{"id":34055,"date":"2024-09-18T09:48:02","date_gmt":"2024-09-18T08:48:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/?page_id=34055"},"modified":"2025-09-08T14:58:39","modified_gmt":"2025-09-08T13:58:39","slug":"how-do-i-delete-my-data","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/how-do-i-delete-my-data\/","title":{"rendered":"How do I delete my data?"},"content":{"rendered":"<section id=\"lab_page_header_two-block_7db0d8042bb41a9b086939f09d3d04ec\" class=\"lab-page-header-two\">\n    <div class=\"lab-page-header-two__content\">\n        <div class=\"row lab-page-header-two__content-container\">\n            <div class=\"col-lg-6 col-md-12 lab-page-header-two__content--wrapper\">\n                <div class=\"lab-page-header-two__content-aligned\">\n                    <div class=\"a-angled-heading a-angled-heading__responsive\">\n                        <h1 class=\"lab-page-header-two__heading\" style=\"color: #FFFFFF;\">Destroy your data, don\u2019t just delete it<\/h1>\n                    <\/div>\n                                            <p class=\"lab-page-header-two__description\" style=\"color: #FFFFFF;\">Read our guide, developed with the National Cyber Security Centre and We Fight Fraud\r\n<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-lg-6 col-md-12 lab-page-header-two__image--wrapper\">\n                <div class=\"lab-page-header-two__promo-image\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/troubleshooting-with-phone-copy-1024x745.webp\" alt=\"Medium light skinned young person using a smart phone, with someone else using a phone in the background.\" title=\"troubleshooting-with-phone copy\" class=\"main-image polyfill-image\">\n                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"lab-page-header-two__locator-wrapper\">\n            <div class=\"container\">\n                <form\n                    action=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/electrical-recycling-near-me\/\"\n                    method=\"POST\"\n                    class=\"lab-page-header-two__locator\"\n                    id=\"locations_search_autocomplete_form\"\n                >\n                    <label for=\"locations_search_autocomplete\"  class=\"lab-page-header__locator-descriptive\">\n                        Find your nearest donation or recycling point                    <\/label>\n\n                    <div class=\"lab-page-header-two__item\">\n                        <input class=\"form-control lab-page-header-two__locator-input\"\n                            id=\"locations_search_autocomplete\"\n                            name=\"locations_search_autocomplete\"\n                            type=\"text\"\n                            class=\"form-control\"\n                            placeholder=\"Enter a UK address or postcode\"\n                            aria-required=\"true\"\n                        \/>\n                        <span aria-live=\"polite\" role=\"alert\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"lab-page-header-two__locator-error\">Sorry, that postcode has not been recognised, please try again. Please note that we can only search UK postcodes.<\/span>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"locations_search_autocomplete_lat\" name=\"locations_search_autocomplete_lat\" \/>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"locations_search_autocomplete_long\" name=\"locations_search_autocomplete_long\" \/>\n                        <input type=\"hidden\" id=\"locations_search_autocomplete_nonce_data\" name=\"locations_search_autocomplete_nonce_data\" value=\"c1d70b236c\" \/><input type=\"hidden\" name=\"_wp_http_referer\" value=\"\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/34055\" \/>                    <\/div>\n                    <button type=\"submit\" id=\"locations_search_autocomplete_submit\" class=\"a-btn\">\n                        <span class=\"a-icn\">\n                            <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\" width=\"19\" height=\"16\">\n<!--!Font Awesome Free 6.7.2 by @fontawesome - https:\/\/fontawesome.com License - https:\/\/fontawesome.com\/license\/free Copyright 2025 Fonticons, Inc.-->\n  <path d=\"M416 208c0 45.9-14.9 88.3-40 122.7l126.6 126.7c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3s-32.8 12.5-45.3 0L330.7 376c-34.4 25.2-76.8 40-122.7 40C93.1 416 0 322.9 0 208S93.1 0 208 0s208 93.1 208 208zM208 352a144 144 0 1 0 0-288 144 144 0 1 0 0 288z\"\/ fill=\"currentColor\">\n<\/svg>\n                        <\/span>\n                        <span class=\"a-text\">Search <span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> (Submit recycling centre search)<\/span><\/span>\n                    <\/button>\n                <\/form>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"lab_four_blocks-block_f95a010ca6f201132f50fc71a2160bd6\" class=\"o-section lab-four-blocks _two-tone\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n                    <div class=\"row\">\n                <div class=\"col-12 lab-four-blocks-heading\">\n                                            <h2><span>How do I permanently delete my data on my devices? Overview<\/span><\/h2>\n                                                                <p>Before passing on your smart device for reuse or recycling you need to permanently delete all personal and private data so that it can\u2019t be retrieved.