How to securely reset or wipe your phone before you sell it
Are you selling your old phone? Then you need to wipe your phone before you sell it the right way to reduce the risk of personal data falling into the wrong hands.
Note: no method apart from physically destroying the phone and its storage is 100 percent infailable — data may still be recoverable with the right tools.
Why wipe your phone before you sell it?
Your phone holds a lot of personal information, be it professional, personal, or financial. While many people think that resetting your phone has all the answers you need, it isn’t true.

The fact is that phones are highly hack-able and even if you have deleted everything, there are tools to restore the information on the device. If your phone falls into wrong hands, when you sell it, there could be major consequences.
Methods to wipe your phone before you sell it
Trading in or selling your old mobile device? Wipe it the right way to reduce the risk of personal data falling into the wrong hands.
Before you start the process:
- Back up all your data, including contacts.
- Remove the SIM card and any external storage.
- Log out of services like email and social media, then clear the data from these apps.
- Perform a separate encryption and wipe of data on the microSD card as well if you don’t plan to use the card in a new device.
- Keep the serial number of the phone or tablet on file for your records.
You may also opt for remote deleting. You can log into the account associated with the device through your PC or other remote device. Then, use it to delete all the data remotely. Depending on the phone model, there are different instructions on how to delete data from your phone remotely.
Afterward, you can perform a factory reset of the phone for additional protection.
After that you should be good to go!
Another option
There are specific applications made to delete data from the device. They work well because they wipe the phone completely and do not allow recovery of data. However, this option is not free.
How to delete data from the phone if it is broken?
If you have a broken phone, deleting everything can be difficult. Depending on what is working and what isn’t, deleting methods change.
- The display isn’t working, but the phone is still on: You can remotely delete it or use the buttons for factory reset. Depending on the phone you have, the instructions for factory reset will change.
- Buttons are not an option, and the display isn’t working: Remote deleting might be your best bet.
- The software is the problem, and the phone isn’t turning on: You can use the factory reset using the buttons.
Selling your wiped phone on Gizmogo
When you sell your phone with Gizmogo, we take special care to delete any existing data by fully analyzing the phone.
Be vigilant about your mobile security
Start now by taking basic steps to protect the information on your phone before you sell it.
Remember that even by taking all the proper steps – and there are much more than the list above and vary device to device, nothing beyond destroying it is 100%.
Gizmogo Group Limited
Gizmogo’s mission has been simple – make it easy for you to sell your used gadgets at the highest price with the fastest payment possible. Our team members believe your once cherished device sitting in your drawer has more value in being re-purposed and given a new life. We take your device and give it to someone who will enjoy it the same way you once did. That’s why Gizmogo strives to create a seamless customer experience that enables people to see the full potential and value of their devices. Our goal is to extend the life-cycle of technology while reducing the impact on our environment and passing the value onto our customers!
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Frequently Asked Questions
I don't see my device on your list; how can I place my order?
If your device is not listed, place your order as an Unknown Device. Please review our list of accepted electronics to ensure your device falls into one of the classifications. Following our fee-free shipping, we will evaluate your device and send you a quote. If you choose not to sell, your device will be returned to you free of charge!
Do you accept old and damaged devices?
Yes! We accept a vast amount of different electronic devices regardless of condition. To find out how much your damaged device is worth, locate your device on our website, select your model, and indicate the condition to receive an instant quote. If it has any value, we will compensate you accordingly. Otherwise, we would recycle it responsibly for you
You evaluated my device, and the payment amount differs from the quote I received when I first placed my order; what happened?
There are a few reasons why the quoted payment can change following our evaluation:
- You did not accurately select the condition of the device (most common).
- The device has defects that are not indicated on your order.
- You chose the wrong device or device model when completing your order.
Our customer service team is happy to answer any additional questions about changes to your quote
My device has had a case and screen protector since I originally purchased it, and you're trying to tell me it has screen scratches. Can you explain?
Our grading standard is different from what people usually would think. Our professional technicians base their evaluation on the quality of factors such as the
- Screen
- Frame
- Backside
- USB Charging Port
It is common for people to believe their phone is ‘like new,’ only to have a slightly different definition of the term compared to the industry standards.
My laptop isn't on your list; how can I determine its worth?
If you don’t see your device on our list, email us at support@gizmogo.com for your free quote. Include the device brand, model, and serial number in your message. We will have our technician deliver an estimate within 24 hours.
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