You should reset your mobile phone to factory settings before giving it to someone else. This will remove all of your personal data from the device, leaving it as if it had come new from the factory. The instructions for carrying out a factory reset differ for iPhone and Android devices.
A simple factory reset won't ensure that everything is wiped out from your phone, so all your files could be easily recovered. Encrypted data means that even if the new owner of your device tries to restore all your data, they won't be able to access it.
Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone. If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot Android issues. To restore your data after you reset your phone, you must enter security info.
Have you ever thought about what happens to your old phone number? It doesn't just vanish. Instead, service providers will reuse the number, handing it off to someone else. This can happen sooner than you might expect.
Whether you plan to trade in your old Android phone for a discount on your new phone, sell it on eBay, give it away to a friend, or drop it off for recycling, you're going to want to wipe it of all your data first by resetting it to factory conditions.
Go to Settings > [your name], scroll down, tap Sign Out, enter your Apple ID password, then tap Turn Off. Erase all content and settings that contain personal information. If you previously turned on Find My for your iPhone, Activation Lock is removed when you erase iPhone, making it ready for a new owner.
Phone number recycling is the industry term that refers to the event when that deactivated/disconnected number gets reassigned to someone else. Typically, it takes at least 90 days for this reassignment to take place but it can be faster in high-demand area codes (212, 310, etc.).
How long does it take for a disconnected number to be recycled? Generally telecom providers reassign numbers within 90 days from when they had become deactivated but there is no specific time limit. In certain area codes with high demand for recycled numbers, the reassignment will occur much more quickly.
It lays down a set of guidelines and rules for the players in the telecommunication industry. According to TRAI consumer handbook, a sim card is deemed to be deactivated in case of non-usage for over 90 days (about 3 months).
Can Data Be Recovered After a Factory Reset? Since Android 6 Marshmallow, Android devices ship encrypted by default. This means that you don't have to worry about people accessing your deleted data using forensic tools.
When you do a factory reset on your Android device, it erases all the data on your device and returns the phone back to its original out-of-the-box state as it was from the factory.
A factory data reset erases your data from the phone. While data stored in your Google Account can be restored, all apps and their data will be uninstalled. To be ready to restore your data, make sure that it's in your Google Account.
Once you've received your second-hand device, it's a good idea to erase all the personal data on it, or perform a 'factory reset' (the exact name of this feature will depend on which type of device you have).
Data loss: A factory reset erases all data on the device, including apps, files, and settings. This can be a problem if you haven't backed up your data beforehand. Device damage: If a factory reset is interrupted or not done correctly, it can potentially cause damage to the device or render it unusable.
Now you can wipe the Android phone, but this process is slightly different depending on who made your phone. On a Google Pixel, for example, go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset) > Erase all data (you will need to enter your PIN).
Most telecom providers will block your local SIM card after 6 or 12 months of inactivity to make the telephone number available for use again by a new customer.
Phone number verification tools
The simplest and least time-consuming way to check if a phone number is active is to use a phone number validation tool. This method involves one easy step—simply type the phone number into the tool and it will provide feedback on whether or not the phone number is active and accurate.
Once you have cancelled your service, you are returning your phone number to the carrier.
Your old SIM card will stop working once the number has transferred. You may at the same time briefly lose service with your new card. The easiest way to be certain that your old number is up and running on your new network though is to put your new SIM card in your phone and get someone to call you.
Once your service is active and your number has been transferred, your new carrier will let you know. Meanwhile, the number transfer will automatically cancel your old service in most cases. After you're up and running, we suggest that you call your old cell phone company to confirm the cancellation.
If you keep the same phone and switch to a different number by replacing your SIM that doesn't affect any content on your phone, so you don't need to restore anything. If you switch to a different phone with a different number and you transfer content from the old phone to the new phone you won't lose anything either.
Quite the contrary, many phones can still be used and sold on a secondary market, which is why cell phone repair stores and other retailers want your old phone. They can repair sell them at a discount to people who may not want or be able to afford the latest models, and you can get a credit toward your next purchase.
To be extra safe, it's a good idea to remove your SIM card, which may contain your phone number, security information and billing info. To remove, locate the SIM tray (usually on the right side of your device) and insert a paperclip into the hole to pop out the tray. Take out the SIM card and replace the tray.