Smartphone data security: Risks of selling or gifting old devices

When selling or gifting old smartphones, users risk exposing sensitive personal data such as passwords, bank logins, and authentication tools if the devices are not properly prepared. Experts warn that simply deleting photos, contacts, and individual apps manually is insufficient, as recoverable data may remain on the device.

To ensure security, experts recommend a specific three-step process:

1. Verify that all essential data, including email, banking apps, and authentication tools, has been successfully transferred to a new device or backed up to the cloud. 2. Log out of all manufacturer-specific accounts, such as Apple ID, Google, Samsung, or Xiaomi. Failure to do this may trigger anti-theft protections, preventing the new owner from activating the device. 3. Perform a factory reset through the phone's settings to ensure all personal information is completely erased.

According to the GSMA, one in three people give old phones to family or friends, while one in five sell them. Andrius Archangelskis, a smart device expert at Bitė Lietuva, emphasizes that manual deletion creates a false sense of security and should not replace a full factory reset.