How to protect your private information when getting rid of old phones, computers

Saturday, June 17, 2023
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Getting rid of an old electronic device? Keep private and personal information out of the hands of strangers with these helpful tips from the Illinois Attorney General's office.

  • Make sure to protect stored personal information.


  • Remove all memory cards and SIM cards that likely contain data and personal photos.

  • Make sure the old computer's hard drive is wiped clean by deleting all data. But first, you'll want to back up and store information and hard drive to a new device or to an external storage.


  • Return devices and smartphones to their factory settings. That will delete data.


  • If a device cannot be donated, the Attorney General's office recommends people use the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's list of electronic recyclers to find local drop-off sites or schedule a pickup.
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