Technology expert Jean-Baptiste Nicolet outlined essential steps for safely wiping personal data from smartphones on French television broadcast TF1 on Wednesday, August 19.
Speaking on the morning show Bonjour! La Matinale TF1, Nicolet warned that sellers who fail to back up their handsets before completing a transaction will lose all their stored information permanently.
Backing up smartphone data before resale
Nicolet explained that users upgrading to a new device should first back up their data through their smartphone's built-in cloud application or by transferring files to a desktop computer.
The tech commentator, who creates online content under the name TheICollection, noted that cloud storage allows users to access their files from anywhere while offering options to expand total storage space.
He cautioned against relying solely on a computer backup, pointing out that users risk losing all their data if the computer is stolen.
Nicolet stressed that smartphone owners must take extra care to ensure all information is saved in the correct place.
Cloud services like Apple's iCloud and Google Drive store digital files on remote servers, allowing users to sync photos, messages, and settings across multiple devices over an internet connection. TF1 is France's leading private national television network, broadcasting nationwide news and morning entertainment programmes.
Transferring files and verifying new devices
Once a complete backup is created, Nicolet advised users to restore all files onto their replacement device before clearing the old handset.
He reminded sellers to verify that their WhatsApp chat history, photos, and text messages have successfully loaded onto the new smartphone.
Nicolet warned against deleting individual files or items manually from the old phone during the transfer. Because cloud services continuously sync data across linked devices, deleting items point by point from the old hardware can automatically erase them from the new device.
Removing personal accounts and resetting hardware
Beyond transferring personal files, Nicolet emphasized the necessity of wiping sensitive personal accounts from the hardware prior to reselling.
He urged sellers to sign out of their Apple account on iPhones or their Google account on Android devices.
Nicolet cautioned that leaving an active account on a sold device could allow the buyer to access the previous owner's real-time location or installed applications.
To complete the wiping process on Apple devices, users must navigate to the settings menu, select the General section, and scroll to the bottom to find Transfer or Reset iPhone or iPad.
From that menu, selecting Erase All Content and Settings restores the device to its original factory configuration.
Nicolet noted that the process is only complete when the device displays its original welcome screen prompting initial setup. He advised owners not to dispose of or part with their hardware until that screen appears.
