Your data deserves a clear process.
Data erasure is a condition of preparing devices for reuse, not a claim we take lightly.
1. Prepare your device
Back up what you need, sign out of accounts and remove activation locks and device-management restrictions. Do not provide passwords or account recovery codes. Deleting files or performing a quick format alone should not be treated as verified erasure.
2. Assess the storage
The proposed process is to identify the storage media and choose a suitable sanitisation method for that device. The method, responsibility and handling arrangements must be agreed before acceptance.
3. Verify before reuse
Devices should only be released after the agreed sanitisation and verification steps are complete. If a drive cannot be reliably sanitised, it should be withheld from reuse and its return or appropriate destruction agreed with the donor.
For sensitive or regulated information
Ask your IT or security team to arrange an approved sanitisation service before donation if required by your organisation. Do not donate a data-bearing device until you are satisfied with the handling arrangements.
Discuss a donation →