Before selling the phone, is a factory reset sufficient?

Many mobile phone users have different methods to updating their devices: some enthusiastically move to the latest smartphone as soon as it enters the market, while others choose to remain with their present phone until its performance deteriorates. Whatever the time of the upgrade, what do you usually do with your previous device? Perhaps you should consider selling it or trading it in. However, before performing such procedures, make sure that any personal data on the device is backed up and safely deleted.

Many people believe that factory resetting a phone would wipe all data from its memory. However, this is not always the case. Even after a factory reset, data may remain on the device’s storage and can be retrieved using data recovery software. Leaving personal data available on the device creates serious privacy and security risks. There is a significant risk that this data may be misused, resulting in identity theft, financial losses, and perhaps legal troubles.

Deleting files and factory resetting is not enough

While many mobile users assume that completing a factory reset removes all data from their devices before selling them, this is not totally true. Research has shown that it is possible to retrieve different kinds of data from a reset smartphone, including pictures, videos, text messages, and documents.

This potential is related to the way mobile operating systems organise data, which uses a concept known as indexing to monitor all files. Each file has a pointer indicating where the data begins and ends. When a file is removed, the operating system simply removes the reference to it and marks the space as available. However, until fresh data overwrites the file’s contents, the lost data is recoverable.

How to wipe your iPhone completely before selling

Here are the steps to erase your iPhone entirely before selling it to someone.

1) Backup your Data

Make a backup of your iPhone before you reset it. There are two approaches to this. Go to Settings, tap your name at the top of the page, select iCloud, iCloud Backup, and then select Back up now to begin backing up your phone using iCloud. Alternatively, you may use the iTunes app to connect to a PC or Mac and make a backup. Though iTunes software has to be downloaded on a PC for backup, you still need to sync your device to a Mac.

2) Remove all your accounts

Look at each and every app and service. Making the effort to log out of every app and service you’re using is important. After that, take out the SIM card and delete all of your device’s calendars, contacts, and emails via Settings–Mail–Contacts–Calendar–Accounts.

3) Factory reset the device

After backing up your phone and removing all accounts, launch the Settings app to factory reset it. Then choose General-Reset-Erase All Content and Settings and confirm your selection. To switch off Apple’s Find My service, you will be asked to enter your phone’s PIN code and Apple ID password. Your phone has now been wiped and is ready for its new owner.
The information offered above is useful for safely deleting personal data, which is critical since smartphone usage in the UK grows on a daily basis, as do data privacy risks. Before disposing of your old gadget, make sure it does not contain any critical information. Once done, sell it to PhoneBox.

How to wipe your Android phone completely before selling

Below are the five steps you need to take to delete your personal data securely.

Back up your data: Ensure that your data is backed up, either via cloud backup or by connecting your device to a PC or Mac and copying it.
Encrypt your data: Make sure your device’s data is encrypted so that unauthorised users cannot view it. Most modern Android phones are encrypted by default, while older devices may need to be manually encrypted in settings.
Overwrite with rubbish data: To make data irrecoverable, overwrite it with junk data. You may do this by loading your device’s storage with huge files and then deleting them, or by employing third-party apps that use shredding algorithms.
Remove accounts, SIM, and SD card: To prevent accidental deletion, delete all accounts, sign out of applications, and remove SIM and SD cards.
Perform a factory reset: Finally, do a factory reset to wipe all data and restore the device to its original condition. This option is normally available in the Settings app, either General Management or Reset. After resetting, turn the gadget off and ready it for the next owner.

At The PhoneBox, we will offer the best price for your used phone whenever you plan to sell it. Visit our website to get a quote for your old phone.