<\/p>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"row\">\n                <div class=\"block-container \">\n                                            <div class=\"block\">\n                            <div class=\"flexible-image-block\">\n                                                                    <figure class=\"flexible-image\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                                            srcset=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Back-up-data-1072-x-780-px-345x194.webp 345w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Back-up-data-1072-x-780-px-384x216.webp 384w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Back-up-data-1072-x-780-px-468x252.webp 468w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Back-up-data-1072-x-780-px-268x144.webp 268w\"\n                                            sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1280px) 262px, (min-width: 980px) calc(19.64vw + 15px), (min-width: 520px) calc(50vw - 38px), calc(100vw - 38px)\"\n                                            src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Back-up-data-1072-x-780-px-468x252.webp\"\n                                            alt=\"a close up of a computer screen with a line drawing of a cloud , the word backup and a green progress bar\"\n                                            width=\"468\"\n                                            height=\"252\"\n                                            loading=\"lazy\"\n                                        \/>\n                                    <\/figure>\n                                                                <div class=\"flexible-image-block-content\">                                                                    <div class=\"content-pusher\">\n                                                                                    <h3 class=\"a-h4\">1. Back up and sign out<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                            <p class=\"\"><p class=\"p1\">Back up important files, such as documents and photos, and transfer them to your new computer, an external hard drive or a cloud drive like iCloud, Dropbox or Google Drive. Remember to record the licence numbers of software you may need to reinstall on your new devices. Then sign out of all your accounts.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                                <\/div>                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"block\">\n                            <div class=\"flexible-image-block\">\n                                                                    <figure class=\"flexible-image\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                                            srcset=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/delete-hard-drive-1072-x-780-px-345x194.webp 345w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/delete-hard-drive-1072-x-780-px-384x216.webp 384w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/delete-hard-drive-1072-x-780-px-468x252.webp 468w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/delete-hard-drive-1072-x-780-px-268x144.webp 268w\"\n                                            sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1280px) 262px, (min-width: 980px) calc(19.64vw + 15px), (min-width: 520px) calc(50vw - 38px), calc(100vw - 38px)\"\n                                            src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/delete-hard-drive-1072-x-780-px-468x252.webp\"\n                                            alt=\"a close up of a hard drive with the casing open and a tiny figure with a broom sweeping the hard disk itself\"\n                                            width=\"468\"\n                                            height=\"252\"\n                                            loading=\"lazy\"\n                                        \/>\n                                    <\/figure>\n                                                                <div class=\"flexible-image-block-content\">                                                                    <div class=\"content-pusher\">\n                                                                                    <h3 class=\"a-h4\">2. Destroy data<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                            <p class=\"\"><p class=\"p1\">Destroy your data by erasing your hard drive to remove any files and programmes you\u2019ve added. In general a factory reset will delete most of your data, but for older Windows devices you may need specialist (free) software. Remember you won\u2019t be able to get your information back once this process has been completed.