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.
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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:
- In iOS, choose Settings, General, Reset, Erase All Contents and Settings.
- In Android, it can vary by manufacturer, but you should look in Settings for something like Backup & reset.
- In Windows Phone, go to Settings, About and choose Reset Your Phone.
Photo courtesy of Flickr user CannedTuna
Dave Johnson
View all articles by Dave Johnson on CBS MoneyWatch »
Dave Johnson is editor of eHow Tech and author of three dozen books, including the best-selling How to Do Everything with Your Digital Camera. Dave has previously worked at Microsoft and has
written about technology for a long list of magazines that include PC World and Wired.
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With the announcement of the brand new iPhone 14 – coming on September 16, with the Plus version arriving in October – 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 – 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. How do I prepare my phone for trade in?
What condition does your phone have to be in to trade 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:
- iPhone 13 Pro Max: $720 or less
- iPhone 13 Pro: $600 or less
- iPhone 13: $470 or less
- iPhone 13 mini: $380 or less
- iPhone 12 Pro Max: $530 or less
- iPhone 12 Pro: $430 or less
- iPhone 12: $320 or less
- iPhone 12 mini: $250 or less
- iPhone SE (2nd generation): $100 or less
- iPhone 11 Pro Max: $370 or less
- iPhone 11 Pro: $300 or less
- iPhone 11: $220 or less
- iPhone XS Max: $210 or less
- iPhone XS: $150 or less
- iPhone XR: $140 or less
- iPhone X: $130 or less
- iPhone 8 Plus: $110 or less
- iPhone 8: $75 or less
- iPhone 7 Plus: $70 or less
- iPhone 7: $40 or less
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:
- Back up your data.
- Erase the device.
- Remove any SIM cards, memory cards, cases, and screen protectors.
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