Keep your personal data from getting out when you donate your electronics. Knowing how to securely wipe your devices will help you donate them without concern.
New Life Technology Group gathered information and instructions on how to save and securely remove personal data and crucial files from your devices, donation and recycling benefits, New Life Technology Group’s Computers for Kids Program, and decluttering electronics to simplify your life.
Why Securely Wipe Data Before Donating?
Old electronics often contain personal data, including passwords, photos, financial information, and emails. You risk exposing yourself to identity theft or data breaches without proper data removal.
Fortunately, securely wiping your devices ensures your information is protected while enabling them to be refurbished and reused responsibly. This process also benefits the environment by keeping electronic waste out of landfills. It supports programs like New Life Technology Group’s Computers for Kids Program, which refurbishes and distributes devices to underserved families.
Note: If you are unable to wipe your data for any reason on any device, New Life Technology Group has you covered with its data destruction guarantee, completely wiping all drives and storage during its refurbishing process.
Steps to Save and Wipe Data
It is essential to ensure personal and/or sensitive data is securely erased (wiped) before donating your devices. Consider the following:
Mac Computers
Save Your Data
- Back Up with Time Machine: Connect an external hard drive to your Mac and back up your files with the built-in Time Machine utility.
- iCloud Backup: Sign in to iCloud and ensure all sensitive files are synced to your iCloud Drive.
Wipe Your Data
- Sign Out of Services: Log out of iCloud, iMessage, and other Apple services.
- Restart in Recovery Mode: Hold down Command + R during startup to enter Recovery Mode.
- Erase the Disk: Open Disk Utility, select your startup disk, and click “Erase.” Choose APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) as the format.
- Reinstall macOS: After erasing, reinstall macOS using the recovery tools.
iPhone and iPads
Save Your Data
- Back Up to iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and tap “Back Up Now.”
- Back Up to a Computer: Connect your device to a computer and use iTunes (on Windows) or Finder (on Mac) to create a backup.
Wipe Your Data
- Sign Out of iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > Sign Out and enter your Apple ID password.
- Factory Reset: Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings to wipe the device.
Windows Computers
Save Your Data
- Back Up to OneDrive: Sign in to your Microsoft account and upload sensitive files to OneDrive.
- External Storage: Use an external hard drive or USB drive to copy essential files manually.
Wipe Your Data
Reset Your PC:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
- Select “Reset This PC” and choose “Remove Everything.”
- Follow the prompts to erase all data.
- Overwrite the Drive: Use third-party tools like DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke) for an extra layer of security.
Tablets (Other Than iPads)
Save Your Data
- Cloud Backup: Most tablets support cloud backups like Google Drive or Microsoft OneDrive.
- Manual Backup: Use an external storage device to save photos, documents, and other files.
- Wipe Your Data
Factory Reset:
- For Android devices, go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
- Confirm your decision to delete all personal data.
- Remove Accounts: Ensure all accounts are logged out before donating.
Recycling Electronics Environmental Benefits
Electronics that end up in landfills can release hazardous substances into the environment, including:
- Lead
- Mercury
- Cadmium
Recycling and refurbishing devices prevent these pollutants from contaminating ecosystems and reduce the demand for raw materials.
New Life Technology Group processes old electronics responsibly. Donated equipment that can’t be refurbished is recycled using environmentally friendly practices, ensuring minimal impact on the planet.
Watch this video to learn more about New Life Technology Group’s pickup and secure recycling guidelines.
Read more about electronics donation benefits at newlifetechgroup.com/how-computer-donations-benefit-your-community
New Life Technology Group’s Computers for Kids Program Support
Donating electronics to New Life Technology Group helps provide refurbished computers to children in underserved communities. Computers can dramatically improve educational opportunities by enabling access to online classes, research, and tools for academic success.
Programs like Computers for Kids bridge the digital divide, giving families the tools to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world. By securely wiping and donating your devices, you contribute to a brighter future for these children.
Tax-Deductible Benefits
Donating electronics to a nonprofit like New Life Technology Group allows you to claim a tax deduction for the fair market value of your items. Here’s how to make the most of this benefit:
- Get a Receipt: Request a donation receipt with a description of your donated items.
- Estimate the Value: Use online tools or consult IRS guidelines to estimate the value of your donation.
- Claim Your Deduction: Include the donation in your annual tax return for potential savings.
Clearing Unused Electronics from Your Home
Decluttering unused electronics frees up valuable space in your home and simplifies your life. Whether it’s an old laptop collecting dust or a tablet you no longer use, donating these items ensures they’re put to good use instead of taking up storage.
Need a reason to declutter? Read THIS.
How To Save and Wipe Personal Data
In this article, you discovered crucial information and instructions on saving and securely removing personal data and sensitive files from your electronic devices, donation and recycling benefits, New Life Technology Group’s Computers for Kids Program, and how decluttering electronics from your home simplifies your life.
Saving and securely wiping personal data from your old devices before donating them is crucial to protecting your privacy while contributing to a sustainable and impactful cause.
Ignoring the need to remove your personal data from your devices could leave you vulnerable to bad actors looking to exploit your most sensitive data for profit.
Sources:
cisa.gov/news-events/news/proper-disposal-electronic-devices
epa.gov/recycle/electronics-donation-and-recycling
datamanagement.iu.edu/data-classifications/critical-data/dispose/index.html
Dawsonville, GA 30534
(404) 313-8215