Steps users need to take before upgrading to Apple's iPhone 16 next week to protect their information

Millions of people will swap their smartphones for the new iPhone 16 next week.

But selling or trading in an outdated device can increase the user's risk of identity theft, stalking and other dangers.

To prevent your digital life from falling into the hands of others, you need to take important steps to secure your iPhone.

The action plan includes securing the iPhone, unpairing certain devices, and disabling location tracking.

Apple is hosting an event called “It's Glowtime” on September 9, where the company is expected to unveil its latest flagship iPhones.

According to rumors, four new iPhone models called iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be launched this Monday.

In addition, the smartphones are set up to support the latest features of iOS 18, especially the new AI-powered platform.

Apple has reportedly produced more than 90 million iPhone 16 units for the upcoming season, which means users will throw away their older smartphones, which should be wiped and backed up first.

1. Secure it

Our phones consolidate our entire lives in one place. Pictures, contacts and other important personal information are all stored on this one piece of technology.

Don't risk losing any of it. Here's how:

Note: Make sure you are logged into a Wi-Fi network throughout the backup process.

● Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.

● Tap Save Now.

If you don't have enough cloud storage for a full backup, use your Mac or PC.

2. Unpair your Bluetooth connected devices

First, unpair your Apple Watch. Here's how:

● Sign out of iCloud and the iTunes & App Store.

○ In iOS 10.3 or later, tap Settings > [your name]. Scroll down and tap Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.

○ In iOS 10.2 or earlier, tap Settings > iCloud > Sign Out. Tap Sign Out again, then tap Turn off My [device] and enter your Apple ID password. Then go to Settings > iTunes & App Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.

A tech expert has outlined several steps users need to take when disposing of their old iPhone, such as backing up their information to iCloud

Next, take care of the rest of your Bluetooth devices, such as AirPods or other headphones, speakers, headsets, wearable devices, health trackers, and smart home devices.

Here's how to find everything connected to your iPhone:

● Find the device you want to unpair and tap the “i” icon next to it.

● Tap “Forget this device” and confirm.

3. Disable tracking

Disabling Find My is important so that the new owner can easily activate and use the app. Also, you don't want any permanent connections to you and your account.

● Go to Settings > [your name] > Find My iPhone > Find My iPhone.

● Turn off Find My iPhone.

● Enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

Next, you should turn off Find My iPhone Activation Lock, which is designed to prevent someone else from using your iPhone if it is lost or stolen.

If you turn off Find My on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, Activation Lock is automatically removed.

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > [your name] > Find My. Tap Find My. [device]and then deactivate “Find my?” [device].

4. Reset the phone to factory settings

Once your data is backed up and you're logged out, it's time to bring out the big guns.

To ensure that all your personal information remains personal, you should reset your phone to factory settings.

● Open Settings > General.

● Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset.

● Select “Erase all content and settings” and wait for the process to complete.

● If your device uses eSIM, when prompted, select the option to delete your device and eSIM profile.

5. The final step

If you're setting up a new phone, your eSIM should be transferred to the new phone, which means you're done.

Need help? Call your mobile operator, visit their website or visit a retail store. Request that the old phone be deactivated on their network.

That was a lot of work. Thankfully, it's quite easy to transfer all your data to your new phone. These days, it's basically as simple as opening the box, turning the phone on, and following a few on-screen steps.