Why the order matters
A phone, tablet or laptop that has been in use for years holds a lot: photos, messages, saved logins, payment details, documents and often a connection to your online accounts. Handing it to a buyer, a charity or a relative without preparing it can expose that information, and can also leave the device locked to your account so the new owner cannot use it.
The steps below follow a sensible order. Doing them out of sequence, for example erasing before backing up, is how people lose things they wanted to keep. The details differ between systems, so check your manufacturer’s instructions for the exact menu names.
Step 1: Back up what you want to keep
Before anything else, make sure photos, documents, contacts, messages and app data are copied somewhere safe. Check that the backup actually contains what you expect, rather than assuming it does. If you have never done this before, a beginner data backup routine explains the options, and cloud storage or external drives are both common destinations. For pictures specifically, photo backup helps you confirm that nothing is left only on the old device.
Think about less obvious data too: authenticator apps, saved game progress, notes, and files in downloads or app-specific folders.
Step 2: Move your accounts and security settings
This step is easy to forget. If you use two-factor authentication through an app on the old device, set it up on your new device or confirm you have recovery codes before you erase anything. Otherwise you might be locked out of accounts. Two-factor authentication in plain language explains why that matters. Password managers can also make it easier to confirm nothing is stored only on the old device.
Also transfer any messaging app history if you want to keep it, as some apps need a specific transfer step.
Step 3: Sign out and remove the device from your accounts
Sign out of your main accounts on the device, such as your phone or computer maker’s account, app stores, email, cloud services and streaming apps. Many systems have a “find my device” or anti-theft feature that ties the device to your account. If it stays turned on, the next owner may be unable to set the device up. Turn it off and remove the device from your account’s list of devices.
It is also a good idea to check your account settings online afterward and remove the old device from the list of signed-in or trusted devices.
Step 4: Remove cards and unlink accessories
Take out any SIM card and memory card. Unpair Bluetooth accessories, watches and other connected gadgets, since some will refuse to pair with a new device until they are released. If you use mobile payments, remove stored cards from the wallet app.
Step 5: Erase the device
Use the built-in factory reset or “erase all content and settings” feature. On many modern phones and laptops, the storage is encrypted by default, so a reset effectively makes the old data unreadable. If encryption is not on, a reset may be less thorough. Everyday encryption explains what that means. Some laptops need a separate step, such as reinstalling the operating system or using a secure erase tool for the drive.
Older computers with traditional hard drives may need a more careful wipe. If you are not sure, a technician or the manufacturer’s help pages can guide you.
After the reset, the device should show its first-time setup screen. If it does not, repeat the process.
Step 6: Do a final check
Turn the device on after the reset and confirm no personal information appears. Check that you cannot see your accounts, photos or Wi-Fi networks. If you are selling it, a clean setup screen is also a good sign for the buyer that it is not locked to your account.
Selling versus donating
If you sell the device, be clear and honest about its condition, battery health and any known problems. Meet buyers in safe public places or use platforms with buyer protections. Be careful of scams, such as fake payment confirmations or overpayment requests. Online scams are common in secondhand markets, so wait until payment has really cleared. For the buyer’s side of the picture, refurbished phones covers the questions they should be asking.
If you donate, check that the organization accepts the item and how they handle data. Do your own wiping rather than trusting a charity to do it. Some will refuse items that are very old or damaged.
What if the device does not work?
If the device is dead or locked, you may not be able to reset it. For broken devices that hold sensitive data, consider a professional data-destruction service, or physically damaging the storage chip is sometimes suggested, though this is not always effective and can be risky. In that case, e-waste recycling covers where to take it, and it is worth asking the recycler about data handling.
Common mistakes
- Erasing the device before backing up
- Forgetting to turn off the anti-theft or “find my” lock
- Leaving the SIM or memory card inside
- Forgetting authenticator apps or recovery codes
- Assuming deleting files manually is enough, which it is not
A short checklist
- Back up and check the backup
- Move your authenticators and accounts
- Sign out and remove the device from your accounts
- Remove cards and unpair accessories
- Factory reset
- Check the reset worked
This is general guidance rather than a guarantee that every trace of data is gone; for highly sensitive devices, consider specialist help.