Even though smartphones are continually being improved with longer lasting batteries and more features, eventually they stop working. Like all electronic devices, smartphones have a limited lifespan and their performance can degrade over time for various reasons, such as wear and tear, software and hardware issues, and battery deterioration.
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Also, as technology advances, newer and better smartphones with more advanced features are constantly being released, which can make older models obsolete and less desirable to use. So if you find yourself stuck with an Android that’s a dud, be sure to follow our steps to get rid of it properly.
How to get rid of an old Android if it works
Unfortunately, repairing or repairing a phone these days can cost almost as much as buying a new one. Before you take the plunge and buy a new one, you need to be sure to safely dispose of the old one. There are also a few steps you should try to follow such as backing up the device, especially if your Android is still able to turn on.
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Before you get rid of an old Android, it’s a good idea to back it up first. (CyberGuy.com)
How to transfer or back up your old phone
Many carriers allow you to bring your old phone after purchasing the new one it replaces. In this case, you can directly transfer data from your old phone to your new device. If, however, you need to give up your old phone when it’s time to trade, sell, recycle, or donate, you should back up the phone before getting rid of all the data. You can back up your device manually (by physically plugging it into a device) or through a cloud service.
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How to Backup Android to Windows
Even if your phone’s screen is dead, it’s still possible to save your computer’s memory by plugging it in. (CyberGuy.com)
Try plugging your phone into a computer. It is possible that your Android screen is dead and the device is still working. If you plug it in using a USB/micro-USB cable, your computer will likely show an external device plugged in. If you can access the device, open it and save all data to an external hard drive or your own. computer files.
This method may not work if you have a passcode on your device, as your phone may ask you to approve a transfer from the phone itself, but it’s worth seeing if you can back up through a computer.
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How to Backup Android to Cloud
If you have configured find my mobile on Android and your device is still on, you can back it up remotely via Samsung Cloud:
- Log in to Find My Mobile
- Click on Backup on your device options
- Check the apps and data you want to backup
- Faucet Backup Again
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If your device is eligible for a trade-in
Find out if your device is available for trade-in here. Samsung allows trade-ins for many older devices that can count towards a new Galaxy smartphone.
Follow the steps indicating the manufacturer, model and condition, and find out if it is eligible.
An important note here is that your phone will only be eligible if it boots to the home screen and works. A reduced value may be applied if your screen or device has breaks, cracks or other defects that go beyond normal wear and tear.
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If your Android phone has a SIM card, you can simply remove the SIM card before disposing of your phone. (CyberGuy.com)
Does your phone have a SIM or ESIM card?
If you are concerned about device information not working, you may or may not need to worry. Does your phone contain a SIM card? If so, remove the SIM card before recycling any old phone. If you were using an eSIM, contact your carrier to have that eSIM disconnected from the device before following these steps. You should be able to contact your carrier to install the eSIM on your next device.
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How to get rid of an old Android if it does not work
The most important thing to note, even if your Android is completely useless and won’t turn back on, is that you should not throw it in the trash. Smartphones contain a lithium battery which should be recycled or disposed of, but not with your household waste.
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Recycle your Android
You can take any smartphone to most electronics stores and have it recycled for free, like Best Buy, for example. You can also recycle devices online through sites like Apple (yes, they accept devices other than iPhones), Google, or even Amazon, which has an amazing free recycling program you can use. Amazon also offers trade-ins for assistive devices that can be redeemed for Amazon gift cards. There are other sites like Decluttr that allow you to sell old devices.
You can also check your local e-waste recycling programs to see where you can recycle devices locally. The Environmental Protection Agency has a list of listed donation and recycling programs.
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Kurt’s main takeaways
Proper disposal of your old Android phone is crucial for environmental and personal data security reasons. Whether your phone is working or not, there are several steps you can take to back up your data and recycle the device safely. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can ensure that your old phone is disposed of in an environmentally friendly manner while protecting your personal information.
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What do you usually do with your old smartphones? Do you recycle them, trade them in, or keep them as a backup device? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com/Contact
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