Windows Laptops and Desktops

1. Back up important files such as documents and photos you want to keep, and transfer them to your new computer, to an external hard drive or to the Cloud (eg Dropbox).

2. Destroy your data using data removal software, as detailed here.

3. Do a factory reset to remove files and programs you’ve added, leaving only the basic operating systems and pre-installed programs:

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC

Greentec has more detailed information, and support here.

Android Phones and Tablets

1. Back up your Android device.
Plug in your device and connect it to WiFi

• Open ‘Settings’ > Backup & Reset > Back up my Data > Accounts > Google
  (The steps may vary slightly depending on manufacturer/ Android version)

2. Sign out of your Google account.

3. Destroy your data by restoring your device to factory settings:
Go to Settings:

• Security > Encrypt Phone.

Once this has been completed: Go to Settings

• Backup & Reset > Factory Data Reset > Erase Phone Data.

4. Remove your SIM card

If your Android device has a microSD card remove it by ipping open the little hatch covering it, use your ngernail to press and release the card and then sliding it out. See Dummies’ guide to removing a microSD card.

Google has more detailed information, and support here. We also recommend checking the manufacturer’s support site.

Apple MacBooks & iMacs

1. Back up important files, like as documents and photos, and transfer them to your new computer, an external hard drive or iCloud.

2. Sign out of iCloud
If you’re using macOS Catalina or later:
Apple menu > System preferences > Apple ID > Overview > Sign out

If you’re using macOS or earlier:
Apple menu > System preferences > iCloud > Sign out

3. Sign out of Music (iTunes)
Open Music (iTunes):
Account > Authorisations > Deauthorize this computer > Enter your Apple ID > Deauthorize

4. Sign out of iMessage
Open Messages:
Messages > Preferences > iMessage > Sign out

5. Destroy your data by erasing your hard drive to remove any files and programmes you’ve added.
Restart Your Mac. Then open in Recovery Mode by holding Command + Q until you see the Apple logo

Apple has more detailed information, and support here.

iPhones & iPads

1. Back up your device through iCloud:
Plug in your device and connect it to WiFi Go to Settings:

• Apple ID > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back up now (The steps may vary slightly depending on model.)

2. Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the app store

Turn off Find my iPhone: Go to Settings:

• Apple ID > iCloud > > Find My iPhone > Turn Find My iPhone off

3. Destroy your data by returning your device to factory settings:
Go to Settings:

• General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.

4. Complete the process by entering your passcode and remove the SIM card, leaving a blank set-up screen for the next user.

Apple has more detailed information and support here.

Chromebooks

1. Sign out of your Chromebook.

2. Press and hold Ctrl + Alt + Shift + r.

3. Select Restart.

4. In the box that appears, select Powerwash and then Continue.

5. Follow the steps that appear and sign in with your Google Account.
Note: The account that you sign in with after you reset your Chromebook will be the owner account.

Once you’ve reset your Chromebook, follow the onscreen instructions to set up your Chromebook. Check if the problem is fixed.

Google have a more in depth help page here.

General Principles for Other Devices

1. Back up important files such as documents and photos you want to keep, and transfer them to your computer, to another hard drive or to the Cloud (eg Dropbox).

2. Destroy your data by returning your device to factory settings.

Please visit the manufacturer’s website for more detailed information on how to perform a factory reset.

3. Remove any SD or memory cards from the device. For hard drives a factory reset is performed by connecting to a computer.

There are more detailed instructions and support here.