Disabling Your Smartphone

DISABLING YOUR SMARTPHONE  ~

What to do before disposing of your Smartphone….

© 2018 BOB SKIDMORE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

BOB SKIDMORE

CORRESPONDENT

I’m often asked how do I ensure that my private data is no longer accessible on my iPhone before I sell or dispose of it. Well here are some tips that should assist you.

Simply go to the SETTINGS APP, then tap on YOUR NAME at the top of the SETTINGS screen just below the word Settings.

Tap on the iCloud selection followed by scrolling down to the iCloud Backup selection

and tap BACK UP NOW.

Most new iPhones will backup the entire contents making it very easy to restore all this data on your new phone. Older models require you to use iTunes on your computer to backup the entire contents. You’ll then use iTunes again to download this data to your new phone. In this mode you may have to re-download your previous apps from the Apple App store. In some cases, if the APP is no longer offered the APP will not download. However, all former APPS that remain current will be restored at no additional charge.

(TIP: You should always backup your data daily. This should be a part of you initial setup when acquiring a new phone. Following the steps above and then turning on the iCloud Backup button accomplishes this. If you have more than 5gb of data you will need to follow the instructions to purchase more iCloud space from Apple. Apple provides 5gb for free, however, that’s really not enough. Additional amounts are available at any time for a small monthly charge and may be purchased on this same screen. So, it’s wise to purchase the next storage capacity, or even more if you immediately need it, knowing you can always increase it at a later date.)

To begin the process of deleting your data you’ll want to follow these steps:

~NOTE: IOS 11.1.2 was used for this article~

1.  Delete the FIND MY iPHONE APP . You’ll find this above the iCloud Backup selection on the iCloud Screen.  Tap OFF. (You’ll be asked for your Apple ID)

     2. Tap SIGN OUT

The phone will ask you if you are sure that you want to erase all your data. Selecting and tapping on DELETE FROM MY iPHONE

indicates that you agree with this and will start the process of eliminating everything on your iPhone. You will not be able to reverse this process, so be sure you’re ready for this step. You would be well advised to download your data from the iCloud to your new phone prior to deleting it on the old one. Your cell phone service provider, or the Apple store should be able to show you this simple process to get you started. Once your phone’s data is deleted, double check that everything’s gone.

Android users, make sure your device is encrypted; If your phone is relatively new, there’s a good chance it already is; Perform a factory reset to fully erase; Remove your SIM card and any other storage cards; Remove any remaining account associations such as your Google account and other accounts that may be associated with it.

Graphic credits: THE GADGETEER

Bob Skidmore is a freelance writer, who may be contacted at bob.thegadgeteer.skidmore@gmail.com, or followed at twitter.com/bskidmore for the latest gadget industry news. He does not represent, or endorse any of the products he reviews and his opinions are solely his points of view and not those of the manufacturer. The manufacturer generally supplies products and press releases at no cost for the articles and no other compensation is received. THE GADGETEER is highly selective as to products he feels worthy of review so as not to waste the reader’s time, thus the reason for many superior ratings.