How to Wipe Your Old iPhone Before You Give It Away

— -- The announcement of the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus might have made you eager to part with your old iPhone -- but there's one important step you need to take before making the switch.

If you're planning on giving away, selling or trading in your current iPhone, it's recommended that you make sure your device is wiped clean. This will make sure your personal information and digital memories aren't given to someone else.

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First, it's important to make sure your phone is backed up. There are two easy ways to do this.

iCloud

Chances are you're already using the iCloud, but here's how to make sure you've recently backed up everything.

Tap Settings, then go to iCloud, choose Storage & Backup.

Make sure the iCloud switch is toggled to "on" and then choose "Back Up Now."

iTunes

Connect your iOS device to your computer and open iTunes. Then, choose file, devices and then backup.

If you're using a version of iTunes 10.7 or earlier, right click the device from the list and then choose "backup now."

Double check that the backup worked by going to preferences and then clicking devices. The latest backup and the device should be listed on the screen.

Wiping the Phone

Once you're satisfied everything is backed up to the iCloud or iTunes, you're ready to restore the phone back to its factory settings. Go to settings, general, reset and then choose "Erase All Content and Settings."

Now you're ready to sell, trade-in or give away your iPhone.