How to Send an iPhone in the Philippines (Part 1)

My first Apple gadget was iPhone 3GS. It was my second cellphone; the first is Sony Ericcson.

I thought of buying a Nokia since I never had it in the Philippines but when I came here in Canada it seems that nobody uses it. Or at least anyone from my circle of family and friends which are not at lot back then.

By not following the latest trend, I saved but not a lot since I was in a contract for three years. I was paying for the data and cellphone.

Tip: You can save if you will buy a phone and get a cellphone plan based on the usage/activity: texting, browsing, and  talking (domestic and international).

The good news is I was able to send an iPhone in the Philippines. Twice.

OK. I’m not bragging here.

The point is, if you take care of your gadgets, you can give it away to your loved ones in the Philippines as a gift or as a bribe (for doing errands related to application and submission of documents.

I may have done both. But giving it as a gift is more subtle and sweet. Isn’t it?

In this post, I will show everything you need to know in giving away a used iPhone. Here’s an overview:

1. Back up the data
2. Unlock the iPhone
3. Sign out on the accounts
4. Delete the data or reset the iPhone to factory settings

If you’re giving away a brand-new iPhone you can skip the steps and head over on how to ship the iPhone in the Philippines.

Either way, I know you can learn a lot from my misadventures of giving cellphones to my siblings who used to fight over Nokia phones while I’m content reigning over the TV remote.

Oh, I may be imagining but I think my mom somewhat make parinig that she too can learn how to use a smartphone.

She’s smart anyway proven by her eyeglasses and ability to request or give command. (It depends on how the listener interpret her words. But she’s kind. I am a living proof.)

Step 1: Back Up an iPhone

Apple has a tutorial on how to back up iPad, iPhone, and iPod. We’ll focus on iPhone. I prefer to do back up an iPhone on iCloud and iTunes for reasons you’ll find out later.

So let’s get started on backing up your data:

Back up on iCloud

1. Update iOS to the latest version: Settings > General > Software Update
2. Log in then back up on iCloud: Settings > iCloud
   • iCloud has a maximum free storage limit of 5 GB; so that’s why I only automatically save some data. I use iTunes for apps
   • These are the information I back up on iCloud: Contacts, Reminders, Safari, and Notes. You can add more if you want to
3. Check what’s on the storage: Settings > General > Storage > Manage Storage
4. Log in online on iCloud to check the the back up data and storage capacity

For some the free 5 GB is enough for all back up. But if you have multiple devices you may want to upgrade the storage for a fee or delete unnecessary photos, apps, or messages you’ve been keeping for ages.

The best solution that I’ve tried is to back up the apps on iTunes because I use a lot of photography, email, and productivity apps. Honestly, I couldn’t leave the house without Google Maps.

Back up on iTunes

1. Download iTunes if you don’t have it yet
2. Open iTunes
3. Prevent syncing automatically. (I had a terrible experience with this so I’m sharing this tip.)
   • MAC: Preferences > Devices > Click “Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically
   • Windows: Edit > Preferences > Devices > Click “Prevent iPods, iPhones, and iPads from syncing automatically
4. Connect the iPhone
5. Follow the onscreen steps if a message asks for your device passcode or to Trust This Computer
6. Select your iPhone on iTunes
7. Click “This computer”
8. Click “Back Up Now”
9. Check if the back up is successful:
   • MAC: Preferences > Devices
   • Windows: Edit > Preferences > Devices
10. Close iTunes and safely remove the USB device

Where Does the Backup Files Go?

If you are wondering where iTunes stash the backup files follow the following path:

Mac: ~/Library/Application Support/MobileSync/Backup/

Windows XP: \Documents and Settings\(username)\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
To quickly access the Application Data folder, click Start, and choose Run. Type %appdata% and clickOK.

Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 10: \Users\(username)\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup\
To quickly access the AppData folder, click Start. In the search bar, type %appdata% and press the Return/ENTER key

Are you confuse already with all the technical steps? I’ll be referring to this blog post whenever necessary so I decided to add all the information I’ll need.

I promise that what comes after this will be less technical. Just a little bit.

Either way, I’ll make sure you can get all the important tips to send an iPhone in the Philippines without any hassle.

A few more steps in the Part 2 and we’re done. Don’t skip any steps and tips.

Have you ever tried to send an iPhone in the Philippines? What tips can you share to our kababayan to avoid any mishap?

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