Selling, donating, trading in, or recycling a smart device sounds simple, but there’s one cybersecurity step you should never skip: factory reset the device after backing up anything you want to keep. Phones, tablets, smart TVs, laptops, gaming consoles, smart speakers, and wearables can all store personal data that the next owner should never see.
Why should you factory reset a smart device before selling it?
A smart device can hold more information than most people realize, including:
- Photos and videos
- Text messages and contacts
- Saved passwords
- Email accounts
- Payment apps
- Wi-Fi networks
- Location history
- Browser history
- Cloud account connections
- Smart home access
The FTC recommends removing personal information before you sell, give away, trade in, or recycle a phone, including backing it up, removing SIM or SD cards, and restoring or resetting the device.
Is deleting files enough?
No. Simply deleting files is not the same as securely removing them. CISA warns that when you “delete” files, the data may still be recoverable because the operating system often only marks the space as available to be overwritten later.
That matters because old devices can expose sensitive data. Kaspersky researchers found that 89% of secondhand devices they examined still contained data traces, while only 11% had been wiped properly, according to Kaspersky’s analysis of data on used devices.
What should you do before factory resetting?
Before you erase anything, take a few minutes to prepare:
- Back up your data
Save photos, videos, contacts, documents, and important app data to a new device, cloud storage, or external drive. The FTC recommends backing up information before removing personal data. - Sign out of major accounts
Log out of Apple ID, Google, Microsoft, Samsung, Amazon, streaming apps, email, and any smart home platforms. - Remove SIM and SD cards
The FTC advises removing SIM cards and SD memory cards because they may store personal information. - Unpair connected devices
Disconnect Bluetooth accessories, smartwatches, speakers, car systems, and smart home devices. - Disable anti-theft locks
Turn off features like Find My iPhone, Find My Device, or activation locks so the next owner can set up the device properly.
How do you factory reset a smart device?
Most devices include factory reset options in the settings menu. Look for phrases like:
- Erase all content and settings
- Reset device
- Factory data reset
- Restore default settings
The FTC says operating systems usually include tools that let you erase files and reset devices to factory settings.
What should you check after the reset?
After the reset finishes, boot the device again. You should see the original setup screen, not your home screen, apps, accounts, or files.
Before handing it over:
- Confirm your accounts are gone
- Check that photos and messages are removed
- Confirm no payment apps remain connected
- Make sure the device asks for new setup information
A factory reset is a small step that can prevent a big privacy problem. Before selling or donating any smart device, back up what matters, remove cards, reset the device, and verify your information is gone. Don’t let an old gadget become the easiest way for someone else to access your digital life.
