Handing down an old phone to your child or a relative is one of the smartest ways to save money and reduce electronic waste. But before you pass that device along, you need to wipe every trace of your personal data and set it up safely for its new owner. I have walked dozens of families through this exact process, and the steps are the same whether the phone is heading to a 10-year-old or a 75-year-old grandparent.
If you skip the preparation phase, you risk exposing your photos, messages, passwords, and financial accounts to the next user. You also run into Activation Lock issues that can leave the phone completely unusable. On the flip side, a properly prepared device becomes a safe, age-appropriate tool that is ready to go the moment you hand it over.
In this guide, I will walk you through how to prepare an old phone to give to a child or relative, covering both iPhone and Android in one place. We will cover data backup, account sign-out, factory reset, parental controls, WiFi-only setup, and the conversation you should have before the hand-off.
Table of Contents
Quick Preparation Checklist
Before diving into the details, here is the complete preparation checklist at a glance. Each step links to a deeper explanation below, so you can jump straight to what you need.
Back up all photos, contacts, messages, and app data
Sign out of Apple ID, Google account, and any carrier apps
Unpair your Apple Watch if the phone was paired to one
Remove SIM card and any SD or memory cards
Factory reset to erase all content and settings
Remove device from your iCloud or Google account to clear Activation Lock
Create a new account for your child or relative
Set up parental controls and content restrictions
Install starter apps appropriate for the age and use case
Have the conversation about expectations and responsible use
Most of these steps take 30 to 60 minutes total, depending on how much data you need to back up.
Step 1: Back Up Everything Before You Touch the Phone
Backing up your phone is the single most important step. Once you factory reset, everything on that device is gone permanently. There is no recovery, no undo button, and no customer service that can bring your photos back.
Backing Up an iPhone
For iPhone, you have two solid options. The first is an iCloud backup, which happens wirelessly and stores your data in the cloud. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top, select iCloud, then iCloud Backup, and tap Back Up Now. Make sure you are connected to WiFi and plugged into power, because this can take a while if you have a lot of photos.
The second option is a local backup using a Mac or a PC. On a Mac running macOS Catalina or later, open Finder, select your iPhone from the sidebar, and click Back Up. On older Macs or Windows PCs, use iTunes. A local backup is faster for large amounts of data and does not count against your iCloud storage limit.
Backing Up an Android Phone
For Android, open Settings, scroll to Google, then tap Backup, and select Back up now. This saves your app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and photos to your Google Account. Confirm that the backup completed by checking the timestamp shown on the same screen.
If your Android phone has a microSD card with photos or files on it, remove the card before giving the phone away. You can also connect the phone to a computer with a USB cable and copy your photos, videos, and downloads manually. This gives you a physical backup that does not depend on cloud storage.
Tip: Take a moment to verify your backup actually worked. On iPhone, go to Settings, your name, iCloud, iCloud Backup, and check the timestamp of the last successful backup. On Android, check the Google One backup status in Settings. A backup that did not finish is the same as no backup at all.
Step 2: Sign Out of All Your Accounts
Signing out of your accounts is the step most people skip, and it causes the biggest headaches later. If you factory reset without signing out first, your Apple ID or Google account stays linked to the device. That triggers Activation Lock on iPhones and Factory Reset Protection on Android phones, both of which require your password to set up the phone again.
Signing Out of Apple ID on iPhone
On iPhone, open Settings, tap your name at the top, scroll to the very bottom, and tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password when prompted. This disables Find My iPhone and removes the device from your iCloud account, which prevents Activation Lock from blocking the next setup.
Before you sign out, also unpair any Apple Watch. Open the Watch app on your iPhone, tap All Watches, tap the info icon next to your watch, and select Unpair Apple Watch. This creates a backup of your watch data and frees it for pairing with a new phone.
Removing Google Account on Android
On Android, open Settings, select Accounts and backup or Passwords and accounts, tap your Google account, and choose Remove account. Repeat this for every Google account listed. If you are using a Samsung phone, also remove your Samsung account by going to Settings, tapping your Samsung account name, and signing out.
