How to Get Rid of Your Old Devices Safely?

If you are tired of your old device and want to get rid of it, it would be unsafe to do so without following some best practices. 

A device that is not satisfactorily disposed of can put the owner in a risky situation. If the device gets into the hands of the wrong person, information on the device can be used for malicious activities.

To avoid all of this, you should get rid of your old devices safely. 

Here are the steps you can take to do that:

1. Back up your files

Making file backups is highly recommended. Whether you are scraping, selling, recycling, or even giving out your device, you should back up your files beforehand. Here are ways to back up your files on different devices.

How to back up files your iPhone?

For iPhone file backup, follow these steps:

• Connect your device to an available, secure Wi-Fi network.
• Go to settings > enter your name> tap on iCloud Backup.
• If the iCloud Backup is turned off, turn it on.
• Then click Backup Now. 

Note: Ensure you are connected to a ‘working’ Wi-Fi network during this process.

How to back up your Android?

The file backup process may vary depending on your Android device; hence, the best way to back up files on your Android device is by using Google Drive. You can easily select files (music, videos, documents, etc.) from your device and upload them to Google Drive.

How to back up your PC files?

You can back up files on your PC by using an external hard disk, SD card, flash drive, or online cloud storage.

There are so many reputable online cloud storage services out there you can make use of online. Conversely, any cloud storage that provides an encryption service will be highly recommended. 

2. Sign out from accounts 

After backing up your files, you should log out from every account in your device. Log out from your Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and any other email provider you might have logged in. 

Besides that, log out or sign out from any social media accounts on the device. Also, log out from any software on your device, which requires user login information.

Check your web browser history and sign out from any logged-in websites. Delete your browsing history, clear cache, and delete passwords on the devices. 

Furthermore, it would be best if you considered deleting applications that might contain your information.

3. Remove SIMS and external storages

Of course, you do not want to throw away your SIM cards and external storage devices while you throw away your device. You should remove them. 

Conversely, in the case of PCs, you can remove your hard disk or any external memory you might be using with it.

4. Upload mock files

This is optional, but it can strengthen your security. You can upload dummy files to your devices. No method guarantees that your old device has no personal information of yours. Besides, there are several file retention out there which can recover deleted media files.

Uploading mocks files or videos will take up the internal storage of your devices. By doing this, it becomes more difficult for anyone with your old device to identify your real information as they will only come across bogus information.

5. Factory Reset 

A factory reset is essential before you get rid of your old devices. A factory reset wipes out the entire data on your device and revert it to the factory state.

The steps to factory resetting vary depending on your device. But you can always locate the option in the device settings.

What Do You Need for a New Device?

Listed above are steps to take in getting rid of your old devices; however, when you get a new device, you should also protect it. 

You can start by copying the backed up files onto the new device from the storage facility you used earlier, whether the external hard drive or cloud storage.

Another thing you should consider is installing new applications onto the new device. One of the essential apps you should utilize in your new devices is a VPN service.

Virtual Private Network (VPN) service works by mystifying your IP address online, thereby providing you with online anonymity. Another exciting perk you get with a VPN is that you can access blocked websites without hassles.

While there are notable VPNs in the cybersecurity industry, RitaVPN is a unique VPN service tailored to complement the needs of all kinds of users most.

For instance, RitaVPN comes with the following features:

• Multiple VPN servers in strategic locations
• No-logs policy
• Fast connection speed
• Affordable pricing
• Up to 4 Simultaneous connections
• Cross Compatibility: Windows, iOS, Mac, and Android
• 24/7 Customer support

With RitaVPN, you can protect your online identity on any device, whether old or new. Besides, RitaVPN is compatible with primary desktop and mobile Operating Systems.