A laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet is often still perfectly usable even when you no longer need it. You may want to pass the device on to a family member or a friend, sell it to someone or safely dispose of it at a recycling point. Whatever you decide, make sure your personal data remains protected and that the device can be used safely.
Use this checklist when you want to safely pass on, sell or recycle your old laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet.
1. Check whether the device is still up to date
Smartphones and tablets: Are they still receiving security updates? If not, it is safer not to pass them on or sell them.
Laptops and PCs: Is the operating system still running supported updates? For example: Windows 10 will no longer receive updates as of October 2025.
Install new updates regularly. The easiest way to do this is to enable automatic updates.
2. Back up your data
Before you erase the device, back up everything you want to keep: photos, documents, apps, contacts and settings. Use a secure external hard drive or a reliable cloud service, such as iCloud, OneDrive or Google Drive.
Then remove any SIM cards or memory cards from the devices.
3. Reset your device to factory settings
Restore the device to its original state.
For a smartphone or tablet:
- Android: Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset.
- iPhone/iPad: Settings > General > Transfer or Reset > Erase all content and settings.
Laptop or PC:
- Windows: Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
- Mac: Shut down your Mac, boot into recovery mode, wipe the disk using Disk Utility and reinstall macOS.
4. Create a new account for the new user
Have the new user set up their own account. Never share your old passwords or accounts.
For children: set up parental controls as needed.
5. Teach the new user safe habits
Proper smartphone, tablet and laptop security is necessary to keep out cybercriminals or other intruders. If a device gets into the wrong hands, it can cause a lot of damage. These tips will help you get off to a good start.
6. Prefer to recycle? No problem!
Is your old laptop, PC, smartphone or tablet too old, defective or unsafe? Take it to an authorised recycling point or recycling centre. This ensures that harmful substances are processed safely and valuable materials are reused. Find local Recupel collection points here.
