If Christmas was the time you got a new phone, then you might be wondering what to do with your old phone assuming, of course, that you don’t want to use it as backup

Parting ways with your phone involves two clear steps: clearing all personal data from that phone while also figuring out how to get rid of it.

So, here are 3 steps to part with your phone before you enjoy using the new one:

#1: Encrypt and Reset

The first thing that comes to mind with your old phone is doing a factory reset. Since whatever you have on your phone will be overwritten with new content, it’s going to be hard to access whatever you have on there already.

However, if it falls into the wrong hands, they can still have access to your data. So, before you perform a factory reset, encrypt your phone by going to Setting>Security>Encryption. For this, your phone needs to be fully charged and will take almost an hour. Still, it’s worth it because it makes accessing your data far more harder than usual.

#2: Donate or Recycle

Options such as Verizon’s Hopeline as well as Cell Phones for Soldiers are good if you’d like to donate your phone. If your phone isn’t in good condition, make sure you try recycling it safely as a number of phone manufacturers as well as Goodwill can help you do this.

#3: Sell your Phone

There are a number of services such as Gazelle and Amazon that will buy your phone, provided it is in good condition. However, make sure you look at a number of services such as eCycle or Glyde to get the best prices. Locally speaking, cellular service providers and retailers like Best Buy will be happy to buy your phone.