Thursday 1 January 2015

Sell your old devices securely

Sell your old devices securely

Before you recycle any gadget, make sure you completely wipe any personal data. Robert Irvine explains how to erase all your devices

PHONE AND TABLET


From messages, photos and videos to passwords, bookmarks and browsing history, our phones and tablets contain so much personal information that it’s essential to wipe their contents before selling them.

To erase all data from your Android device, go to Settings, ‘Backup & reset’ and choose ‘Factory data reset’. Tap ‘Reset phone’ to delete all your apps, account details, system settings, media files and other user data. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings, General, Reset, ‘Erase All Content and Settings’. Enter your passcode when prompted, then tap Erase. On a Windows Phone, go to Settings, About, choose ‘Reset your phone’ and tap Yes to confirm the reset. Double-check the device is completely clean before you send or drop it off to a recycling service.