How to back up and format your phone?

Upgrading your smartphone – should you sell it or give it away? Before you wipe it, back up your data to avoid any loss. Here’s how to do it quickly and efficiently.

💾 Why is backing up important?

Backing up regularly protects your data against:

• Accidental loss (theft, damage, human error)
• Changing phones
• The risk of cyberattacks or malware

☁️ Backing up your important data:

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Select your name
3. Tap iCloud
4. Select iCloud Backup
5. Tap Back Up Now

💡 Good to know: Since iOS 18, Apple has offered a built-in password manager, making it easier to recover login details after a reset.

On Android:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Accounts and backup
3. Tap Data backup
4. Choose what to back up (photos, contacts, Google data, etc.)

💡 Check your backup: Once the backup is complete, make sure all your important data (photos, apps, contacts, etc.) has been saved correctly. 

📂  Choose your backup method:

Select the backup method that best suits your needs:

Cloud backup:

• iPhone: Use iCloud
• Android: Use Google Drive

Local backup:

• iPhone: Use iTunes or Finder (on macOS Catalina and later)
• Android: Use tools such as Samsung Smart Switch

Manual backup:

• Transfer your photos and videos to a computer via USB
• Back up important documents to cloud services such as Google Drive or Dropbox

💡 Tip: Cloud backup remains the quickest and easiest option.

🔐 Protect your sensitive information:

Before resetting your device or handing it over:

• Sign out of all your accounts (Google, Apple ID, etc.)
• Delete passwords saved in your browsers
• Delete any personal files you do not wish to share

⚠️ Warning: Some apps, such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Luxtrust, MyGuichet and your banking apps, will automatically log you out after a reset. Make sure you have the necessary login details and recovery methods for these apps.

💡 Good to know: Use Apple’s password manager or Google Password Manager on Android to securely back up your login details before resetting your device. 

🔄 Format your device:

Once your data has been safely backed up, reset your phone to its factory settings.

On iPhone:

1. Open Settings
2. Select General
3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
4. Select Erase All Content and Settings
5. Confirm with your Apple ID

On Android:

1. Open Settings
2. Select General Management
3. Tap Reset
4. Select Factory data reset
5. Confirm with your PIN or password

🔄 Restoring your data after a reset:

When setting up your new device or after resetting your old one:

1. Restore your backup: Choose to restore from your cloud or local backup during setup.
2. Reconnect your accounts: Log in to your essential apps and services.
   • Apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Luxtrust, MyGuichet and your banking apps will require your login credentials.
   • For banking or administrative apps, additional verification steps (SMS codes, biometric authentication) may be required.
3. Reinstall and check the apps: Ensure that all necessary apps are working properly and that your data has been successfully restored.