While you are in the accounts section, check for any other connected accounts. Messaging apps, email clients, banking apps, and social media accounts should all be signed out individually. Many of these will be wiped by the factory reset, but signing out first avoids any sync conflicts or notification issues on your new device.
Finally, remove your SIM card. Locate the SIM tray on the side of the phone, use a SIM ejector tool or a paperclip to open it, and slide the card out. Your SIM card is tied to your phone number and carrier account, and you will need it for your new device.
Step 3: Factory Reset to Erase All Content and Settings
The factory reset is what wipes the phone clean. This step removes every photo, message, app, contact, and saved password, returning the device to the same state it was in when it left the box. After this, the phone boots into the initial setup screen, ready for its new owner.
Factory Resetting an iPhone
On iPhone, go to Settings, tap General, scroll to the bottom, and select Transfer or Reset iPhone. Tap Erase All Content and Settings, then confirm. You will be asked for your passcode and Apple ID password. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on the phone model and how much data is stored.
The phone will restart several times during the reset. When it finishes, you will see the Hello screen in multiple languages. That is your confirmation that the phone is completely wiped and ready for setup.
Factory Resetting an Android Phone
On Android, open Settings, scroll to System, select Reset options, then tap Erase all data (factory reset). On Samsung phones, the path is Settings, General management, Reset, Factory data reset. Confirm your choice and enter your screen lock password if prompted.
The Android reset takes about 10 minutes. When it completes, the phone restarts to the setup wizard, just like a brand new device. If the phone prompts for a Google account password after the reset, that means Factory Reset Protection is still active. You skipped Step 2, so go back and remove your Google account before trying again.
Warning: Never give away a phone that still shows your photos, contacts, or home screen. If you can see your personal content, the factory reset did not complete. Run it again before handing the phone to anyone.
Step 4: Remove the Device From Your Account
Even after a factory reset, your device may still be registered to your account. This is especially true for iPhones, where the Activation Lock stays active until you manually remove the device from your iCloud account. Without this step, the new owner cannot get past the setup screen.
Removing an iPhone From iCloud
Sign in to iCloud.com on a computer or another device and open Find Devices. Select your old iPhone from the list of devices, click Erase iPhone if it has not already been erased, and then click Remove from Account. This step disables Activation Lock so the phone can be set up with a new Apple ID.
If you gave away the phone without completing this step, you can still remove it remotely. As long as the device appears in your iCloud device list, the Remove from Account option is available. Once removed, the phone is freed from your Apple ID permanently.
Removing an Android Phone From Your Google Account
Go to myaccount.google.com on a computer, sign in, and navigate to Security. Scroll down to Your devices and click Manage all devices. Find your old phone in the list, click it, and select Sign out. This removes the device from your Google account and disables Factory Reset Protection.
For Samsung phones, also remove the device from your Samsung account. Sign in at smartthings.find.samsung.com, select your old phone, and click Erase and then Remove from account. Some Samsung phones also require a reactivation lock removal in Settings before the factory reset.
Step 5: Set Up a New Account for Your Child or Relative
Now the phone is clean and free of your data. The next step is setting up a fresh account for the new owner. For a child, this means creating a supervised account through Family Sharing on iPhone or Google Family Link on Android. For an adult relative, a standard new account works.
Creating a Child Apple ID on iPhone
On your own iPhone, go to Settings, tap your name, select Family Sharing, and tap Add Member. Choose Create an Account for a Child, then follow the prompts to enter the child’s name, birth date, and a new Apple ID. Children under 13 must have their Apple ID created through Family Sharing, as Apple does not allow standalone accounts for that age group.
Once the child Apple ID is created, you can set it up on the old iPhone during the initial configuration. Sign in with the new Apple ID when prompted during setup. The phone is now linked to your Family Sharing group, which gives you oversight of purchases, screen time, and location.
Setting Up Google Family Link on Android
Install the Google Family Link app on your own phone from the Play Store. Open the app and follow the setup wizard to create a Google account for your child, or link an existing account. Family Link works for children under 13 with a supervised Google account.
On the old Android phone, sign in with the child’s new Google account during setup. Family Link will automatically apply your supervision settings, including app approval, screen time limits, and content restrictions. You manage everything from the Family Link app on your own phone.
