Apple devices
For iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and some Macs, sign out of Apple ID and turn off Find My before erasing the device. If you already erased it, remove the device from your Apple account so Activation Lock is cleared.
Device prep guide
Remove Activation Locks Before Recycling
Before recycling phones, tablets, watches, laptops, or smart devices, remove account locks when you can. This helps protect your information and gives reusable devices the best chance at a second life.
Quick prep checklist
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Back up anything you want to keep
Save photos, contacts, messages, documents, authenticator apps, and other important files before drop-off. 1PC cannot recover personal data after destruction or recycling starts.
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Remove SIM cards and memory cards
Keep SIM cards, SD cards, microSD cards, USB drives, discs, and camera cards if you still need them. These small items are easy to overlook and may contain personal information.
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Sign out of device accounts
Sign out of Apple ID, Google, Samsung, Microsoft, Chromebook, gaming, camera, and smart-home accounts when possible. This helps remove account locks and cloud connections.
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Turn off Find My or account protection
For Apple devices, turn off Find My before erasing the device. For Android devices, remove Google accounts before factory reset to reduce Factory Reset Protection issues.
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Factory reset when practical
If the device powers on and you are comfortable doing it, erase or factory reset it after backing up and signing out. This is helpful, but it does not replace formal data destruction when documentation is needed.
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Ask first for locked or managed devices
Contact 1PC before bringing devices that are company-managed, school-managed, activation locked, damaged, swollen, or connected to accounts you cannot access.
Common account locks
Android and Google devices
Back up anything you need, remove Google accounts from the device, then factory reset it. Removing the account first helps avoid Factory Reset Protection on phones and tablets.
Laptops, Macs, and Chromebooks
Sign out of cloud accounts, remove device management when applicable, and back up files first. For Macs with Find My, remove the device from your Apple account after erasing it.
If you cannot remove a lock
Contact 1PC before drop-off if a device is locked, managed by a company or school, or still connected to an account you cannot access. Locked devices may still be recyclable, but reuse options can be limited.
Video walkthroughs
Short demonstration videos can be added here for customers who want to see the steps before they bring in a device.
Phone or tablet walkthrough
Add a walkthrough for removing Find My, Google accounts, SIM cards, and SD cards before drop-off.
Laptop or smartwatch walkthrough
Add a second walkthrough for Macs, Apple Watch, Chromebooks, or other account-locked devices.
Bring the device in when you are ready
After backing up your data, signing out, removing media you want to keep, and factory resetting when practical, bring the device to 1PC. Ask before drop-off if you need documented data destruction or if the device is damaged, swollen, or locked.