What Should You Delete Before Selling Your Used Smartphone or Laptop? How to Delete Personal Information
Backup, account disconnection, encryption, and official factory reset procedures for each device
When you sell your smartphone or laptop, simply deleting photos and documents may leave behind information like your trash bin, synced accounts, browser logins, and eSIM settings. Conversely, if you reset without preparation, you might lose important certificates, photos, and recovery codes needed for your new device. Before deletion, first check your backup and account transfer status.
A safe order is to ensure that the backup opens on the new device, transfer your payment, messenger, and authentication apps, disable 'Find My Device' and activation lock, and then perform the manufacturer's official reset. Don’t forget external media like SD cards, USB receivers, SIM/eSIM, and external storage devices.
If it's a company or school-issued device, resetting it on your own might damage logs or work materials. Follow the return procedures of the responsible department and only separate your personal accounts. If the storage device is malfunctioning and you cannot complete the reset, it’s better to manage it physically through manufacturer support or a specialized disposal service instead of selling it as is.
This list organizes the official procedures for iPhone, Android, Galaxy, Mac, Windows, and Chromebook by device. Please verify the model and version, as menu options may vary depending on the operating system version.
iPhone·iPad Pre-Sale Erasure
How to Clear iPhone·iPad Before Sale
How to Clear iPhone·iPad Before Sale refers to the guidance on backing up, logging out of your Apple account, and erasing all content and settings. To avoid unofficial apps and sales pages with similar names, make sure to check the operating entity and official domain together.
Before selling, transferring, or exchanging your iPhone or iPad, first check the compatibility of your current device and account, as well as the backup and recovery methods. The menu and provided features may vary based on version and plan, so refer to the latest official guidance for your assessment.
After ensuring the backup in the new device and disabling activation lock, proceed with the official menu to erase the device. This section applies only to devices that you own or for which you have explicit management authority, and is not to be used to test someone else's account, device, or network.
Mac Pre-Sale Initialization
Resetting Mac Before Sale
Resetting Mac Before Sale refers to the guidance on signing out from your Mac account and erasing all content and settings. To avoid unofficial apps and sales pages with similar names, make sure to check the operating entity and official domain together.
Before transferring your Mac to another owner, first check the compatibility of your current device and account, as well as the backup and recovery methods. The menu and provided features may vary based on version and plan, so refer to the latest official guidance for your assessment.
Use the procedure that matches the supported model and macOS version, and verify the backup. This section applies only to devices that you own or for which you have explicit management authority, and is not to be used to test someone else's account, device, or network.
Android Factory Reset
Factory Reset Android
Factory Reset Android refers to the guidance on Google’s Android device reset and prior preparations. To avoid unofficial apps and sales pages with similar names, make sure to check the operating entity and official domain together.
Before transferring Android smartphones or tablets, first check the compatibility of your current device and account, as well as the backup and recovery methods. The menu and provided features may vary based on version and plan, so refer to the latest official guidance for your assessment.
Verify that you know the Google account information and screen lock before proceeding after backup. This section applies only to devices that you own or for which you have explicit management authority, and is not to be used to test someone else's account, device, or network.
Galaxy Device Initialization
Resetting Galaxy Devices
Resetting Galaxy Devices refers to the factory reset menu and precautions for Samsung Galaxy devices. To avoid unofficial apps and sales pages with similar names, make sure to check the operating entity and official domain together.
Before selling or returning your Galaxy smartphone, first check the compatibility of your current device and account, as well as the backup and recovery methods. The menu and provided features may vary based on version and plan, so refer to the latest official guidance for your assessment.
Check your Samsung and Google accounts, as well as the status of the SD card and eSIM. This section applies only to devices that you own or for which you have explicit management authority, and is not to be used to test someone else's account, device, or network.
Windows PC Initialization
Resetting Windows PC
Resetting Windows PC refers to the guidance on Windows’ reset and drive cleanup options. To avoid unofficial apps and sales pages with similar names, make sure to check the operating entity and official domain together.
Before selling your personal Windows laptop or PC, first check the compatibility of your current device and account, as well as the backup and recovery methods. The menu and provided features may vary based on version and plan, so refer to the latest official guidance for your assessment.
Check whether all drives are included and verify the data cleanup options as per your needs. This section applies only to devices that you own or for which you have explicit management authority, and is not to be used to test someone else's account, device, or network.
Chromebook Powerwash
Chromebook Powerwash refers to the guidance on deleting user data and performing a factory reset on Chromebooks. To avoid unofficial apps and sales pages with similar names, make sure to check the operating entity and official domain together.
Before transferring your personal Chromebook to someone else, first check the compatibility of your current device and account, as well as the backup and recovery methods. The menu and provided features may vary based on version and plan, so refer to the latest official guidance for your assessment.
For work or school-managed Chromebooks, return them to the admin and do not perform a random reset. This section applies only to devices that you own or for which you have explicit management authority, and is not to be used to test someone else's account, device, or network.
Apple eSIM Removal
Clearing Apple eSIM
Clearing Apple eSIM refers to the guidance on deleting your iPhone's eSIM and options during the reset. To avoid unofficial apps and sales pages with similar names, make sure to check the operating entity and official domain together.
When transferring your communication line to a new device and selling the old one, first check the compatibility of your current device and account, as well as the backup and recovery methods. The menu and provided features may vary based on version and plan, so refer to the latest official guidance for your assessment.
Make sure to delete the eSIM before the carrier transfer is finished to avoid losing the line. This section applies only to devices that you own or for which you have explicit management authority, and is not to be used to test someone else's account, device, or network.
Logout from Google Account Devices
Logging Out of Google Account Devices
Logging Out of Google Account Devices refers to verifying sessions of previously connected devices to your Google account and utilizing the log-out function. To avoid unofficial apps and sales pages with similar names, make sure to check the operating entity and official domain together.
After resetting Android or Chrome devices, check the account connections and before proceeding, verify the compatibility of your current device and account, as well as the backup and recovery methods. The menu and provided features may vary based on version and plan, so refer to the latest official guidance for your assessment.
After confirming the device name and recent activity, accurately log out of only those devices that you have sold. This section applies only to devices that you own or for which you have explicit management authority, and is not to be used to test someone else's account, device, or network.
When preparing a used device for sale, transferring accounts and recovery methods is more crucial than just pressing the 'factory reset' button. Before deleting the old device, check that the authentication apps, joint certificates, messenger conversations, photos, and passcodes are working correctly on the new device. Also, ensure to open the backup files to avoid the mistake of relying solely on indicators that they were saved.
If any theft prevention features such as Apple's activation lock or Android's device protection remain, the buyer may not be able to complete the initial setup. Log out of your account and disable 'Find My Device' following the official procedure. However, do not share your password with the buyer; you must complete the ownership release yourself.
Confirm the SIM and SD card, as well as any USB dongles for laptops or stylus compartments, at the end. eSIMs may remain depending on the device reset options, so check if the carrier transfer has been completed. For desktops or laptops with separately added storage devices, ensure that all drives are included in the reset.
Before handing over the device, take a photo of the initial setup screen and its appearance, and check if it has been removed from the account's login device list. If after the transaction, the buyer asks for the account password or authentication number, do not provide it.
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