Show
Small Business
October 17, 2013 / 7:27 AM / MoneyWatch (MoneyWatch) With a bevy of great new Android handsets and a pair of new iPhones to choose from, many people are upgrading their smartphones this fall. Before you ditch your old phone, though, do you know how to secure it so your personal data doesn't get sold to the next owner? This is akin to selling your old computer. You probably already know that you should wipe (or, even better, remove) the hard drive from a computer before giving it to someone else. There are a few similar steps to take with a phone.
Thankfully, discarding a phone safely can be done with a minimum of fuss. Here's what you need to do: Remove any memory cards. If your old phone has a removable memory card slot (typically holding either an SD or Micro SD card), remove the card and keep it. You don't need to include it in the sale of the old phone, and keeping it prevents you from having to securely wipe the data on it. Remove the SIM card. The SIM card -- which gives your phone its number and identity on the network -- can also store data like contacts and call logs. The buyer has no need for your SIM card, so you should keep this as well. You'll typically need a pin-like tool to pop the SIM card out of its storage slot. Wipe the phone and return it to factory conditions. This should be common sense, but you absolutely must "wipe" your phone before giving it away. This step makes it factory-fresh and eliminates any trace that you once owned it. There's an easy way to do this built into all major smartphone operating systems today:
Photo courtesy of Flickr user CannedTuna
Dave Johnson
View all articles by Dave Johnson on CBS MoneyWatch ยป Thanks for reading CBS NEWS. Create your free account or log in Please enter email address to continue Please enter valid email address to continue With the announcement of the brand new iPhone 14 โ coming on September 16, with the Plus version arriving in October โ consumers considering upgrading might want to opt for a trade in. Apple stores around the country offer trade ins for iPhone users hoping to get a little value for their old device. The new iPhones, announced at an Apple
event on September 7, will include four different devices: the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max. If you're in the market for a new smartphone and are hoping to get your hands on one of the new devices, this is what you need to know about trading in an old phone โ from wiping its data, to what condition it needs to be in. Should you upgrade your iPhone now?:
What to know after Apple's debut of the iPhone 14. Apple Event 2022: iPhone 14, Apple Watch Ultra, new AirPods Pro unveiled Before trading in your phone you should wipe or clear all personal information from the device. For an iPhone follow these steps: Of note: if these steps appear too complex or you run into trouble, Apple stores are often happy to help you through the process. Apple's response to inflation: To much surprise, Apple did not raise the prices of its newest iPhones It depends if you are trading in your device at an Apple store or at a local branch
of your service carrier e.g. T-Mobile, AT&T, or Verizon Wireless. Phones can also be traded in to places like Best Buy and Amazon. Each of these options might give you a different quote depending on the type of phone you have and the condition it is in. Generally, a device should be in working condition and relatively undamaged in order to be worth something. CNET, a website publishing tech reviews defines "good" condition as an uncracked screen, no large dents or scratches, no water damage, and the ability to turn on, and effectively hold charge. Apple accepts all devices, no matter the condition. Undamaged, you should be able to get some money back, however the company still urges consumers to bring in damaged devices so they can be recycled effectively. iOS 16 release details: These are the six most important updates coming to iPhones this fall What is the Apple trade in value for my phone?Currently, Apple's trade in values are:
First look at the iPhone 14: Details to know about 'Dynamic Island,' always-on displays and more Should I remove the SIM card before trading in my phone?If you are getting a new phone, the SIM card will be transferred to your new device, as it is what gives your phone it's number and provides service. You can remove it yourself, or Apple Store employees can help you remove it and transfer to a new device. Can I trade in an Android device?Non-Apple devices can be turned in at a local branch of your provider and their trade in value will vary depending on the age of the phone and its condition. The Apple Store does accept Android trade ins, but before you bring the device, Apple instructs:
What's everyone talking about?: Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day SMS Facebook Twitter Email Should I remove SIM card before returning phone?You should remove your SIM card if you want to move it to a new phone, or need to return it to your service provider. If you've been issued a new SIM card, you'll also need to remove and replace the old one. Additionally, if you're going to be sending in your phone for repairs, take 30 seconds to remove your SIM card.
Should I remove my SIM card before trading in my Android phone?Remove the SIM card.
The SIM card -- which gives your phone its number and identity on the network -- can also store data like contacts and call logs. The buyer has no need for your SIM card, so you should keep this as well.
Do you remove the SIM card after returning to factory settings for trade in?Remove your accounts, SIM and memory card
As part of the final preparatory process, you want to make sure you remove all your accounts configured on your device before doing a factory reset.
|