How to Prepare Your iPad Before Selling — Complete Checklist

The quick checklist

Here is the complete list. Each step is explained in detail below.

• Back up your data (iCloud or computer)
• Unpair Apple Pencil (if you have one)
• Unpair keyboard accessories
• Sign out of iCloud
• Turn off Find My iPad
• Remove SIM card or eSIM plan (cellular models)
• Erase All Content and Settings
• Gather accessories (Pencil, keyboard, charger, box)

Step 1: Back up your data

Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now. Or connect to your Mac/PC and back up via Finder/iTunes. Make sure photos, notes, and any app data you care about are saved somewhere before you erase.

Step 2: Unpair your Apple Pencil

If you have an Apple Pencil paired to the iPad, unpair it before erasing. Go to Settings → Bluetooth, find your Apple Pencil in the list, tap the (i) icon, and choose Forget This Device. This ensures the Pencil pairs cleanly with whoever gets the iPad next — and avoids confusion during inspection.

Step 3: Unpair keyboard and other accessories

If you use a Magic Keyboard, Smart Keyboard Folio, or any Bluetooth keyboard or mouse, disconnect and forget them in Settings → Bluetooth. For the Magic Keyboard or Smart Keyboard Folio that connect via the Smart Connector, simply detach them physically.

Step 4: Sign out of iCloud

This is the most important step — same as with iPhone or MacBook. If you skip this, Activation Lock stays on and the iPad cannot be resold.

• Go to Settings → [Your Name] (top of Settings)
• Scroll to the bottom and tap Sign Out
• Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
• Choose whether to keep a copy of data on the iPad (does not matter since you are erasing next)
• Tap Sign Out to confirm

Step 5: Remove SIM or eSIM (cellular models only)

If your iPad has a cellular model with a physical SIM, eject the SIM tray and remove the card. If you have an eSIM plan active, go to Settings → Cellular → tap your plan → Remove Cellular Plan. Contact your carrier separately to cancel or transfer the plan.

Step 6: Erase All Content and Settings

Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPad → Erase All Content and Settings. Enter your passcode when prompted. The iPad will take a few minutes to erase, then restart to the setup screen ("Hello"). Leave it there — do not set it up again.

What to bring to Berry Nice

When you come for your iPad buyback inspection, bring:

• The iPad itself (erased, at the setup screen)
• Apple Pencil (if you have one — unpaired)
• Keyboard case (if original Apple)
• Original charger and cable
• Original box (if available)

None of the accessories are required, but each one adds a small amount to the offer. The iPad itself is what matters most — everything else is a bonus.