What to Do Before Selling or Giving Away a Phone or Computer

Step by Step

1. Use the official settings or website for the account, device, browser, or service involved.
2. Back up needed data, sign out/remove account locks as required, then use the device's official reset/erase process before handing it over.
3. Review security and recovery settings after making the change.
4. Keep recovery information and backups somewhere you can access if the primary device is lost.

If That Doesn't Work

• Never give an unsolicited caller or message sender your password, recovery code, or one-time verification code.
• If money or a critical account is at risk, use a known official contact method rather than contact information supplied in the suspicious message.