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                                <\/div>                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"block\">\n                            <div class=\"flexible-image-block\">\n                                                                    <figure class=\"flexible-image\">\n                                        <img decoding=\"async\"\n                                            srcset=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Remove-SIM-mobile-1072-x-780-px-345x194.webp 345w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Remove-SIM-mobile-1072-x-780-px-384x216.webp 384w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Remove-SIM-mobile-1072-x-780-px-468x252.webp 468w,\n                                            https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Remove-SIM-mobile-1072-x-780-px-268x144.webp 268w\"\n                                            sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 1280px) 262px, (min-width: 980px) calc(19.64vw + 15px), (min-width: 520px) calc(50vw - 38px), calc(100vw - 38px)\"\n                                            src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/Remove-SIM-mobile-1072-x-780-px-468x252.webp\"\n                                            alt=\"a close up of a mobile phone showing the slot where the SIM card goes as open and the SIM card lying next to it\"\n                                            width=\"468\"\n                                            height=\"252\"\n                                            loading=\"lazy\"\n                                        \/>\n                                    <\/figure>\n                                                                <div class=\"flexible-image-block-content\">                                                                    <div class=\"content-pusher\">\n                                                                                    <h3 class=\"a-h4\">3. Remove any SIM or memory cards<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                            <p class=\"\"><p>Don&#8217;t leave any personal information that could be used by cyber criminals. If possible, remove your SIM and any memory cards.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">Generally, it\u2019s not a good idea to sell used storage media such as a memory card with the device itself, so remove it<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                                <\/div>                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"block\">\n                            <div class=\"flexible-link-block\">\n                                                                                                                                                                                                        <div class=\"content-pusher\">\n                                                                                    <h3 class=\"a-h4\">Data deletion guide<\/h3>\n                                                                                                                            <p class=\"a-p-large\"><p>Download our data deletion guide to ensure that you destroy and not just delete all your valuable data.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                                                                                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/How-to-Delete-Your-Data-Recycle-Your-Electricals-Jan-2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"a-card-link text-link\">Download our handy guide<\/a>\n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"lab_information-block_2bdfac43fe7d0db728e7bccb770b0c4e\" class=\"o-section weee-theme- _two-tone lab-information video-player\">\n    <div class=\"container\">\n                                                    <div class=\"lab-information-image-video embed-video\">\n                                            <div class=\"m-preloader\">\n                            <div class=\"m-loader\">\n                                <div class=\"bounce1\"><\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bounce2\"><\/div>\n                                <div class=\"bounce3\"><\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n                        <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"lab-hero-video-play\" >\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/Delete-your-data-Youtube-Thumbnail-740x503px-V2.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" title=\"Delete your data Youtube Thumbnail 740x503px V2\" class=\"lab-video-poster\">\n                            <a href=\"#play-video\" class=\"lab-hero-video-icon theme-bg-all\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/custom\/assets\/images\/icons\/play-icon.svg\" alt=\"\" class=\"lab-hero-video-icon--image\" \/>\n                                <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Play video: WATCH THIS<\/span>\n                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                                                                            <div class=\"embed-container\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=h2saq7JSYc0\"><\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>  \n                            <div class=\"lab-information-content weee-theme-white\">\n                                                <div>\n                        <h2 class=\"lab-information__strip-title\">WATCH THIS<\/h2>\n                        <h3 class=\"a-h2 lab-information__title\">Delete your data<\/h3>\n                        <p class=\"a-p-large\">Paul Lewis runs through a simple three-stage process for deleting data from your devices<\/p>\n                        <p>Or you can download our guide to data deletion below. Remember it\u2019s <strong>your responsibility to wipe data from your smart devices <\/strong>before passing them on or recycling them.