HT204686: How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups

Learn about How to erase your iOS device and then set it up as a new device or restore it from backups

Fburroughs

Level 1 (5 points)

Q: I erased all data but did NOT remove my SIM card before selling my iPhone 4S. Is that a problem??

Will the buyer be able to access my personal information if I left my SIM card in my phone??

iPhone 4S, iOS 6

Posted on Oct 10, 2012 2:40 AM

I have this question too

Q: I erased all data but did NOT remove my SIM card before selling my iPhone 4S. Is that a problem??

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Helpful answers

by gavemymacbookaname,

gavemymacbookaname Oct 10, 2012 2:42 AM in response to Fburroughs
Level 1 (134 points)

iPad

Oct 10, 2012 2:42 AM in response to Fburroughs

he would be able to use your SIM card for iMessage via WiFi. Which means the people he messages with will see his iMessages coming from the cellphone number
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by wjosten,

wjosten Oct 10, 2012 2:42 AM in response to Fburroughs
Level 10 (94,627 points)

iPhone

Oct 10, 2012 2:42 AM in response to Fburroughs

No problem, an iPhone sim card contains none of your data & if deactivated is useless.
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by wjosten,

wjosten Oct 10, 2012 2:42 AM in response to gavemymacbookaname
Level 10 (94,627 points)

iPhone

Oct 10, 2012 2:42 AM in response to gavemymacbookaname

None of what you posted is true.
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by Fburroughs,

Fburroughs Oct 10, 2012 2:48 AM in response to wjosten
Level 1 (5 points)

Oct 10, 2012 2:48 AM in response to wjosten

Thank you for setting my mind at ease.
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by wjosten,

wjosten Oct 10, 2012 2:49 AM in response to Fburroughs
Level 10 (94,627 points)

iPhone

Oct 10, 2012 2:49 AM in response to Fburroughs

You're welcome.
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by gavemymacbookaname,

gavemymacbookaname Oct 10, 2012 2:51 AM in response to wjosten
Level 1 (134 points)

iPad

Oct 10, 2012 2:51 AM in response to wjosten

I just gave my brother my wiped iPhone, with deactivated SIM card inside. He was able to send iMessages with my phone number despite the phone being wiped.

Perhaps it is a one-off issue with me?

Sorry for the confusion if it is just me.
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by wjosten,

wjosten Oct 10, 2012 3:05 AM in response to gavemymacbookaname
Level 10 (94,627 points)

iPhone

Oct 10, 2012 3:05 AM in response to gavemymacbookaname

Nothing to do with the sim card, everything to do with the fact that you first didn't turn iMessage off BEFORE wiping the phone. You can also login to your Apple support profile & remove the device. Both would have prevented this from happening, but has nothing to do with the sim card.
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