Thinking about selling your old iPhone? If it is in decent shape, you are good to go. Here are some of the pointers to help you strike a profitable deal. Also learn how to keep your iPhone secure and safe.

1. Back it all up

First important step you need to consider is to take back up of your iPhone data and settings. All you need to do is to sync it with iTunes. This method will create a backup copy of all your iMessages, application data and settings. The backup created includes all videos and pictures stored in your iPhone.

iCloud by Apple is one of the best services that you can make use of in order to take backup securely. With the help of this service, all your settings and data are copied to remote iCloud servers automatically. iOS 5 is required for using iCloud.

When you get a new iPhone, you can restore the same settings of your old iPhone by using iTunes and following the right steps. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science. iPhone will guide you and you just have to make some choices. Keep in mind that your iPhone will not have the old music or video files. If you want all of them back, you will have to do backup restoration in iPhone. You don’t have to buy the apps you had already purchased. Just go to the apple store and download them on your new iPhone.

2. Wipe it out

You don’t want the new owner of your iPhone to browse through your personal videos, images and other private data. That’s why you have to wipe the memory of your iPhone clean. Here are the steps to follow:-

a) First, take a complete backup of all the data stored on your iPhone as described above.
b) If you have used iTunes, check for the backup file under “Devices backups”. Follow this path to find your file:-
iTunes Menu > Preferences > Devices Tab
c) If you choose iCloud instead, follow these steps:-
Settings > iCloud >Storage and Backup
Check for the latest backup date to confirm that your backup has been generated successfully.
d) After checking for the backup files, go to General > Reset > Erase All Content & Settings.
e) After erasing, you will see a gray screen like the one that appears when an iPhone is first switched on.

3) Collect the original sync cable, original box and charger

You don’t have to have the original box in which your iPhone came packed but it is a plus when selling your old iPhone. Having white syncing cable is important though and so is the charger.

4) Clean screen with care

The likeable thing about iPhone’s durable glass screen and aluminum shell is that these two shine like a brand new penny when wiped properly.

A gentle wipe with a soft and dry cloth is all you need to do. Using a damp cloth is a strict no-no. Glass cleaner sprays too are prohibited from cleaning iPhone screens. Apple’s one year warranty that comes with all iPhones does not cover damage caused to the device by anything liquid. So, keep your iPhone safe from liquid stuff if you wish to sell it at a good price.

Here is how Apple suggests you should clean your iPhone.

The materials used to make Apple products vary; in some cases each product may have specific cleaning requirements, which may vary by the part you are cleaning. Here are some tips that apply to all products to get you started:
* Use only a soft, lint-free cloth. Abrasive cloths, towels, paper towels, and similar items may cause damage to the item.
* Disconnect your Apple product from any external power sources.
* Disconnect any external devices and other cabling from the product.
* Keep liquids away from the product.
* Don’t get moisture into any openings, and don’t use aerosol sprays, solvents, or abrasives.
* Do not spray cleaners directly onto the item.
Note: If liquid does make its way inside your Apple product, seek assistance from an Apple Authorized Service Provider or Apple Retail Store as soon as possible. Liquid damage is not covered under the Apple product warranty or AppleCare Protection Plans. If you plan to visit an Apple Retail store, make a reservation at the Genius Bar using http://www.apple.com/retail/geniusbar/ (available in some countries only).”

Are you planning to sell your iPhone anytime soon? Make sure you follow these points. Get a printout of this list and follow it. And when you are done, make a paper plane of it and see how far it goes…