5 Essential Steps to Take Before Parting With an Old Smartphone

Skipping key precautions can leave you locked out of accounts or expose you to identity theft.

Replacing a smartphone has become a routine part of modern life.

But because today’s phones are more like pocket computers than simple calling devices, moving on from one is not just inconvenient — it can also create security risks.

You need to think about who may end up with your old device and what information they could recover from it. A careful cleanup can help block unwanted access to your accounts.

It is also important to make sure you have saved everything you still need, including files and authentication tools.

Before you trade in, sell, or otherwise get rid of an old smartphone, keep these precautions in mind.

1. Back up all important data

Most smartphones include tools that can transfer your settings and data to a new device quickly. Still, you should not assume those tools will save everything.

Manually copy any photos, videos, notes, music, and other files you want to keep. Using a cloud service such as Google One, Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, or iCloud may be the simplest option.

At worst, you may later discover the transfer system already copied everything, in which case you can delete any duplicates. In most other cases, though, you will be glad you made your own backup.

2. Remove account details

If your phone or browser stores passwords, it is easy to forget that you are skipping part of the login process. But you do not want someone else who gets your old phone to have that same easy access.

Be sure to log out of all accounts, delete saved passwords and account records, and clear your browsing history.

If you are moving from an Apple device to an Android phone, you should also remove payment and card details from Apple Wallet and unregister iMessage.

3. Plan ahead for two-factor authentication

Password protection is only one layer of security. Many people also rely on two-factor authentication, or 2FA.

That means an account requires two forms of verification: a password and a second step, such as a one-time code sent to your phone, email, or an authenticator app. This makes it much harder for thieves to break in, even if they know your password. But if they also have your phone and your authenticator app, that protection weakens.

Even if you intend to wipe the device completely, you should deal with 2FA first. Otherwise, you could lock yourself out of your own accounts.

If you use an authentication app for 2FA, move it to your new device before giving up the old phone. Instructions are available for two of the most widely used apps:

• Google Authenticator
• Microsoft Authenticator

4. Remove any SIM or memory cards

Do not overlook anything that must physically come out of the phone. A few years ago, many phones still used physical SIM cards. If you have had the device for a while, check whether it contains a SIM card or an SD memory card and remove it if it does.

If your wireless account information and phone number are stored on an eSIM, contact your carrier for instructions on transferring or deactivating it.

5. Reset the device completely

It may seem unnecessary to take some of these steps if your phone can do a factory reset and return itself to its original state.

But a quick search online will show many guides about recovering data after a factory reset. It is not worth assuming the reset will erase everything, only to leave behind something useful to a determined person.

Even so, a factory reset will likely remove at least some forgotten data, and it is usually the easiest step on this list.

On an Apple device, you may first need to turn off Find My and sign out of iCloud, depending on the version of iOS you are using.

Instructions are available for iPhone and Android devices.