SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/tech-remove-sim-before-selling

Your old phone has a removable SIM. Before selling it, what should you take out?

The SIM card, which can store your personal info.

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  1. The screen protector
  2. The SIM card ✔
  3. The charging port cover

Why: The FTC says a SIM card may store personal information, so remove it before you sell or give away a phone. Then do a factory reset to erase your data.

Huh, didn't know that: If you're not going to reuse the SIM card, the FTC says destroy it.

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References

Answer: The SIM card. The FTC says a SIM card may store personal information, so remove it before you sell or give away a phone. Then do a factory reset to erase your data.

  1. How To Remove Your Personal Information Before You Get Rid of Your Phone (FTC) consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-remove-your-personal-information-you-get-rid-your-phone
    If your phone has a SIM card, it may store your personal information. Remove the SIM card.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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