Is it safe to sell old cell phone?

1. 88

   Lily Roseposted 14 years ago

   I want to sell my previous cell phone through Costco's program, who uses gazelle.com, as the phone sitting in the closet doesn't do me any good so I may as well make some pocket change - but is it safe? 
   
   This particular phone has no sim card. 
   
   I don't think it can possibly have any personal info on it, but how can I be sure?  Is there a way I myself can "clean" it?
   
   Any advice would be appreciated!

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      Rochelle Frankposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I have wondered about that myself. I  first had one of those that looked like a lunch box. When I asked what I should do with the old one someone told me, "Let your grandchildren play with it."
      
      I don't change phones very often. I have another one in the drawer-- someone said  to keep it in your  second vehicle as a 911 backup-- But I really don't know. 
      I'll be looking for replies to this.

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      urbonasaposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Usually you can reset most phones to factory settings, erasing all information.  Check your manual. (You are lucky if you can sell an old phone. I have a 5 year old phone (which was replaced by a gift) that still works. I use it as a timer.)

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      trevor farrellposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I just did that except I used mrbuyback.com. They seem to pay a little more for my phone. Everything worked out. They bought the phone and I was paid with in a few days. I would defiantly reset your phone before you send it to them. That way all of your phone numbers, pictures and any trace of personal info will be deleted.

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   h.a.borcichposted 14 years ago

   We donate old cell phones to the domestic violence charities. They have them "cleaned" and then they are reset for 911 calls for residents to use as they apply for jobs, look for housing, etc. I have done it for years without a problem. As for how to "clean" the phones - I have not a clue Good luck!

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3. 88

   Lily Roseposted 14 years ago

   Bumping - hoping someone can tell me how to erase/clean the phone before selling it...

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      china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Put a working Sim card in it and then delete everything on the memory through the normal menu - being sure you don't delete the Sim card memory if it has any.

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         Lily Roseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Thanks, but this phone has no sim card - it does not take one at all...

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            china manposted 14 years agoin reply to this

            Then just delete everything in it and flog it - or do you think some random recipient is going to steall all your money from being in possession of a phone number of someone he cannotlink with an address.  Just flog the damn thing

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               Lily Roseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

               Um, okay...does "flog" mean "sell" or "throw away"??

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4. 86

   rebekahELLEposted 14 years ago

   this may be helpful. I heard it the other day on the Today show about recycling.
   
   earth911.com
   recelluar.com (how to take sim card out)
   
   you could also try the EPA website. enter cell phones into the search box.

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   1. 88

      Lily Roseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks!  I'll check it out.

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5. 68

   Flightkeeperposted 14 years ago

   Even if you don't have a sim card, your contacts might still be on the phone or anything that you have as notes, etc.  You might have to manually erase each type of info entry.  My main reason for posting is that after you erase you can donate your cell phone to many organizations.  One that I've sent mine to is the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

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   webgainposted 14 years ago

   if you are using a big windows phone then it stores you personal data like contact and few other things. you need to reset it company setting before selling. http://www.micromaxmobile.co.in/

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   joshwicposted 11 years ago

   Do a factory reset, remove your sd card. Then, you can also check Blazing Electronics at www.blazingelectroni​cs.com  , they buy newer and older phones (used or new) and smartphones at the best prices (iphone samsung, even ipad). Get a quote in seconds and always free shipping!

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