Perhaps you’re looking to upgrade your Android phone or make the switch from Apple to Android. Regardless -  you’re looking to sell an Android phone you no longer need, and we’re here to help you wipe an Android phone before selling it.

There are a few things you’ll need to do before you get cash towards your next upgrade. This will help keep your data safe, as well as speed up the process to getting you paid for your old cell phone. Here’s how to clear an Android phone before selling!

One of the most important things to do before selling an Android phone is backing up your data. It’s possible to backup your entire phone to your Google Account in an easy to follow process.

Data you can backup to your Google account:

• Call history
• Contacts
• Photos and videos
• Emails
• Passwords
• Documents

How to backup your data using your Google account

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Accounts and then Google
3. Select your Google account
4. Check the things you want to sync to your Google account.

How to backup can vary between Android phones. The Google Pixel for example has a “Back up to Google Drive” function.

Remove Samsung account

If you own a Samsung, you’ll likely have a Samsung account on it where your files get backed up to. It’s in your best interest to remove your Samsung account before sending your phone, here’s how:

1. Go to Settings
2. Tap Accounts and backup. 
3. Tap Manage accounts and select your Samsung account. 
4. Tap Remove account and follow the instructions
5. Tap Sign out. Enter your Samsung account password, and then tap OK to fully and finally remove the account from your device.

Use WhatsApp as your main messaging service? You’ll want to back it up ready for your next phone. Here’s how to do it.

1. Open WhatsApp on your Android phone and tap the three dots on the top-right
2. Tap Settings and then Chats
3. Tap Chat backup and then the Back Up button.

Encrypting your data is extremely handy. In simple terms, it “scrambles” your data, making it hard for hackers to crack and access. Here’s how to do it:

1. Back up everything first (just follow the steps above)
2. Make sure your device is at least 80% charged
3. Go to Settings
4. Tap Security
5. Go to Encryption and encrypt your phone 

This is a given, but you’d be surprised how many phones we receive with SD cards left in them! Whilst we dispose of data safely, for your peace of mind, we 100% recommend removing your SD cards for safe-keeping.

It’s necessary to clear an Android phone before selling. Again, this could look a little different depending on the Android phone you have. But generally, you can just follow these steps to factory reset an Android phone:

1. Tap Apps.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap Backup and reset.
4. Tap Factory data reset.
5. Tap Reset Device.
6. Tap Erase Everything.

And again - this is a given! Even if you don’t intend on using the SIM on another phone, it’s best to keep it so your data isn’t accessed by anyone else.

We hope this guide on how to remove all data from android phone before selling has been of help!

Sell Samsung phones, recycle Google Pixel phones and much more using the Decluttr site. Plus, you can upgrade to a refurbished phone, or use the cash to buy refurbished tech on the Decluttr Store!