Make sure you remove your personal information from your old device. Why? Because your device could have a lot of sensitive, personal information on it – like your passwords, account numbers, emails, text messages, photos, and videos. If that information ends up in the wrong hands, someone could use it to wreak havoc. They could open accounts in your name, spend your money, hack into your email, or take over your social media accounts.
Here are some quick tips before upgrading to a new device:
Step 1. Back It Up
The first thing you should do is back up your data.
How To
Step 2. Remove SIM and SD Cards
If your device has a SIM card, it may store your personal information. Remove the SIM card. If you'll keep the same mobile number, you may be able to transfer your SIM card to your new device. But if you don't re-use the SIM card, destroy it. If your device has an SD memory card for storage, remove it.
How To
Step 3. Erase Your Personal Information
Remove information from your old device by restoring or resetting it. After you restore or reset it, confirm things like your contacts, text messages, photos, videos, and browsing history have been erased.
How To
Step 4. Disconnect Your Device From Accounts and Devices
Lastly, double-check that your device is no longer connected to your online accounts or other devices.
- If your device was paired to another device like a watch or a vehicle, make sure it’s unpaired.
- Make sure that passwords for your accounts or Wi-Fi are no longer saved on the device.
- If you use 2-step verification or multi-factor authentication to log in to any accounts, remove your device from the list of trusted devices.
- If you’re not keeping your mobile number, change the number on file with any accounts or services that may be using it to identify you.