4 ESSENTIAL THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND BEFORE SELLING SMARTPHONE
If you are thinking about sending your smartphone for some cash or just want to get a new model but not sure where to get started? Here are some four essential steps that you must take before you send your device to a trade-in service or to your carrier.
1. Never forget to back up your phone
Before you trade-in iphone, you’ll have to make sure that you have all of your data backed up so that when you buy a new phone, the data can be safely and securely transferred. If you have an iPhone, then back up data while tapping up in the Settings, Cloud, and then select Storage & Backup. If the iCloud Backup feature is disabled then you can enable it, then tap Back Up Now to secure your data in the cloud.
If you are using an Android phone, there is not a wireless stock phone backup but you can use the USB cord to plug your phone into a computer and copy all the files from your Android device.
2. Encrypt your data
Encryption helps in the data stored on your phone by making it unreadable without your individual device’s unique encryption key. Data on iOS devices get encrypted by default, but if you are using an Android phone then you’ll have to manually enable data encryption. The process may take some time but after it gets finished the data will be safely encrypted and will become unreadable by outside devices.
3. Perform a factory reset
Though you can just manually delete photos and apps of the device, encrypt the data and then send it in, you’ll want to perform a factory reset to be extra safe. A factory reset wipes out the data from the device and restore it to the condition when you purchased it new. If you have an Android phone, you can perform a factory reset by pressing the Menu button and then go to Settings and select Privacy, and then Factory Data Reset. Finally, press Reset Phone to complete the process and remove all of your data from the phone.
4. Remove any SIM or SD cards.
If your phone provides easily removable SIM cards and you know how to remove the SIM card then take it out carefully. Also, if you use an Android phone then also make sure to take out the SD card. SIM and SD card removal procedures vary by phone model, so check your owner’s manual or contact provider if you need help.
When you trade-in the phone, it looks great to wipe the screen with a dry cloth and make sure that all ports are clear of any dust particles.