What To Remember Before Recycling Your Phone

Recycling an old mobile phone is a great way to give the device a second life and keep unwanted electronics out of storage. However, before you hand over, sell or recycle your phone, there are a few important things you should do first.

From protecting your personal information to checking the condition of the device, preparing your phone properly can make the recycling process safer and easier. Here are the main things to remember before recycling your phone.

Back Up Anything You Want to Keep

Before removing anything from your phone, make sure you have saved the data you want to keep. This could include photos, videos, contacts, messages, documents and app data.

Depending on your device, you may be able to back everything up to a cloud service or transfer your files directly to a new phone or computer. Check that the backup has completed successfully before moving on to the next step.

Sign Out of Your Accounts

Your phone may still be connected to important accounts even after you stop using it. Before recycling the device, sign out of accounts such as Apple, Google and Samsung where applicable.

It is particularly important to remove services such as Apple’s Find My iPhone or Google’s device protection features. Leaving an account or activation lock attached to the phone can make it difficult for the next owner or recycler to reuse the device.

Remove Your SIM and Memory Card

It is easy to forget about the SIM card when recycling a phone. Remove your physical SIM before handing the device over and check whether the phone also contains a removable memory card.

If you use an eSIM, check your network provider’s instructions for transferring or removing it before resetting the phone.

Factory Reset the Phone

Once your important information has been backed up and your accounts have been removed, perform a factory reset. This removes your personal data and returns the phone to its original setup state.

Do not rely on manually deleting individual photos, messages or apps. A proper factory reset is a much more reliable way of preparing the device for its next owner.

Check the Condition of the Device

Take a few minutes to inspect the phone before recycling it. Check the screen, cameras, charging port, buttons, speakers and casing for obvious damage. It is also worth confirming that the device powers on and charges correctly.

The condition of a device can have a significant effect on whether it can be refurbished and reused or whether individual components need to be recycled instead.

Keep a Record of the Device Details

Before handing over your phone, consider making a note of its make, model, serial number and IMEI number. These details can be useful if you need to identify the device later or check its status.

Businesses handling second-hand mobile devices can also use professional device-checking services to help identify important information about a handset before it is resold or recycled.

Do Not Throw a Phone in Household Waste

Mobile phones contain electronic components and batteries that should be handled through an appropriate recycling route. Rather than putting an unwanted phone in general household waste, use a reputable phone recycling company, retailer take-back scheme or recognised electronics recycling service.

If the battery is swollen, damaged or overheating, take extra care. Do not puncture, crush or attempt to dismantle the battery yourself. Instead, tell the recycling provider about the damage and follow their instructions for safe handling.

Consider Whether the Phone Can Be Reused

Recycling does not always mean breaking a phone down for parts. Many devices can be tested, refurbished and returned to the second-hand market.

Extending the useful life of a working handset is one of the reasons accurate device testing and checking are so important within the mobile recycling and refurbishment industry.

Choose a Reputable Recycling Service

Finally, think carefully about who you give the phone to. Look for an established recycling or refurbishment business with a clear process for handling devices and personal data.

If you are selling the phone rather than simply recycling it, check the organisation’s terms, how the device will be assessed and when you will receive payment.

Before You Recycle Your Phone: A Quick Checklist

• Back up your photos, contacts and other important data.
• Sign out of Apple, Google and other device accounts.
• Disable activation locks and device-finding services.
• Remove your SIM card and memory card.
• Transfer or remove your eSIM if necessary.
• Perform a factory reset.
• Check the physical and functional condition of the phone.
• Make a note of the IMEI or serial number if required.
• Use a reputable recycling, refurbishment or trade-in service.

MobiCode provides technology for businesses working with mobile devices, helping organisations test, check and process handsets more efficiently. Contact MobiCode to find out more about our solutions for the mobile device industry.