking your data, backing up and transferring the iPhone, moving the SIM／eSIM and erasing the old device, you can obtain a more precise trade-in quote and arrange handover.
Completing each iPhone trade-in preparation step can reduce the risk of missing data, unavailable verification codes, linked accounts or inspection delays, helping you start using the new iPhone with confidence.
Eligibility, quotation, device settings and mobile service arrangements are subject to the latest terms of the relevant providers.