For an Adult Relative
Help your relative create their own Apple ID or Google account during the initial phone setup. If they already have an account, sign in with that. Walk them through the setup wizard at their own pace, and do not rush. Many older adults need help with email setup, contacts import, and adjusting text size for readability.
Consider turning on accessibility features during setup. On iPhone, go to Settings, Accessibility, and adjust Display and Text Size, Magnifier, and VoiceOver if needed. On Android, Settings, Accessibility offers similar options for vision, hearing, and motor needs.
Step 6: Configure Parental Controls and Content Restrictions
Parental controls are what make a phone safe for a child. Both iOS and Android include built-in tools that let you restrict content, limit screen time, control app downloads, and approve purchases. These settings are the difference between a safe starter phone and an unfiltered internet device in your child’s pocket.
Setting Up Screen Time on iPhone
On the child’s iPhone, go to Settings and tap Screen Time. Tap Turn On Screen Time, then Continue, and select This is My Child’s iPhone. You will set a Screen Time passcode that only you know, which prevents your child from changing the restrictions.
Inside Screen Time, you can configure Downtime, which schedules times when the phone is locked except for phone calls and approved apps. App Limits lets you set daily time caps on categories like games, social media, or entertainment. Content and Privacy Restrictions is where you block explicit content, restrict web access, prevent app installation and deletion, and require approval for purchases.
Through Family Sharing, you can manage all of these settings remotely from your own iPhone. Go to Settings, your name, Family Sharing, select your child, and tap Screen Time. Any changes you make sync to the child’s phone automatically.
Setting Up Family Link Restrictions on Android
Open the Family Link app on your phone and select your child’s account. You will see controls for Apps, Screen Time, and Location. Under Apps, you can approve or block any app your child tries to install, and set daily limits on individual apps.
Under Screen Time, set a daily device limit and a bedtime schedule that locks the phone overnight. Family Link also includes content filters for Google Play, restricting app downloads, movies, books, and music by age rating. You can turn off app purchasing entirely or require parental approval for every download.
Third-Party Monitoring Apps
Some parents want deeper visibility than the built-in tools provide. Apps like Bark and Qustodio monitor text messages, social media activity, and web browsing for signs of cyberbullying, depression, or inappropriate content. These tools send alerts to you without giving you full access to read every message.
Bark works on both iPhone and Android and runs in the background. Qustodio adds a VPN connection to filter web traffic across all apps. Both offer free tiers, though the most useful features require a paid subscription. Consider these tools if your child is getting their first phone at a younger age or if you want content-aware monitoring.
Important: Be transparent with your child about monitoring. Privacy experts and child psychologists recommend telling kids what you can see and why. Secret surveillance can damage trust, while open conversations about safety build responsible habits that last well beyond the phone itself.
Step 7: WiFi-Only Setup for Devices Without a SIM Card
You do not need a cellular plan to make an old phone useful. Many parents set up hand-me-down phones as WiFi-only devices, which function like an iPod Touch or a small tablet. The child can use messaging apps, games, video calls, and educational tools without a monthly phone bill.
Setting Up an iPhone Without a SIM Card
Start the iPhone setup process as normal. When the phone reaches the SIM card screen, it may say No SIM Card Installed. If your iPhone supports it, you can skip this step by tapping the option that says Setup without SIM. On newer iOS versions, this option may not appear, but the phone will proceed once it detects a WiFi connection.
Connect to WiFi, sign in with the child’s Apple ID, and continue setup. The phone works fully on WiFi, including iMessage, FaceTime, App Store downloads, and all games. Apps like WhatsApp, Google Duo, and Skype work over WiFi for calling and texting non-Apple contacts.
If the phone insists on a SIM card and will not let you proceed, borrow any active SIM temporarily just to get past the activation screen. Once the phone is activated, you can remove the SIM and the phone will continue to work on WiFi.
Setting Up an Android Phone Without a SIM Card
Most Android phones boot straight into the WiFi setup wizard even without a SIM card inserted. Connect to WiFi, sign in with the child’s Google account, and follow the prompts. The phone works on WiFi for everything except traditional cellular calls and SMS texting.