<\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"btn-wrapper\">\n                         <a class=\"a-btn \" href=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/How-to-Delete-Your-Data-Recycle-Your-Electricals-Jan-2024.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Download our guide<\/a>                                             <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"lab_faq_quick_links-block_cf1b6b7f0ab2178295354c0188bfe32f\" class=\"o-section lab-faq-quick-links \">\n\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 lab-faq-header\">\n                <h2>For information about your specific device:<\/h2>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 lab-faq-accordion\" id=\"lab-faq-accordion\">\n                                                    <div class=\"card\">\n                                    <h3 class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"lab-faq-0\">\n                                      <button class=\"btn-link collapsed card-header\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-0\" arialabelledby=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataOnAppleComputersAndLaptops\">\n                                        <span class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataOnAppleComputersAndLaptops\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-0\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-0\">How do I permanently delete my data on Apple computers and laptops?<\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"btn-link\">\n                                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/custom\/assets\/images\/icons\/icons--shaded-magenta-chevron-down.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                      <\/button>\n                                    <\/h3>\n                                    <div id=\"lab-faq-collapse-0\" class=\"collapse\"  aria-labelledby=\"lab-faq-0\" data-parent=\"#lab-faq-accordion\">\n                                          <div class=\"card-body\" >\n                                              <p><p>1. Back up important files, such as documents and photos, by transferring them to your new computer either by using Apple\u2019s Migration Assistant (look in the Utilities folder) or saving to an external hard drive. If you are using an external hard drive, simply copy the contents of your home folder to its new location using the \u2018cmd + c\u2019 and \u2018cmd + v\u2019 copy and paste function. Be patient \u2013 it may take some time.<\/p>\n<p>2. Sign out of iCloud<br \/>\nIf you\u2019re using macOS Sequoia (v15.6) or later:<br \/>\n&gt; Apple menu (the Apple icon in the top left)<br \/>\n&gt; System preferences<br \/>\n&gt; Apple ID<br \/>\n&gt; Overview<br \/>\n&gt; Sign out<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re using macOS Mojave or earlier:<br \/>\n&gt; Apple menu (the Apple icon in the top left)<br \/>\n&gt; System preferences<br \/>\n&gt; iCloud<br \/>\n&gt; Sign out<\/p>\n<p>3. Sign out of Music (iTunes)<br \/>\nOpen Music (iTunes):<br \/>\n&gt; Account<br \/>\n&gt; Authorizations<br \/>\n&gt; Deauthorize this computer<br \/>\n&gt; Enter your Apple ID<br \/>\n&gt; Deauthorize<\/p>\n<p>4. Sign out of iMessage<br \/>\nOpen Messages:<br \/>\n&gt; Messages<br \/>\n&gt; Preferences<br \/>\n&gt; iMessage<br \/>\n&gt; Sign out<\/p>\n<p>5. Destroy your data by erasing your hard drive to remove any files and programmes you\u2019ve added.<\/p>\n<p>On macOS Monterey or later on a Mac with Apple silicon or a Mac with the Apple T2 Security Chip you can use the \u2018Erase all Content and Settings\u2019 feature. Otherwise follow the instructions below.<br \/>\n&gt; Restart Your Mac<br \/>\n&gt; Open in Recovery Mode by holding Command + Q until you see the Apple logo<br \/>\n&gt; Erase your data<\/p>\n<p>Remember to remove any SIM or memory cards before passing on any device.<\/p>\n<p>Apple has more detailed information, and support\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/HT201065\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                          <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>  \n                                                         <div class=\"card\">\n                                    <h3 class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"lab-faq-1\">\n                                      <button class=\"btn-link collapsed card-header\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-1\" arialabelledby=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataOnIPhonesAndIPads\">\n                                        <span class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataOnIPhonesAndIPads\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-1\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-1\">How do I permanently delete my data on iPhones and iPads?<\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"btn-link\">\n                                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/custom\/assets\/images\/icons\/icons--shaded-magenta-chevron-down.