What to do before you sell your mobile

If you are upgrading your mobile phone and looking for a way to properly dispose of your current one, it is strongly recommended that you recycle it rather than throw it into a bin. Simply throwing a phone away is strongly discouraged, as it will end up in a landfill leaking poisonous toxins into the earth. There are a couple of different ways to recycle a mobile phone. You can pass it on to a friend, donate it or sell it to a recycling company for a substantial amount of cash. Regardless of what method you choose to dispose of your old mobile phone, there are a few things you should do before getting rid of your mobile phone.

Data Stored on Your Mobile Phone

A large amount of data is stored on the device memory of your mobile phone. This is especially true if you have had it for some time. Information that may be stored includes call records, text messages and a multitude of other important data on the external memory. The external memory includes information recorded on the SIM, or subscriber identity module, and the SD, or secure digital card. Before getting rid of your mobile phone, you should learn how to completely erase all information stored on the phone and ensure that there is absolutely no identifying information left on the device. You might think that since mobile phones are small, the data deletion process will be simple. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Many manufacturers actually make it difficult to erase information. This is not because they want to keep you from adequately erasing information before you get rid of your phone. Rather, they do this so that the user of the phone will not accidentally delete needed information. While this is extremely helpful while you are using the phone, it can be a bit aggravating when you attempt to delete all history and stored data before getting rid of your mobile phone. Methods of deleting data vary depending upon the model, manufacturer and the carrier. If you held onto our manual, you may be able to locate information there to properly delete all data stored on your mobile phone. However, you may find it necessary to contact the specific manufacturer for details on erasing all stored information.

The information stored on your phone is more than likely going to provide a theif with more than enough personal details to open accounts in your name or even mock up an identity card. You an be quick to forget to think safe with the promises of “cash for old mobile phones” or “money for old mobiles”.

How to Delete Mobile Phone Data

Following is a basic step by step guide to deleting information on a mobile phone. Even after applying these methods, you may still want to check with the manufacturer of your phone to make certain that all information has been adequately erased.

• 1. You should first back up any data or information that you want to keep. Many providers offer services that will allow you to back up your information in an online account. Another option for backing up is to store information on a separate memory card.
• 2. Once you have thoroughly backed up all information you want to keep, you need to remove your SIM and memory card from the mobile phone. You can locate the SIM card behind the battery on most mobile phone models.
• 3. You should next perform a master reset. This process will vary according to the type and model of your mobile phone. If you have access to your user’s manual, you will find the information there regarding this step. Otherwise, you should contact the manufacturer directly. Go to each individual category in the master reset options and select “Delete All.”

Once these steps have been successfully completed, your mobile home should be completely clear of any personal or identifying information. However, it is always wise to check with the manufacturer if you have any doubts. With even the slightest bit of information left stored on your mobile phone, identity thieves can attain enough personal data to get access to other information, such as bank accounts or credit card numbers, this is far more valuable to them than the cash they paid you for your old mobile, in fact, rather than rippng you off and not sending the moeny, they are more likley to pay you to keep suspicion away from them.

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