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Wiping Electronics for Sale

A checklist for backing up and wiping a phone, tablet or computer before you sell or give it away.

What this tool does

A checklist for backing up and wiping a phone, tablet or computer before you sell or give it away.

How to use

  1. Work down the list and tick each item as you finish it.
  2. Ticks are saved on this device, in your browser, so they are still there when you come back.

What this checklist covers

The list has 2 groups and 8 items.

  • Before the wipe (5 items): Back up data; Sign out of iCloud, Google, Microsoft and disable device tracking; Remove device from your account device list; Unpair Bluetooth devices; Remove SIM and SD card
  • Wipe and hand over (3 items): Factory reset; For computers, use full disk wipe or secure erase where available; Clean device, photograph condition, include charger and box

Tip: Do not reset a device until you have confirmed your backup works. Ticks are saved on this device.

Limitations

  • This is a general list. Steps and menu names differ by device and system version.
  • It does not name tools or guarantee that data cannot be recovered. Follow the device maker's instructions.
  • Ticks are saved only in this browser on this device.

FAQs

Q: Does this tool wipe my device?
A: No. It is a list for you to follow. All the steps are done on the device itself.
Q: Is a factory reset enough?
A: The list includes a factory reset and, for computers, a full disk wipe or secure erase where available. The right level depends on your device, so check its maker's instructions.
Q: Are my ticks saved?
A: Yes. They are saved in your browser on this device and do not follow you to another device or browser.
Q: Why back up first?
A: A reset removes your data from the device. The list puts the backup first so you do not lose files you want to keep.

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