5 Things You Must Do Before Selling or Recycling Your Old Phone

Before selling or recycling your old smartphone, don’t rush to ship it off — make sure your personal data is safe, your device is ready, and you can get the best resale value.
Many people forget these simple steps, which can lead to privacy leaks or lower trade-in prices.
Here’s your complete checklist to prepare your phone safely before selling or recycling.

1. Back Up All Important Data

Before erasing your data, make a full backup of your photos, contacts, messages, and app data.

• For iPhone users: Use iCloud or iTunes to back up your device.
• For Android users: Use Google Backup or your phone brand’s own tool (e.g., Samsung Smart Switch, Mi Cloud, etc.).

💡 Tip: After backing up, test the restore process on your new phone to make sure everything was saved correctly.

 2. Sign Out of All Accounts and Disable Locks

Forgetting to remove accounts is one of the most common reasons phones get rejected by buyers or trade-in platforms.

• iPhone:
  1. Sign out of iCloud
  2. Turn off “Find My iPhone”
  3. Log out of your Apple ID
• Android:
  1. Remove your Google account
  2. Turn off “Find My Device” or any similar protection features

⚠️ Important: If your account isn’t removed, the phone may remain activation-locked even after a factory reset.

 3. Factory Reset to Erase Personal Data

Once you’ve backed up your files and logged out of accounts, perform a factory reset to permanently delete all personal information.

• Steps:
  • Go to Settings → System → Reset → Factory Data Reset
  • (On iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings)
• After Reset: Reboot the device to confirm it’s back on the setup screen with no personal data remaining.

 4. Inspect Device Condition to Maximize Value

A few quick checks can help you earn a better resale price.

• Screen: No cracks or dead pixels
• Camera: Front and rear cameras work properly
• Charging port & speakers: Function normally
• Battery: Check health status (Settings → Battery → Battery Health for iPhone)

💡 Tip: Wipe the screen and case clean, and include original accessories (charger, box) if available — small details can make a big difference.

5. Record the IMEI and Keep Transaction Proof

Before handing over your device, record the IMEI number (dial *#06# to find it).

• This helps track your phone in case of shipping issues or disputes.
• Keep chat logs, invoices, and shipping receipts for your own protection.

Safe Recycling Starts with Preparation

Before selling or recycling your old phone, remember these 5 key steps:
1️⃣ Back up your data
2️⃣ Sign out of all accounts
3️⃣ Perform a factory reset
4️⃣ Inspect condition and accessories
5️⃣ Record IMEI and keep proof

By following this checklist, you can protect your privacy, avoid activation issues, and get the best trade-in price for your old device.