How to safely get rid of your old smartphone or tablet

Upgrading to the latest phone or tablet is always exciting, but have you figured out how to responsibly part with your old device? With new smartphones, tablets and other electronics hitting the shelves constantly, it’s easy to forget about what happens to our outdated gadgets. Disposing of electronics thoughtlessly just adds to the growing e-waste problem, which basically refers to discarded electronic devices that end up in landfills or are improperly recycled. 

E-waste is a major environmental concern because it is full of harmful materials like lead and mercury that can leak into the ground and water, impacting ecosystems and our health. On top of that, improper disposal of phones or tablets means we’re wasting valuable materials like copper, lithium and aluminium. With e-waste piling up by millions of tons every year, now’s the time to rethink how we handle it. In this guide, we’ll break down how to safely and responsibly part ways with your old phone or tablet.

How to safely get rid of your old phone or tablet

As tech keeps evolving, you might find yourself with an old phone or tablet that you no longer use. Instead of letting it collect dust, here are the steps to get rid of it safely and responsibly:

1. Back up your data

2. Disable tracking apps

3. Remove the device from your accounts

4. Erase your personal data

5. Research recycling options

6. Consider donation

7. Sell or trade-in

1. Back up your data

Before saying goodbye to your old phone or tablet, make sure to back up all your important data. Whether it’s personal data, photos, or videos, it’s a good idea to save them somewhere safe. 

ALSO READ: How to responsibly dispose of your electronics safely

You can easily use cloud services like Google Drive or iCloud or consider saving sensitive files to an external hard drive.

2. Disable tracking apps

Make sure to turn off any tracking apps that are running on your device. For Apple users, head to your settings and switch off Find My. Android users should disable Find My Device to ensure your phone is no longer being tracked.

3. Remove the device from your accounts

Next, you’ll want to remove the device from any linked accounts. This includes apps like password manager or email. Go into their settings and remove your old phone or tablet from the list of approved devices. This prevents the next owner from accessing your personal information, like your name, birth date, or address.

4. Erase your personal data

It’s also crucial to wipe your device clean to protect your personal information. Start by performing a factory reset, which you can typically find in the settings menu. For Android smartphones or Android tablets, head to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Don’t forget to remove your Google account first to avoid any security blocks. 

ALSO READ: Why exchanging your gadgets is a responsible way of disposing them

For iPhones and iPads, go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings. Also, remember to sign out of your Apple ID to prevent activation lock issues down the line.

5. Research recycling options

Now that your phone or tablet is wiped and free of any personal data, it’s time to decide what to do with the device itself. Recycling is a great option, and many local e-waste programs or events will accept your old electronics in exchange for money. You can also check with big retailers or mobile carriers, which often offer recycling programs. But if your device is in good shape, consider donating it.

6. Consider donation

If your device is still in working condition, donating it can give it a second life. Many charities and organisations accept used electronics, especially to help those in need. Just remember to follow the earlier steps to wipe all your data before donating. If donation isn’t an option, or you’d prefer to make some money off it, selling or trading in your device is another solid choice.

7. Sell or trade-in

If your device is in good shape, selling it or trading it in can be a win-win. Many retailers and websites offer trade-in programs that give you cash or store credit in return for your old phone or tablet. Some retailers like Croma even let you exchange your old device for a discount on a new one, so you can save a bit while upgrading.

Take your pick, and be responsible.