Recycling⏱ 6 min read

What to do with old laptops and tablets

Don't let old tech sit in a drawer. Learn how to securely back up your data, factory reset your devices, and recycle them to help local schools.

Step-by-Step Guide

Securely back up your files

Connect to Wi-Fi and perform a final cloud backup (iCloud for iOS, Google Drive for Android, OneDrive for Windows) or copy your files to an external USB drive.

Remove activation locks (Sign out of accounts)

Sign out of your Apple ID, Google Account, or Microsoft account. If you don't do this, the device will remain locked to your identity and cannot be reused by schools.

Perform a factory reset (Secure erase)

Go to system settings (e.g. Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset on iPhone; Settings -> System -> Reset options on Android) and click 'Erase All Content and Settings'.

Donate to Positive Digital

Check our local Bristol school drop-off event schedule. Drop it off and we will refurbish, license, and deliver it to children who lack tech access at home.

🧼 Device Wiping Checklist

Select your operating system and follow these steps to securely wipe your device for donation.

Back up to iCloud: Go to Settings -> [Your Name] -> iCloud -> iCloud Backup -> Back Up Now.

Remove Activation Lock: Go to Settings -> [Your Name] -> Sign Out (enter Apple ID password).

Factory Reset: Go to Settings -> General -> Transfer or Reset iPad/iPhone -> Erase All Content and Settings.

Physical Check: Pop out the SIM card slot (if any) and clean off thumbprints.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it really safe? Can someone recover my personal bank details?

Yes, it is safe. Modern devices (made in the last 10 years) use hardware-level encryption. A factory reset deletes the encryption keys, rendering the remaining data on the drive completely unreadable scrambled gibberish. It is virtually impossible to recover.

What if my laptop is broken or has a cracked screen?

Please bring it anyway! We can use it for spare parts (like RAM or storage drives) to refurbish other machines, or we will recycle it responsibly through our eco-partners if it is completely unusable.