Delete Information From
a Cell Phone
If you are getting a new cell phone, make sure to take some time to delete the data on your old cell phone before discarding it, selling it or donating it to a charitable organization. You don't want to get rid of your old phone when it is still filled with personal information and data. Your goal is to not only protect yourself from unwanted invasions of privacy, but to protect others who might be peeved if your contact information about them were to get into the wrong hands.
Instructions
Remove the SIM card first
1. If your phone is equipped with one, remove the subscriber identity module, which is known commonly as the SIM card. The SIM card stores data on your phone.
2. Delete all phone numbers, contacts, memos, outgoing and incoming text messages, pictures and videos. A number of phones have options named "Security" or "Master Reset." Click on these for the proper steps to take.
3. Double-check to see whether any remaining personal information is available on your phone by navigating to the "Settings" menu. Review data in categories such as "Images," "Sounds" and "Ring Tones" to make sure they have been deleted.
4. Refer to your cell phone manual for additional steps such as "Delete Data" or "Reformat Device." These features will allow you to take an added security step to ensure your phone has been wiped of sensitive information. If you no longer have the manual, check the website of the phone manufacturer for this information.
5. For additional information about deleting personal records from your phone, you can contact your cellular carrier or check their website to make sure you haven't missed a step.
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