5 ways to prepare electronics before exchange

Exchanging your old tech is a great way to give old appliances and gadgets a new life, while also getting a discount on newer purchases. However, there are a few steps you must follow before giving away older laptops, smartphones or other tech for exchange. Going through these steps will ensure a smooth exchange process as well as keep your previous data safe.

Note that depending on the product you’re exchanging, not all the below-mentioned steps may apply to you. If you find a step that is not relevant to the product in question, feel free to skip the same. Let’s begin with the first step.

1. Backup your data

Whether you’re exchanging your old smartphone, laptop or any other device, you probably don’t want to lose all your files and media along with it. This is why backing up any wanted data from your older gadgets should be your first priority. While cloud-based apps like Instagram, Canva or any of the Google Suite apps will have their data backed up automatically, you may have to manually backup any documents and downloaded files.

ALSO READ: How to recover data from a dead phone

For media, you can either do a manual backup by using another device or an external hard drive or rely on a cloud storage service like Google Drive or iCloud Drive to back up your photos and videos. Make sure all kinds of data on your older device are backed up before you proceed to the next step.

2. Reset the device

Once you have everything you need from your older device, it is time to get rid of those files and media, along with all your accounts, payment options and other configurations from the device. Yes, we’re talking about a full reset, also called a factory reset. Doing this will ensure you hand your device over to an exchange service with a clean slate and no trace of the previous owner or any other information that could be linked back to them or worse, misused.

Most smartphones and tablets will let you reset the device by searching for the reset option in the settings. However, resetting a laptop is a slightly longer process with more steps, as it may involve connecting to a power source and being patient (laptop resets take more time than a phone). Once everything is reset, your device is safe to be exchanged.

3. Look for damage or faulty components

While the two above-mentioned steps may be enough to get most devices ready for exchange, you can go the extra mile by going through a few more steps, the first of which is to look for any damage on the device or appliance, as well as take note of any faulty or malfunctioning components.

Reporting any such complications before you proceed with an exchange is crucial as it can help you get a better idea of the final price you’ll get as well as stay clear of any last-minute embarrassments at the exchange location.

4. Gather the box and accessories

This may not seem like an important step, but it is always a good idea to find the original packaging and accessories of the device/appliance that is about to be exchanged. In case of phones and laptops, original accessories like the charger or any cables may be essential to you getting the full price of the product post-exchange. If you cannot find any such accessory that came with the product, inform the store of the same beforehand.

5. Clean the device

You wouldn’t like receiving a new gadget that’s covered in dirt, would you? Guess what, the folks carrying out your exchange at the store don’t either. Always hand in your device after a thorough cleaning. This may even make your device appear in better condition than it actually is.

ALSO READ: 5 easy ways to clean your phone from the outside and inside

Note that depending on how dirty and filled with gunk your gadget is, you may be able to get away with a micro-fibre cloth or need a full cleaning kit. If you don’t have the latter, take a trip to the nearest repair shop or an authorised service centre and ask for your device to be cleaned. Once your tech is squeaky clean, it is completely ready for an exchange.

All you need to do now is take your gadget/appliance to the store where you plan on exchanging it, and a representative should take care of the rest.

Exchanging other home appliances

Remember that you can exchange plenty of older gadgets besides your smartphones and laptops. These include older TVs, refrigerators, ACs, and even washing machines. Depending on factors like the brand, model and condition, you can get a discount off a new appliance, while your older appliance gets recycled in an eco-friendly manner. Win-win, right?

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