{"id":3672,"date":"2024-01-30T23:59:00","date_gmt":"2024-01-30T23:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/?post_type=faq&p=3672"},"modified":"2024-02-01T09:38:29","modified_gmt":"2024-02-01T09:38:29","slug":"how-do-i-delete-my-data","status":"publish","type":"faq","link":"https:\/\/www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk\/faq\/how-do-i-delete-my-data\/","title":{"rendered":"How to delete your personal data safely from smart devices"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\nDownload our handy guide<\/a>\n\n\n\n

Destroy your data, don\u2019t just delete it<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This follows advice from the Government\u2019s National Cyber Security Centre and We Fight Fraud<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

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\n\n\n

Deleting data the conventional way doesn\u2019t destroy it. <\/strong>The code that technology uses to store your information remains on your devices, and can be accessed by criminals with the right know-how. This information may in turn be used to commit fraud. 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\n\n\n

Think about all your devices where you store personal data<\/strong> – photos, forms, financial records and documents with information like your address, date of birth, and even passwords. Your information could still be recoverable from your old device if you just delete it \u2013 so you need to ensure your data is properly destroyed. This guide will tell you how.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s important to follow the instructions shown here or on the device manufacturer\u2019s website to permanently delete your data. This will ensure it can\u2019t be retrieved by anyone else. Find your device type below – and read our step by step instructions to be sure your data is destroyed, not just deleted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do I permanently delete my data on my devices? Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some people choose to download specialist data deletion software, or employ a reputable professional to do the job. However, you can permanently delete your data on devices yourself by following these 4 simple steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Back up important files<\/strong>, such as documents and photos, and transfer them to your new computer, an external hard drive or iCloud. Remember to record the licence numbers of software you may need to reinstall on your new devices.
2. Sign out of all accounts<\/strong> on your device.
3. Destroy your data<\/strong>.
4. If possible, remove any SIM or memory cards<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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For information about your specific device:<\/p>\n\n\n\n