Securely Erasing Data on Your Device Before Trade In or Recycle

Instructions

About Your Data

At Eco Toreda, your privacy is important to us. However, we are not responsible for any of the data stored on devices you send to us. While Eco Toreda ensures all devices and drives are thoroughly sanitized upon receipt, it’s critical that you take control of your personal information before shipping your device.

Important Notes:

• No data removal process can make a device entirely free of residual data.
• Eco Toreda makes no specific recommendations about security needs or guarantees about the effectiveness of various data removal methods.
• Before shipping your device, it is your responsibility to:
  • Back up any data stored on your device.
  • Remove all confidential, proprietary, or personal information.
  • Remove any removable storage devices or media (e.g., USB drives, SD cards, CDs).
• Eco Toreda is not liable for any personal, confidential, or proprietary information left on your device, nor for lost or corrupted data or damaged or lost removable media.

Erasing Data from Your Hard Drive

To protect your data, it must be securely erased by overwriting it, a process often called wiping or shredding. Choose a method based on the sensitivity of your data and the potential risk of recovery. Many wiping applications are available as freeware, shareware, or commercial software. Eco Toreda does not endorse or guarantee the effectiveness of any specific application.

Why Erasing Data Matters:
Erasing your data is essential before trading in or recycling your device. Devices containing recoverable personal information may result in a lower trade-in or recycle value. Once your device reaches our processing center, our team ensures that all remaining data is securely removed.

Device Reset Instructions

Windows 11 or Windows 10

1. Click the Start button and type "reset."
2. Select Reset this PC (System Setting).
3. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started.
4. Choose Remove everything to erase all personal files, apps, and settings.
5. Select Remove files and clean the drive for a thorough reset.
6. Review the reset information and click Reset to proceed.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions. The process can take up to several hours, depending on your system configuration.

Windows 8.1 / 8

1. In desktop mode, press the Windows key + i.
2. Select Change PC Settings from the menu.
3. Click Update & Recovery, then Recovery.
4. Under "Remove everything and reinstall Windows," select Get Started.
5. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Android Phones and Tablets

1. Ensure your device’s battery is at least 50% (keep it plugged in during the reset).
2. Remove any memory cards before resetting the device.
3. Open the Settings app.
4. Navigate to System > Advanced > Erase All Data (Factory Reset) > Reset Phone.
5. Enter your PIN or password if prompted.
6. Follow on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

For manufacturer-specific instructions, check your device’s support site. ‍

Apple iPhones and iPads

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
   1. If you are asked to enter your passcode and you have forgotten it, see Reset the passcode. If you are asked to enter your Apple ID password and you have forgotten it, see the Recover your Apple ID website.
2. Select Erase All Content and Settings.
3. Enter your Apple ID password or passcode if prompted.
4. The device will restart and erase all content and settings.

By following these steps, you can ensure your data is secure before trading in or recycling your device with Eco Toreda. For additional information, refer to our detailed guides or support team.

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