Prepare an old phone for reuse or recycling
Protect your accounts and data before selling, donating or recycling a mobile phone.
Keep what you still need
Check photographs, contacts and authentication access before resetting. Make sure you can sign in on another device and have working recovery details. Do not give a collector your account password.
Follow the device maker’s sequence
Use the manufacturer’s instructions for signing out, removing activation locks and performing a factory reset. Remove a physical SIM and memory card; check the instructions for any eSIM. NCSC guidance explains why deleting a few files is not a substitute for preparing the device properly.
If the phone cannot be reset
Ask a reputable repairer or recycling service how it handles data-bearing devices. Get a clear answer before handing it over. Do not smash, drill or puncture the phone to destroy data: that can damage its battery.
Choose reuse or electrical recycling
Working phones may have a resale or donation route; otherwise use an accepting electrical collection. Tell the recipient about battery swelling, damage or faults before transport.
Read battery safety and electrical recycling.
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