Buying, selling and donating second-hand devices
Author style
Punchy: a practical, no-nonsense guide you should follow if you own a phone or any connected gadget. This is straightforward but important — skimming might save time now, but missing steps can cost you later.
Summary
Devices, especially smartphones, hold a lot of personal, work and financial data. The NCSC guidance explains what to check before erasing a device and how to remove personal data safely. It focuses on phones and tablets but points to manufacturer instructions for other electronics. The page gives step-by-step advice on backing up data, ensuring account access and two-factor methods are moved, using factory reset/erase features, and links to reset instructions for major platforms (Android, iOS, Chromebook, Windows, macOS). It also warns that determined experts may still recover data and points to secure sanitisation guidance for guaranteed destruction. Accessible formats are available via Lead Scotland.
Key Points
- Back up any data you want to keep before erasing — factory reset removes everything on the device.
- Note which accounts you access and ensure you have the logins/passwords (many apps keep you logged in).
- Move two-factor methods (SMS/authenticator) and ensure verification works on another device before wiping.
- If your device controls smart-home kit, make sure you can manage those devices from elsewhere once you erase it.
- Use the device’s “Erase all Content and Settings” or “Factory reset” option; follow manufacturer instructions (links provided for Android, iPhone/iPad, Chromebook, Windows 11 and macOS).
- Avoid buying phones that are no longer supported — they won’t receive security updates and are more vulnerable to attack.
- When you buy a second-hand device, reset it on receipt and enable automatic updates, a screen lock and backups before use.
- For absolute assurance that data cannot be recovered, follow the NCSC secure sanitisation guidance — simple resets may not stop a determined expert.
Why should I read this?
Because you don’t want your messages, photos, bank details or smart-home access handed to someone else by mistake. It’s a short checklist that avoids hassle and serious privacy risk — quick to read, easy to act on.
Context and Relevance
Second-hand devices are increasingly common as people upgrade or seek cheaper options. That boosts the risk of accidental data exposure unless sellers and buyers follow simple security steps. This guidance ties into wider trends around data protection, e-waste and the growing second-hand market — good practice helps protect you and reduces the chance of fraud or unauthorised access.
Source
Source: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/guidance/buying-selling-second-hand-devices