Can't erase data on my old phone

[Anonymous]

Hi

I have an iphone 5s that I want to wipe the data to recycle, but it won't let me.

I have erased the photos manually, but when I try Erase All Content and Settings it says Verification Failed. It looks like the phone is still signed into Apple, but as I removed the sim card and set up my new phone I am worried that if I try and erase now it will remove all the data saved in icloud for my new phone. 

It is mainly my contacts. I don't want to have to remove them manually as it will take forever.

Any ideas how I can do it? 

Thank you

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

Log into iCloud online and remove the phone from your account.
You can then turn off find my iPhone and erase the handset safely.

https://www.icloud.com/#settings

[Martin-O2]

Hey @Anonymous how are you getting on with this? Are you still having issues removing the old data from your phone? 

[Anonymous]

Hi Martin-02

I am.

I have had to remove everything manually, which I think I have managed to do. I have removed it from my icloud account, but when I go into Apple ID on the phone it still shows my email address and when I try to remove it, it asks for a verification code, which I can't give.  I am worried that it still has a link to my details if I send it in to be recycled......I was recently hacked via a bogus itunes, so very wary. 

As it is being sent to 02 for recycling, can I be assured that they will remove any remaining data? 

Thank you for your help

Lisa 

[Martin-O2]

@Anonymous I'm not too familiar with the workings of iPhones but I'll tag a couple of members who have them and can hopefully confirm your perosonal info has been removed. 

@MI5, @Anonymous Any ideas on this one?  

[Anonymous]

Great, thank you Martin

[MI5]

As long as your icloud account is no longer showing in settings it's all good.

[Martin-O2]

@Anonymous Take a look at @MI5's suggestion and let us know how you get on. 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for your help

[Martin-O2]

No problem at all @Anonymous