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                      <\/button>\n                                    <\/h3>\n                                    <div id=\"lab-faq-collapse-1\" class=\"collapse\"  aria-labelledby=\"lab-faq-1\" data-parent=\"#lab-faq-accordion\">\n                                          <div class=\"card-body\" >\n                                              <p><p>1. Back up your device through iCloud:<br \/>\nPlug in your device and connect it to WiFi<br \/>\nGo to Settings:<br \/>\n&gt; Apple ID banner<br \/>\n&gt; iCloud<br \/>\n&gt; iCloud Backup<br \/>\n&gt; Back up now.<br \/>\n(The steps may vary slightly depending on model.)<\/p>\n<p>2. Sign out of iCloud, iTunes, and the app store.<br \/>\nTurn off Find My iPhone:<br \/>\nGo to Settings:<br \/>\n&gt; Apple ID banner<br \/>\n&gt; iCloud,<br \/>\n&gt; Find My iPhone<br \/>\n&gt; Turn it off<\/p>\n<p>3. Destroy your data by returning your device to factory settings:<br \/>\nGo to Settings:<br \/>\n&gt; General<br \/>\n&gt; Reset<br \/>\n&gt; Erase All Content and Settings.<\/p>\n<p>4. Complete the process by entering your passcode and remove the SIM card, leaving a blank set-up screen for the next user.<\/p>\n<p>Apple has more detailed information and support\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-gb\/HT201351\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                          <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>  \n                                                         <div class=\"card\">\n                                    <h3 class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"lab-faq-2\">\n                                      <button class=\"btn-link collapsed card-header\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-2\" arialabelledby=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataOnWindowsComputersAndLaptops\">\n                                        <span class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataOnWindowsComputersAndLaptops\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-2\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-2\">How do I permanently delete my data on Windows computers and laptops?<\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"btn-link\">\n                                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/custom\/assets\/images\/icons\/icons--shaded-magenta-chevron-down.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                      <\/button>\n                                    <\/h3>\n                                    <div id=\"lab-faq-collapse-2\" class=\"collapse\"  aria-labelledby=\"lab-faq-2\" data-parent=\"#lab-faq-accordion\">\n                                          <div class=\"card-body\" >\n                                              <p><p>If you\u2019re using a Windows computer older than Windows 8.1, factory reset isn\u2019t a guarantee that all the data on your computer will be wiped. For Windows computers older than 8.1, you\u2019ll need to use external software.<\/p>\n<p>The one we recommend is called<a href=\"https:\/\/eraser.heidi.ie\/\">\u00a0Eraser<\/a>, and it\u2019s free and simple to use.<\/p>\n<p>For all Windows deletions, back up important files such as documents and photos you want to keep, and transfer them to your new computer through an external hard drive or the Cloud (eg Dropbox).<\/p>\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>For computers running Windows 8.1 and above<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>&gt; Click Start<br \/>\n&gt; Settings<br \/>\n&gt; Updates &amp; Security<br \/>\n&gt; Recovery<br \/>\n&gt; Get Started<br \/>\n&gt; Reset this PC<\/p>\n<p>&gt; Select the \u2018Remove Everything\u2019 option. It may take some time to work, and you must be sure that you\u2019ve backed up your data first; once you\u2019ve chosen this option it can\u2019t be undone.<\/p>\n<p><strong>2. For computers running Windows versions before 8.1<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>You must use an external tool before performing a factory reset. Our recommendation is to use Eraser, found<a href=\"https:\/\/eraser.heidi.ie\/\">\u00a0here<\/a>. It\u2019s free and has a user friendly system. Download it<a href=\"https:\/\/eraser.heidi.ie\/download\/\">\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0(choose the latest version), and if you\u2019re having trouble using it, read their help section<a href=\"https:\/\/eraser.heidi.ie\/help\/\">\u00a0here<\/a>. Below is a guide on how to install and use Eraser once it\u2019s been downloaded:<\/p>\n<p>Installing Eraser:<\/p>\n<p>&gt; Navigate to the folder you downloaded Eraser into, and double click it to run the installer.<br \/>\n&gt; When Windows asks if you\u2019d like the program to make changes to your device, select \u2018Yes\u2019.<br \/>\n&gt; Once the installer appears, click \u2018Next\u2019<br \/>\n&gt; Accept the licence terms if you\u2019re happy with them, and click \u2018Next\u2019<br \/>\n&gt; Select \u2018Typical\u2019 as your installation setup type<br \/>\n&gt; Click \u2018Install\u2019, and wait for the installation to finish.<br \/>\n&gt; You have the option to run Eraser once it\u2019s installed. If you\u2019d like to use the program immediately, tick the box labelled \u2018Run Eraser\u2019, then click \u2018Finish\u2019.<\/p>\n<p>If not, you\u2019ll be able to find Eraser in your Start menu.