For messaging, install Google Messages over WiFi. For calling, use Google Voice or your carrier’s WiFi calling feature if supported. Streaming apps, games, and video calls all work normally over WiFi.
Step 8: Have the Conversation Before Handing It Over
The technical setup is only half the job. The other half is the conversation you have with your child or relative about how the phone will be used. A family media agreement sets clear expectations and prevents conflict later on. Research from Common Sense Media and child development experts consistently shows that children do better with phones when rules are established upfront.
Topics to Cover
Discuss screen-free zones, such as the dinner table and the bedroom at night. Set device-free times, particularly during homework, family meals, and the hour before bedtime. Decide together whether the phone charges in a shared space overnight rather than in the child’s room.
Talk about what types of content are off-limits and why. Explain that you can see app download history and screen time reports. Discuss what to do if they receive a message that makes them uncomfortable, and reassure them they can come to you without losing the phone.
For an Elderly Relative
The conversation looks different for a senior receiving their first smartphone. Focus on patience, accessibility, and scam awareness. Walk them through how to identify phishing texts and calls, which target older adults disproportionately. Set up emergency contacts and medical ID information in the phone’s settings.
Consider scheduling a weekly check-in call where you help them with any phone questions. Many seniors feel overwhelmed by smartphones at first, but regular support builds confidence quickly.
Starter Apps Worth Installing
For a child’s first phone, pre-install a handful of age-appropriate apps so the phone feels ready to use from day one. Good starter apps include Duolingo for languages, Khan Academy Kids for learning, YouTube Kids for video, and a simple weather app. For games, anything in the kids section of the App Store or Google Play has been reviewed for age-appropriate content.
For a relative, install apps they will actually use. Video calling apps like FaceTime or Google Duo help them stay connected. A medication reminder app, a simple news app, and a large-button calculator are practical additions. Avoid overwhelming them with too many apps at once.
FAQs
How to give an old phone to a child?
Back up your data, sign out of your Apple ID or Google account, factory reset the device, remove it from your iCloud or Google account to clear Activation Lock, create a new supervised account for your child, set up parental controls through Family Sharing or Google Family Link, and install age-appropriate apps before handing it over.
Should I factory reset my phone before giving it to my child?
Yes, always factory reset. A reset erases all your photos, messages, passwords, and personal data, returning the phone to its original setup screen. Without a factory reset, your child or relative will have full access to your private information and accounts.
How do I prepare my old iPhone for my child?
Back up the iPhone to iCloud or a computer, sign out of your Apple ID in Settings, unpair any Apple Watch, remove the SIM card, erase all content and settings, remove the device from your iCloud account at iCloud.com, create a child Apple ID through Family Sharing, and configure Screen Time with content restrictions and app limits.
Can I set up an old phone for a child without a SIM card?
Yes. Both iPhone and Android phones work on WiFi without a SIM card. Connect to WiFi during setup, sign in with the child’s account, and the phone functions like a small tablet for messaging, video calls, games, and educational apps. If an iPhone requires a SIM to activate, borrow one temporarily to get past the activation screen.
What is Activation Lock and how do I remove it?
Activation Lock is an Apple security feature that prevents anyone else from using your iPhone if it is lost or stolen. It stays active until you sign out of your Apple ID and remove the device from your iCloud account. To remove it, sign in to iCloud.com, open Find Devices, select the phone, and click Remove from Account.
What age is appropriate for a child’s first phone?
There is no single right answer, but the average age for a first phone in the US is around 11 to 12. Many parents start with a WiFi-only device or a phone with limited calling and texting. The decision depends on your child’s maturity, your family’s communication needs, and whether your child walks home alone or participates in after-school activities.
Wrapping Up
Knowing how to prepare an old phone to give to a child or relative comes down to a simple sequence: back up, sign out, reset, remove from account, set up new account, configure restrictions, and have the conversation. Each step takes only a few minutes, but together they protect your privacy and create a safe starting point for the new owner.
Whether you are handing down an iPhone or an Android, to a curious 10-year-old or a tech-cautious grandparent, the process is the same at its core. Take your time with each step, verify your backups, and do not skip the account removal. The phone you hand over should feel fresh, safe, and ready from the very first tap.