Erase Data Before Selling a Used Smartphone

Watch out when you want to buy and sell used smartphones, laptops, or other mobile devices. Here are some tech tips on how to do it safely.


The important thing to make sure is that personal data has been completely deleted. Also be reminded, the file storage area must be deleted.



Deleted, or what is known as "deleted", can be done by a special program. Some security software solutions, such as Kaspersky Total Security, also have this type of data removal tool in File Shredder.





Make sure the selected data is deleted repeatedly so that it cannot be recovered



Users can also use Windows's built -in data removal tool, Cipher, which is commonly used for encryption. Ciphers can also be used to delete files from the hard disk or make them unusable.



For used equipment sellers, the priority must be to release information from the device they want to sell. So as to be able to keep all data, especially personal data, secure and inaccessible to others.



Here's how, just back up the data. Whether on a cell phone, computer, memory card, or other form of storage, back up securely before removing it from a device for sale.



Then, remove the SIM and storage card from the phone. Delete the eSIM if the device is using it. After that, turn on two-factor authentication for any account that allows it, then log out of each service (banking, email, social media).



Don’t forget to also do a factory reset or format the media. In most cases, data can be restored even after a factory reset or media format.



To ensure that nothing is left on the device, users need to take additional steps, which vary depending on the type, model and configuration of the device. Find information on complete data deletion securely.



Meanwhile, for buyers, they actually consider used devices unclean. However, if you are unable to purchase a new one, depending on the device, perform a factory reset or format the storage media.



The last step of this technical tip is to quickly install and activate a reliable security solution. If possible, even before buying a used device, balance the risk of encountering malware already on the device, and do a scan before using it for the first time.

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