How to wipe data completely when selling your Android handset?

You have been using your Android handset for a long time and you want to sell it but you have problems in erasing your data? Let’s have a look at the article below to figure out how to solve it!

Android handset

Erase data completely when selling your Android handset: 3 easy steps

People usually only do a factory reset on their Android handsets when selling it. However, it doesn’t wipe all of your data clean. Someone still can employ off-the-shelf recovery software and get some of that data back. To erase data completely, remember to encrypt your data first. This process can take a few hours so you better fully charge your handset or keep it plugged in while encrypting. Then you can access Settings > Security > Encrypt phone to continue.

Secondly, you should go to Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset and then tap Reset phone or Reset device to start wiping out. Don’t forget to back up your necessary data before you wipe everything. After finishing this step, the data can be recovered but can never be decrypted. Your data is now safe from thieves or anyone who want to steal data from your old device.

Android handset

Finally, you should overwrite the encrypted data with junk data.  To do it, just load a bunch of dummy data onto your phone such as large videos until the storage is full and then go back to step 2 and do the factory reset again. Or you can use some apps on Play Store like Secure Erase with iShredder. This part may not be obligated, but we recommend you doing that to be absolutely certain.

Erase data completely when selling your Android handset: round-up

Above are 3 steps for you to completely erase your data when selling Android handset. It will take you a lot of time but will secure your information from people with bad purposes. Moreover, they are quite easy and everybody can do it, not just smartphone experts. Stay tuned to update other useful tips for your device!