Wipe a computer or phone before you sell or recycle it

Before you wipe

1. Back up everything you want to keep, and check the backup works.
2. Sign out of your Apple ID (this turns off Find My and Activation Lock) or your Google account.
3. Deactivate software you pay for (like Microsoft 365) so the licence can move to your new device.
4. Unpair watches and earbuds.

Wipe it

• iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
• Android: Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset).
• Windows 11: Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC → Remove everything, and choose to clean the drive.
• Mac: System Settings → General → Transfer or Reset → Erase All Content and Settings (newer Macs).

Recycling

Don't put electronics in the garbage. In Calgary, old electronics can be dropped off for free recycling. Check calgary.ca for current drop-off locations; many electronics stores take them too.

Very sensitive data?

For an old computer with a spinning hard drive, removing the drive and physically destroying it (or using a certified shredding service) is the safest choice.