What electronics can I post?
Any device that is working and wiped of your personal data. The main accepted subcategories:
🛡️ Data Safety — MANDATORY STEP
💻 Windows (10 / 11)
- Back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage
- Sign out of your Microsoft account: Settings > Accounts
- Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC
- Choose "Remove everything" then "Fully clean the drive" (takes longer but is secure)
- Let it run — this can take several hours on a traditional hard drive
🍎 macOS
- Back up with Time Machine or manual copy
- Sign out of iCloud: System Preferences > Apple ID > Overview > Sign Out
- Deauthorize the computer in iTunes/Music: Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer
- Restart in Recovery mode: hold Cmd + R at startup
- Disk Utility > Erase the main drive (APFS format)
- Reinstall macOS from Recovery mode
📱 iPhone / iPad (iOS)
- Back up to iCloud or via iTunes
- Settings > [your name] > Sign Out (signs out of iCloud and disables Find My)
- Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings
- Remove the SIM card before handing it over
🤖 Android (Samsung, Google Pixel, Xiaomi, etc.)
- Back up your photos and contacts to Google Photos / Google Contacts
- Settings > Accounts: remove your Google account (essential — otherwise FRP lock will prevent the recipient from using the device)
- Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset)
- Remove the SIM card and microSD card before handing it over
🐧 Linux
For a secure wipe: run sudo shred -vfz -n 3 /dev/sdX on the target drive (from a Live USB), then reinstall the Linux distribution of your choice. For SSDs, use blkdiscard or the manufacturer's tools (Samsung Magician, Crucial Storage Executive).
How to post in 3 steps
- Reset the device (see above by OS). This is non-negotiable.
- Photograph the device: front, back, screen on showing a neutral home screen.
- Specify the details: brand, model, year, RAM/storage, battery health, any defects, and included accessories (charger, cables, original box).
Checklist: a well-posted device
Before posting, make sure:
- All your personal data has been wiped (factory reset)
- All your accounts are signed out (iCloud, Google, Microsoft, Samsung)
- The SIM card and microSD have been removed
- The device starts up normally for the recipient on first use
- You list the exact model, year, and battery health
- You mention the included accessories (charger, cable, original box, stylus)
- You honestly describe any visible defects (screen scratches, dents, damaged USB port)
Electronics: a major environmental issue
The global electronics industry generates more than 50 million tonnes of e-waste per year (WEEE — Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), a large portion of which is never recycled. Manufacturing a new smartphone produces roughly 70 kg of CO₂, and a new laptop around 300 kg of CO₂.
Extending a device's life by 2–3 years through giving is one of the most impactful eco-friendly actions you can take as an individual. See our impact methodology →
Frequently asked questions — Electronics
How do I wipe my data before giving away my computer?
Windows: Settings > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything.
macOS: Disk Utility (Recovery mode) > Erase the drive + reinstall macOS.
iOS: Settings > General > Erase All Content and Settings.
Android: remove Google account > Settings > Factory reset. Full details in the Data Safety section above.
My old smartphone still works — how do I give it away?
Factory reset it, remove the SIM, and sign out of iCloud/Google. Post it with the model, storage capacity, battery health, and whether the charger is included. Very popular with parents, teens, and travellers.
Can I give away a broken device?
Generally no, unless clearly stated. Mention any defects clearly ("cracked screen, otherwise working") — some DIY folks will take it. Non-functional devices: use an e-waste recycler (SERI/ÉEQ in Quebec, Eco-systèmes/Ecologic in France).
What about cables, chargers, and adapters?
Accepted in good condition. Post them as a bundle ("USB-C chargers + EU/UK plug adapters") — plenty of demand from travellers and students. Damaged cables: electronics recycling.
Android FRP lock — what is it?
Factory Reset Protection is a Google security feature: if you factory reset an Android device without first removing the linked Google account, the device is locked after the reset and the new user cannot set it up. Mandatory step: remove the Google account BEFORE the factory reset.
What about gaming consoles?
See the toys category > video games and consoles. Remember to sign out of your account (PSN, Xbox Live, Nintendo) and deactivate the device as your primary console.
Give Away Your Electronics Safely
Follow the reset procedures, post in 10 seconds, a neighbour found within 48 hours.
Post now