<\/p>\n<p>Using Eraser:<\/p>\n<p>&gt; In your Start menu, you should either see Eraser as an installed program, or be able to search for it using the search function. Find Eraser in the menu and run it.<br \/>\n&gt; When Windows asks whether you\u2019d like the program to make changes to your device, select \u2018Yes\u2019.<br \/>\n&gt; The Eraser software will appear. Click the arrow next to \u2018Erase Schedule\u2019 then select \u2018New Task\u2019 from the dropdown menu. Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut CTRL+N.<br \/>\n&gt; A pop-up will appear. For task type, select \u2018Run immediately\u2019, or for more advanced control you can choose a scheduled time.<br \/>\n&gt; Select \u2018Add data\u2019 in the bottom left of the pop-up.<br \/>\n&gt; A new pop-up will appear. For \u2018Target Type\u2019 select \u2018Files in Folder\u2019. Leave the \u2018Erasure Method\u2019 section at default.<br \/>\n&gt; Under the \u2018Settings\u2019 section, press the \u2018Browse\u2019 button.<br \/>\n&gt; Select your User folder by going to \u2018This PC\u2019 &gt; C:\/ &gt; Users &gt; [folder labelled with your username]<br \/>\n&gt; Double check the information you provided as being correct, and select \u2018OK\u2019 then \u2018OK\u2019 again. If you\u2019ve selected \u2018Run immediately\u2019, Eraser will now begin to erase the contents of your home folder, including your documents, settings, and personal data. Make sure everything is backed up beforehand, because this process can not be undone.<\/p>\n<p>Performing a factory reset:<\/p>\n<p>Once Eraser has finished with your home folder, you must factory reset your PC. Here is what to do:<\/p>\n<p>&gt; Open Settings<br \/>\n&gt; Find \u2018Updates and Recovery\u2019<br \/>\n&gt; Select \u2018Get Started\u2019<br \/>\n&gt; Select \u2018Remove Everything and Reinstall Windows\u2019.<br \/>\n&gt; Follow the prompts provided.<\/p>\n<p>Remember to remove any SIM or memory cards before passing on any device.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s important to be extremely careful when downloading software which claims to delete your files securely. Because the information you may want deleted is, by its nature, sensitive, criminals will be interested in getting their hands on it. As a result, many advertised data deletion tools tend to be malware or viruses. Eraser has been carefully reviewed for many years and is safe to use.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                          <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>  \n                                                         <div class=\"card\">\n                                    <h3 class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"lab-faq-3\">\n                                      <button class=\"btn-link collapsed card-header\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-3\" arialabelledby=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataFromMyAndroidDevice\">\n                                        <span class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataFromMyAndroidDevice\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-3\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-3\">How do I permanently delete my data from my Android device?<\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"btn-link\">\n                                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/custom\/assets\/images\/icons\/icons--shaded-magenta-chevron-down.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                      <\/button>\n                                    <\/h3>\n                                    <div id=\"lab-faq-collapse-3\" class=\"collapse\"  aria-labelledby=\"lab-faq-3\" data-parent=\"#lab-faq-accordion\">\n                                          <div class=\"card-body\" >\n                                              <p><p>1. Back up your device:<br \/>\nPlug in your device and connect it to WiFi<br \/>\n&gt; Navigate through Settings<br \/>\n&gt; Backup &amp; Reset<br \/>\n&gt; Back up my Data<br \/>\n&gt; Accounts<br \/>\n&gt; Google.<br \/>\n(The steps may vary slightly depending on manufacturer\/ Android version.)<\/p>\n<p>2. Sign out of your Google account.<\/p>\n<p>3. Destroy your data by returning your device to factory settings:<br \/>\nGo to Settings<br \/>\n&gt; Security<br \/>\n&gt; Encrypt Phone.<br \/>\nOnce this has been completed:<br \/>\nGo to Settings<br \/>\n&gt; Backup &amp; Reset<br \/>\n&gt; Factory Data Reset<br \/>\n&gt; Erase Phone Data.<\/p>\n<p>4. Remove SIM card.<br \/>\nIf your Android device has a microSD card, remove it by flipping open the little hatch covering it, using your fingernail to press and release the card and then sliding it out. See Dummies\u2019 guide to removing a microSD card.<\/p>\n<p>Google has more detailed information, and support\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/android\/answer\/6088915?hl=en-GB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">here<\/a>.