5 critical things to check first before selling or trading in your iPhone (and why they matter)

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Here's a common scenario. You're at the Apple Store or other retail outlet buying a new iPhone but you want to save money by trading in your current phone. Ahh, but you could run into a few obstacles.

Also: Best iPhone now: I compared the top models and found the best options for you

Maybe you've forgotten to back up your phone. Or you've neglected to erase all your personal data. Maybe you haven't turned off the Find My service, or disabled Stolen Device Protection. You see the dilemma.

You can avoid these types of hiccups by preparing your iPhone for trade-in before you even leave home. Here's a list of items you should tackle beforehand so that you're not stuck at the store trying to figure out what to ...