How To Remove Cloud Accounts From Android Devices Before Trade-in

Removing your cloud accounts is essential when you're ready to trade in your Android device, such as with services like Sell My iPhone. This step is not just about data protection; it's also about ensuring a swift trade-in process. If these accounts remain linked, Sell My iPhone may not test the device promptly, and potentially delaying your payment. Here's how to remove cloud accounts both locally and remotely from Samsung, Google, and Huawei phones.

What is a Cloud Account, and Why Does it Need to be Removed?

Cloud accounts on Android devices - like Google Accounts on Google phones, Samsung Accounts on Samsung devices, and Huawei IDs on Huawei phones - are key to accessing and syncing your data across all your devices. Removing these accounts before trade-in is necessary to prevent testing and payment processing delays.

Google Account

Most Android phones require you to sign into a Google Account alongside brand-specific cloud accounts. The steps below apply to all Android devices, including Google Pixels.

Locally On Device
Remotely On Desktop

Start by backing up your data, ideally to Google Drive (or your brand-specific cloud), via Settings > System > Backup. This path may differ depending on the device.

Then, go to Settings > Passwords & Accounts (Or Accounts & Backup) and select your Google Account.

Tap 'Remove account' and confirm your choice.

After the account is removed, it is recommended to factory reset. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).

Access your Google Account page using a web browser. On Chrome, this is done in a new tab, navigating to the top right and clicking your Profile Icon > 'Manage Your Google Account'.

In the 'Security' section, locate 'Your Devices' and select the phone you wish to remove.

Click on the device and select 'Sign out' to disassociate it from your Google Account.

Samsung Phones

Locally On Device
Remotely On Desktop

Before proceeding, ensure you have a backup of your data. You can do this by going to Settings > Accounts and Backup> Backup and Restore.

After backing up your data, navigate to Settings > Accounts and Backup> Manage Accounts.

Find your Samsung Account and select it, then tap 'Remove account.'

Confirm the removal by entering your Samsung account password.

To complete the process, perform a factory reset by going to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory data reset.

Visit the Samsung website and log into your Samsung account.

Navigate to the section for your registered devices and select the device you want to remove.

Follow the on-screen instructions to disassociate your device from your Samsung account.

Huawei Phones

Locally On Device
Remotely On Desktop

Confirm your data is backed up, which can be done through Settings > System & updates > Backup & restore.

Then, in Settings, go to Users & accounts and select 'Huawei ID.'

Choose 'Remove account' and verify with your password.

It is recommended to factory reset your phone: Settings > System & updates > Reset > Factory data reset.

Log into Huawei Cloud via a desktop browser.

Look for the device management option and select your device.

Remove the device from your account by following the provided instructions.