<br \/>\nWe also recommend checking the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/support.google.com\/android\/answer\/3094742\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">manufacturer\u2019s support site<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                          <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>  \n                                                         <div class=\"card\">\n                                    <h3 class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"lab-faq-4\">\n                                      <button class=\"btn-link collapsed card-header\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-4\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-4\" arialabelledby=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataOnGamesConsoles,Cameras,Printers,AndExternalHardDrives\">\n                                        <span class=\"mb-0 a-h5\" id=\"HowDoIPermanentlyDeleteMyDataOnGamesConsoles,Cameras,Printers,AndExternalHardDrives\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" data-target=\"#lab-faq-collapse-4\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"lab-faq-collapse-4\">How do I permanently delete my data on games consoles, cameras,  printers, and external hard drives?<\/span>\n                                        <span class=\"btn-link\">\n                                          <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"18\" height=\"18\" src=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/wp-content\/themes\/custom\/assets\/images\/icons\/icons--shaded-magenta-chevron-down.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                        <\/span>\n                                      <\/button>\n                                    <\/h3>\n                                    <div id=\"lab-faq-collapse-4\" class=\"collapse\"  aria-labelledby=\"lab-faq-4\" data-parent=\"#lab-faq-accordion\">\n                                          <div class=\"card-body\" >\n                                              <p><p>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).<\/p>\n<p>2. Destroy your data by returning your device to factory settings.<br \/>\nUnfortunately, the factory reset functions on smart devices vary wildly in how well they destroy your data. It\u2019s a good idea to perform a factory reset anyway, and you can find specific advice on how to do so online. Our advice is to only recycle such devices through trusted third party exchanges, as they have specialised tools and software to help ensure your data is securely destroyed. Never trust a factory reset alone to securely delete your information.<\/p>\n<p>3. Remove any SD or memory cards from the device.<br \/>\nGenerally, it\u2019s a good idea not to sell used storage media such as a memory card with the device itself, so remove it.<\/p>\n<p>4. Format external media such as hard drives or memory cards.<br \/>\nIf you\u2019re donating, selling or recycling storage media, you can connect it to your laptop and use a program such as Eraser for Windows or Disk Utility for Mac. If you\u2019re using Disk Utility, set the security level to most secure when erasing the media, in order to securely destroy the information on there first.<\/p>\n<p>\u2018Formatting\u2019 SD cards or other storage media is not sufficient to destroy your data. Every smart device has its own quirks on how it uses external storage. As such, there\u2019s no perfect catch-all.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"a-btn\" href=\"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/electrical-recycling-near-me\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find your recycling point<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p>\n                                          <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                                <\/div>  \n                                     <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n\n<section id=\"lab_content-block_bc997ed6c192d7e13b3debf6c967878e\" class=\"lab_content lab_content--center o-section\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n      <div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n          <div class=\"content-block\">\n                                                    <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<section id=\"lab_content-block_bc997ed6c192d7e13b3debf6c967878e\" class=\"lab_content lab_content--center o-section\">\n  <div class=\"container\">\n      <div class=\"content-wrapper\">\n          <div class=\"content-block\">\n                                                    <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<section id=\"lab_faq_quick_links-block_a5437eebb685c1a9b2e25d926495cd7e\" class=\"o-section lab-faq-quick-links \">\n\n    <div class=\"container\">\n        <div class=\"row\">\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 lab-faq-header\">\n                <h2><\/h2>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"col-12 col-md-8 lab-faq-accordion\" id=\"lab-faq-accordion\">\n                                <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":227,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":true,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-34055","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>How do I delete my data? - Recycle Your Electricals<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Before passing on your smart device you need to permanently delete all your data so that it can\u2019t be retrieved. 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