Preparing device for donation

As part of the BLKM digital inclusion programme, this page provides helpful guidance on preparing your device for donation.

Home Digital Equity Project: Preparing device for donation

Preparing Apple iOS Devices (iPhone or iPad) for  Donation 

Before donating your Apple iOS device, please follow these steps to remove your  personal information: 

  1. Back Up Your Data: Ensure all important data is backed up to iCloud or your computer. 
  2. Unpair Apple Watch (if applicable): If you have an Apple Watch paired with your device, unpair it. 
  3. Sign Out of iCloud and Apple ID: 
    1. Open Settings. 
    2. Tap your name at the top. 
    3. Scroll down and select Sign Out. 
    4. Enter your Apple ID password and tap Turn Off.  
  4. Erase All Content and Settings: 
    1. Go back to Settings and tap General. 
    2. Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone. 
    3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.  
    4. If prompted, enter your device passcode and confirm the action. 
  5. Remove SIM Card: If your device has a SIM card, remove it. 

For more detailed instructions, refer to Apple’s official guide:https://support.apple.com/en-gb/108931 

Preparing Android Devices for Donation 

To securely erase your personal information from an Android device, follow these steps: 

  1. Back Up Your Data: Ensure all important data is backed up to your Google Account or computer. 
  2. Remove Google and Other Accounts: 
    1. Open Settings.  
    2. Tap Accounts or Users & accounts. 
    3. Select each account and tap Remove account. 
  3. Encrypt Your Data (if not already encrypted): 
    1. Go to Settings. 
    2. Tap Security. 
    3. Select Encrypt phone and follow the prompts. 
  4. Factory Reset the Device: 
    1. Open Settings. 
    2. Tap System > Reset options. 
    3. Select Erase all data (factory reset).  
    4. Confirm by tapping Reset Phone or Erase Everything. 
  5. Remove SIM and SD Cards: If your device has a SIM card or external SD card, remove them. 

For additional details, consult Google’s support page: https://support.google.com/android/answer/6088915?hl=en-GB 

Find out more

Find out more about the digital equity programme in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes here

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