Wiping a Device
Published August 2026 · Last verified August 2026
When you sell, trade in, donate, or recycle an old phone or computer, there is one step you must never skip: wiping it clean. That device holds your photos, your passwords, your banking apps, your whole digital life. Handing it off without erasing it properly is like giving away your filing cabinet with all the papers still inside. The good news is that wiping a device is simple once you know the steps. This little book walks through every kind of device in plain English. No jargon. No judgment. No rushing.
When you sell, trade in, donate, or recycle an old phone or computer, there is one step you must never skip: wiping it clean. That device holds your photos, your passwords, your banking apps, your whole digital life. Handing it off without erasing it properly is like giving away your filing cabinet with all the papers still inside. The good news is that wiping a device is simple once you know the steps. This little book walks through every kind of device in plain English. No jargon. No judgment. No rushing.
What's inside this guide
The printable PDF walks through 18 short chapters, in plain language. It also includes an everyday cheat sheet and at-a-glance pictures.
- Why A Plain Delete Is Not Enough
- Always Back Up Before You Wipe
- Sign Out And Remove The Locks First
- Wiping An iPhone Or iPad
- Wiping An Android Phone Or Tablet
- Wiping A Windows Computer
- Wiping A Mac
- Wiping A Broken Or Locked Device
- Do Not Forget The Cards And Extras
- Selling Your Wiped Device Safely
- Donating A Device The Right Way
- Recycling A Device You Cannot Sell
- Making Sure The Wipe Really Took
- Watches, Speakers, And Other Gadgets
- The Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Scams Around Old Devices
- The Honest Bottom Line
- When You Want A Hand
Get the printable guide
Everything above is a quick summary. The full, printable guide — the same words, laid out to read and keep by the computer — is a free PDF.
Last verified August 2026. Information accurate as of October 18, 2026.
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