Prepare a phone for handover with a verification check

Giving away a phone involves both keeping your information and removing it from the old device. Treat those as separate checks.

1. Make a backup using the manufacturer's supported method. On your replacement device, open important photos, messages and files rather than relying only on a completion message.
2. Confirm that account sign-ins and necessary verification methods work on the replacement. Check any app-specific transfer requirements before you lose access to the old phone.
3. Read the current handover instructions for your exact model. Follow the required account sign-out, accessory unpairing and erase steps in the order specified.
4. After erasing, confirm that the old phone reaches its initial setup screen. Remove physical cards and handle any mobile plan transfer according to the carrier's instructions.

Do not clear a phone by manually deleting synchronized photos or contacts: those deletions may reach other devices. If verification fails, postpone the handover.