What must be done before restoring an iPhone to factory settings to avoid Apple ID issues?

Disabling Find My iPhone is crucial before restoring an iPhone to factory settings because it is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized users from accessing the device. When Find My iPhone is enabled, the Apple ID associated with the device remains linked to it, even after the device has been erased. If this step is skipped and the device is restored, it may trigger Activation Lock, which requires the original Apple ID and password to set up the iPhone again. This can lead to significant issues for users who may not remember or have access to the credentials.

While backing up data is certainly important for preserving user information and files, updating the device software, or removing the SIM card can be beneficial for different reasons, none of these actions prevent complications with the Apple ID during the restore process. Disabling Find My iPhone is the fundamental step that directly addresses the potential for Apple ID issues related to Activation Lock.