05 Dec How to safely switch mobile phones

It’s been a good year, so you’ve decided to treat yourself to a fancy new mobile phone. The question is: how do you save what you want and delete what you should before selling or passing on the old one? Getting it wrong could be a nightmare of lost information and could also compromise your personal security if your banking app, passwords, pictures, contact list, emails etc fall into the wrong hands…

Protect your privacy

For your own security – and the security of your information – it’s best practice to ‘wipe’ your device before selling, trading in, or handing it in for repair.

Why wiping matters

Simply deleting apps or individual files doesn’t remove the data completely. Traces could remain on the device and, in the wrong hands, could be recovered. A full wipe or factory reset is the most effective way to ensure your information is permanently removed. This process erases data, settings, and accounts, and restores your device to its original condition. A factory reset doesn’t just delete files – it overwrites storage sectors to prevent recovery, making retrieval nearly impossible without expensive forensic tools. When done correctly, clearing your phone enhances privacy, improves performance, and prepares your device to be sold or shared with someone else. No personal data can be recovered or hacked, ever.

Always back up first so your photos, contacts, and important information are safely saved. Ask an expert at your service provider to assist if you are not sure what to do.

How to wipe your device

Android: Log out of all Google and device accounts, and then perform a factory reset via Settings.

iPhone: Select “Erase All Content and Settings”, which also signs you out of iCloud and Apple services.

After wiping, the device will behave as if it is brand new and has just come out of the box.

What’s removed – and what isn’t

A factory reset removes:

• Installed apps and their data;
• Messages, call logs, and browsing history;
• Google, Apple and email account logins;
• Photos and files stored locally on the device;
• Personal settings and customisation.

However, some items require an extra step:

• SD cards (Android): These are not cleared automatically. Format the card separately if the phone is being sold.
• Cloud services: Items stored in iCloud or Google Photos will remain available once you sign in on a new device.
• Game and app progress: Only restored if the app supports cloud backup.

If a full wipe isn’t needed

Sometimes you just want to fix small problems rather than start from scratch. You can:

• Reset network settings (to resolve Wi-Fi or Bluetooth issues)
• Clear cached data (to improve performance on Android)
• Delete selected personal information manually.

These options help tidy up your device without removing everything.

So, with a few simple steps, you can be assured that you have helped to safeguard your identity, your private information and images, and reduced the risks associated with data theft or fraud. Now you can enjoy your new device!

Please note:

Speak to your service provider if you are unsure of what to do. Back up all info on your device before doing anything to wipe it.

The information contained in this article is not offered as ‘advice’ in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 2002 as amended, and policyholders should consult with their intermediaries and the policy wording to ensure a full and complete understanding of the cover offered to them in terms of the Safire policy of insurance.