Check your phone’s owner’s manual or device manufacturer website if you’re having trouble finding the reset options—devices vary in their methods. To deactivate the phone, contact your mobile phone provider to cancel the service and reset your device to factory conditions.
SIM cards and SD cards can hold information like phone numbers, photos, and other sensitive data. If you’re selling your phone to someone with the cards intact, be sure to wipe them. SIM cards are located underneath the battery and slide out of a small compartment. SD cards are thicker and are usually found on top of the SIM card pocket, or inserted into the side or top of your phone.
Phone book Voicemail Emails and text messages (sent and received) Folders (downloads, pictures, music) Search history
If you have an online account, you can likely make arrangements to have a new phone (and a new SIM card if you’re getting rid of your old one) shipped to you via your cellular provider’s website.
Focus on fixing cracked screens, broken headphone jacks, and loose buttons. Repair kits can be purchased from most home hardware and big-box stores.
ESN and IMEI numbers are typically found on a sticker located underneath the battery, on the outside of your phone’s box, or in your phone’s “Settings” or “Options” menu.
Always visit independent shops when selling your phone. Large companies like BestBuy most often pay the least for used phones.
The site http://www. Call2Recycle. org helps residents of the United States and Canada find local drop-off locations for both cell phones and rechargeable batteries by entering a ZIP code. International residents can use Sustainable Electronics Recycling International (https://sustainableelectronics. org/) to find recycling locations in regions around the world like Brazil, China, India, Japan, South Africa, and the Netherlands. Retailers like Best Buy, Circuit City, and Staples often sponsor local electronics recycling events. At these events, customers are encouraged to drop off cell phones, as well as other electronic devices (like PCs, monitors, and televisions).
Options vary depending on your product and location. Check your manufacturer’s website or call their customer support for more information. Most manufacturers partner with Call2Recycle for battery recycling. Cell phone service providers like Verizon, Alltel, and AT&T offer free in-store recycling with proceeds benefiting their favorite organizations.
Always ask for a receipt so you can claim your donation on your tax return next year. The 911 Cell Phone Bank (https://www. 911cellphonebank. org/) is a 501c3 public charity that accepts donations that are used as emergency cell phones (any inactive cell phone within the range of a cellular tower can make a 911 emergency call).
