Get Ready to Dispose your Android Phone: How to Erase Data

Have you just pulled down the old electronics box from a forgotten closet and looking for a way to erase data? This is a must when getting ready to dispose your Android phone since the handset that you once used still holds sensitive information like addresses and phone numbers, passwords, account numbers, email, voicemail, and text message logs. When getting rid of your old device, it’s important to take steps to help ensure this information doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

After you buy a handset, you always get the suggestion to sync all the apps to Google account. You normally enter into Settings, go to the Accounts section, find your Google account and tap to get settings for syncing. You can sync photos, videos, music tracks and important documents, as well as contacts or Chrome data. Data will be automatically backed up and to ensure whether those are safe open the Backup and thereafter the reset section which could be found under Settings.

After taking the backup successfully you need to start clearing process before disposing the phone. Head to Settings > Backup > Restore and then, just hit the Factory Data Reset. Click on the option of erase internal storage and your Android handset will reboot into a fresh device. For detailed instructions on how to “wipe” your device, read your owner’s manual, check the website of your mobile provider or the device manufacturer or ask for our help.

Once you have a clean phone on your hands, it’s up to you to decide what to do next. There are quite a few mobile device manufacturers, wireless service providers, and other groups that have programs to refurbish mobile devices or recycle their components and even accessories, so no matter what you do, keep the environment in mind. At the same time, you can also trade in your device for a credit toward a new one or resell it if you want to make a few bucks.

And if money isn’t what you are after, then what do you say about the option to donate your device? Certain organizations collect used mobile devices for charitable purposes and someone will be happy at the end of the day. Yes, your old cell phone tucked away in a drawer or another hiding place can do that!