How To Safely Erase Smartphone’s Data Before Selling It

Smartphones have become an indispensable part of our lives. However, as new models are released, many of us choose to upgrade to the latest and most advanced devices, leaving us with the old ones to sell or pass on to others.

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But before parting ways with your old smartphone, it is crucial to ensure that all your personal data is securely deleted from the device. If you fail to do so, you may expose your sensitive information to strangers, leading to privacy breaches or even identity theft.

If you have no clue about how to erase all data from your phone, read on!
Whether you own an Android phone or an iPhone, this article will guide you through the steps to safely erase all data from your phone before selling it. 

Things To Do Before Selling Your Android Phone

• Back-Up Your Data

Before you start wiping the device, it is essential to back up your data. You can use cloud services like Google Drive to store your photos, videos, and other essential files. Additionally, ensure that your contacts, calendars, and app data are synchronized with your Google account.

• Delete Saved Passwords
  

Deleting saved passwords from your devices is a crucial step in maintaining security and protecting sensitive information. Make sure that you complete this step effectively before selling your Android device.

• Remove Your Google Account

Now, that you have deleted saved passwords and backed up your phone. It’s time to remove your Google account. By doing so, you prevent unauthorized access to personal information and protect your digital identity from being compromised.

• Perform a Factory Reset

Performing a factory reset will erase all data on your Android phone. Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset. Confirm the action and wait for the process to complete. This will remove all personal data, apps, and settings from the device. 

• Remove External Storage and SIM Card

If your phone has an external SD card, make sure to remove it before selling the device. Additionally, take out your SIM card, as it may contain personal information too.

How To Backup Your Android? 

Follow these steps to back up your Android device:

Step 1: Go to “Settings”, a gear-like icon on your device. 

Step 2: Now, click on “Google” and then select the “Backup” option. 

Step 3: After that, Click on “Backup Now”. 

How To Sync Your Android Apps?

Follow these steps to sync your Android apps:

Step 1: Again, go to “Settings”.

Step 2: Click on “About Phone” and then click on “Account Sync”. 

Step 3: Now, click on “More” and then click on “Sync Now”. 

How To Sync Your Google Photos? 

Now, it’s time to sync your Google photos, follow these steps:

Step 1: Open the “Google Photos” app on your Android device. 

Step 2: Sign in using your account details. 

Step 3: In the top right corner, click on your profile icon. 

Step 4: Now, click on “Settings” and then click on your “Backup”. 

Step 5: After that, toggle “Backup” on. 

How To Erase Your Android Data Before Selling It? 

Now that you know almost everything required to secure your Android device, it’s time to quick check out the steps of how to erase all data from your phone:

Step 1: Go to the “Settings” option on your Android device. 

Step 2: Click on “Reset Options”. 

Step 3: Now, click on “Erase all data” basically “factory reset”. 

Step 4: Tap on the “Reset Phone” option. 

Step 5: After that, click on “Erase everything”.

After completing these steps, your phone will return to its original condition, just like a new one.

Also Read: How to get a Free online phone number!

Things To Do Before Selling Your Phone 

• Back-Up Your Data

Backing up your iPhone data is essential before wiping it. You can use iCloud to back up your photos, videos, app data, and settings.

• Sign Out of Your Apple ID

Before wiping your iPhone, make sure to sign out of your Apple ID. Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out. Enter your Apple ID password and choose the data you want to keep a copy of on the device. Then, tap Sign Out.

• Disable Find My iPhone

It is the most crucial step. To disable Find My iPhone, go to Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone, and turn it off. You will need to enter your Apple ID password to confirm.

• Remove the SIM Card

Don’t forget to remove the SIM card from your iPhone before selling it. The SIM card may contain personal information and should not be included with the device. 

• Disable Apple Pay 

If you use Apple Pay on your device, disable the account and delete saved financial or personal information. 

• Logout of iTunes and Remove your Card
  

If you’re using iTunes and have a linked card for payments, do not forget to remove it and sign out of your iTunes account. 

How to back up your iPhone? 

Have a look at these steps to know how to clear system data on iPhone:

Step 1: Tap on “Settings”, a gear-like icon on your iOS device. 

Step 2: Tap on your name and sign into your account. 

Step 3: Click on “iCloud Backup”. 

Step 4: Turn it on. You can do this by tapping the toggle on the right. 

Step 5: Now, click “OK” to proceed. 

Step 6: In the end, click on “Back Up Now”. 

How to Sync Apps on iPhone? 

Step 1: Go to “Settings” and tap on your name at the top. 

Step 2: Click on “iCloud”.

Step 3: Now, under apps using iCloud, turn on every app you’d like to sync by tapping the switch. 

How to Sync Photos on iPhone?

Step 1: Open Google Photos on your iPhone. 

Step 2: Click on your profile photo. 

Step 3: Now, click on “Photos Settings” and then click on “Apple Photos”. 

Step 4: Click on “Sync favourites”. 

Step 5: Tap turn on sync or turn off sync according to your preference. 

How to Wipe Your iPhone? 

1. Open “Settings” on your phone. 
2. Now, scroll down and click on “General”. 
3. Tap on “Reset” and press “Erase all content and settings”. 
4. Click on “Erase Now” and enter your passcode. 
5. At the end, enter the Apple ID password to erase to phone. 

Most importantly, do not forget to delete your eSIMs. 

Conclusion: Selling or passing on your old smartphone to others is a common practice, but it comes with the responsibility of safeguarding your personal data. Follow the measures outlined in this blog and you’re good to sell your smartphone.