Retrieving data from old devices: that’s how it works!
If you have bought a new phone, laptop or PC, it is important to sell or recycle your old device in a safe way. It is of course not the intention that your personal information ends up in the wrong hands. So never forget to get your data from old devices. You can read how to do this safely in this article.
Don’t destroy it
Even if you do not want to sell your device, it is useful to keep it intact. Many people think that by breaking the device, the data is no longer accessible, but that is not always the case.
In addition, breaking electronics is not safe. There may be residual current in the device. It is therefore better to remove your data from the device and then hand it in, for example at the recycling center or the store where you bought it.
Make backups
Charge your old device so that you can access your personal data again. Before you completely reset it to factory settings and erase all data, it is important to make a backup of the data you want to keep.
To make a backup, you can connect most smartphones with the charging cable to, for example, a laptop or PC. If it is connected, you will usually receive a notification and you can give access to the data of the smartphone. This way you can easily make a backup.
If not, it is possible through the settings. In the system settings there is generally an option to make a backup (for iPhones this is called a backup).
Backup to Google Drive
A handy way to make your own backup on any device is Google Drive. If you have or create a Google account, you can store all your photos, videos and other files in it. This way you can then save these files from any device and you have transferred them manually.
Factory settings
Every smartphone, PC and laptop has the option to delete all data. Usually you do this by resetting the device to factory settings. Only do this if you have already transferred all the data you want to keep to another device or system such as Google Drive. You will not be able to find this information afterwards.
Delete data
Factory reset will erase all your personal data and data from the device. Are you doing this with a smartphone? Then you don’t have to worry about this having an impact on your SIM only. You can simply use the SIM card in your new phone afterwards.
For most devices, you reset the phone by going to ‘Privacy’ in the settings, where you will be given the option to reset it to factory settings. For Apple phones, go to ‘General’ in the settings and click on ‘Transfer or reset iPhone’. This way all data is deleted and your personal information does not fall into the wrong hands!
