Q&A for How to Get Rid of an Old Cell Phone

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What about destroying it?

Community Answer

This would not be a good idea. Cell phones contain all kinds of toxins, which are harmful to humans, wildlife, and the environment. Batteries contain chemicals and if you destroyed the phone with the battery, it could explode and cause some serious damage and injury to you.

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Question

Should I remove the SIM card when getting rid of my cell phone?

Community Answer

Yes.

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Question

How do I remove the SIM card?

Community Answer

Depends on what phone you have. If you have an iPhone, you'll need a special tool that should have come with it. It looks like a very wide needle, but the spike is much shorter. Stick the tool into a hole on the side of the phone, then tilt it so you can pull out the slot where the SIM card is.If you have a Samsung or other smartphone, it should be directly underneath the battery.

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Question

How can I wipe on old cell phone that appears to be inoperable?

Community Answer

Go to "settings" and choose "Restore Factory Settings." This will delete all files in such a way that they cannot be recovered.

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Question

How can I delete all of the information from a dead phone that won't take a charge?

Tyler MacDonald

Community Answer

Removing the mounted flash drive from inside the phone, but this would render it nearly worthless. You're better off charging it even a little bit and wiping it.

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Question

How do I identify my phone's model?

Tyler MacDonald

Community Answer

Typically in the "Settings" or "Options" menu, under the "About device" or "About phone" section.

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Question

How can I erase contacts if my phone isn't charged?

Tyler MacDonald

Community Answer

Removing the mounted flash drive from inside the phone, but this would render it nearly worthless. You're better off charging it even a little bit and wiping it.

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Question

What to do if the cell phone won't charge to reset it to "Restore Factory Settings"?

Tyler MacDonald

Community Answer

Try going into recovery mode by holding the "Power" and "Volume Up" buttons on Androids or "Home" and "Power" buttons on iPhones. From here, chose the "Factory reset/wipe data" option.

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Question

What if there is battery damage

Tyler MacDonald

Community Answer

As long as the phone is intact and undamaged, you can just swap in a new battery.

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