How to prep and ship
your gadget safely.
Follow these steps to prepare your device for shipment to Gadget Salvation. Proper packaging protects your quote and gets you paid faster.
Shipping a Computer
Follow these four steps to prepare your laptop or desktop for shipment. Resetting the OS is optional but gets you paid faster.
Clean the device
Wipe your laptop or desktop surfaces with a clean, soft cloth. To remove stains and residue, use a diluted rubbing alcohol solution. Do not use undiluted alcohol or abrasive materials.
Reset the operating system
While resetting the OS is optional, it speeds up our testing process and gets your payment out faster. Choose your OS below for step-by-step instructions:
Include the charger
Be sure to include the power adapter with your laptop. For desktops, include the keyboard, mouse, and power cord. Missing accessories may affect your final offer.
Pack it securely and ship
Find a sturdy box and package your laptop or desktop with plenty of cushioning material — bubble wrap, packing peanuts, void paper, or foam. Seal all sides with packing tape. Drop it off at any UPS location.
Do not use a drop-off box. Hand the package to a UPS Store clerk and ask for a drop-off receipt. Neither Gadget Salvation nor UPS is responsible for damages in transit — secure packaging is your responsibility.
Shipping an iPhone or iPad
Before shipping any Apple device, you must sign out of iCloud and erase all content. We cannot purchase iCloud-locked, firmware-locked, or remotely managed Apple devices.
Back up your device
Back up your device to iCloud or your computer so you can restore your data on a new device. Go to Settings → [Your Name] → iCloud → iCloud Backup.
Erase all content and settings
Follow these steps in order:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
Enter your passcode or Apple Account password
You will be prompted to enter your device passcode or Apple Account password to confirm the erase.
Forgot your passcode or Apple Account password? Recover your passcode or reset your Apple Account password.
Handle eSIM (if applicable)
If your device has an eSIM, you will be asked whether to erase it or keep it. If you erase the eSIM, contact your carrier to reactivate your cellular plan on your new device. Physical SIM cards should be removed before shipping.
Wait for the erase to complete, then pack and ship
The erase may take a few minutes. Once complete, pack your iPhone or iPad in its original box if available, or use a sturdy box with plenty of padding. Include the charger and data cable, then drop it off at any UPS location.
Pro tip: Re-using your Amazon delivery boxes is a great way to reduce environmental impact. Just make sure the box is sturdy and includes plenty of cushioning.
Shipping an Android Device
Before shipping, log out of your Google account and perform a factory reset. Select your device brand below for brand-specific instructions.
Remove accounts and SIM card
Go to Settings → Accounts and backup → Manage accounts and remove your Google account and any Samsung account. Then remove your physical SIM card and any microSD card.
Factory reset the device
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap General Management
- Tap Reset
- Tap Factory Data Reset
- Scroll down and tap Reset, then Delete All
You may be asked to enter your PIN or pattern to confirm. The reset takes 2–5 minutes and the device will restart automatically.
Pack and ship
Once the device restarts to the setup screen, it is ready to ship. Package it in a sturdy box with plenty of cushioning. Include the wall charger and data cable, then drop it off at any UPS location.
Remove your Google account
Go to Settings → Passwords & accounts, select your Google account, and tap Remove account. Remove the SIM card.
Factory reset
Follow these steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap System
- Tap Reset options
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
- Tap Erase all data to confirm
Pack and ship
Once the device restarts to the setup screen, pack it in a sturdy box with ample cushioning, include the charger, and drop it off at any UPS location.
Most Android devices follow the same general path. Look for Settings → System → Reset → Factory Data Reset or Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset. Remove your Google account and SIM card first, then follow the on-screen prompts to erase all data. If you need help, contact us and we'll walk you through it.
Log out of all accounts
Remove your Google account and any manufacturer account (e.g. Huawei ID, Xiaomi account) via Settings → Accounts. Remove the SIM card and any microSD card.
Perform a factory reset
Navigate to Settings → System (or General Management) → Reset → Factory Data Reset and confirm. The device will erase all data and restart.
Pack and ship
Package in a sturdy box with plenty of cushioning, include the charger, and drop off at any UPS location.
Packaging reminders
These rules apply to every shipment regardless of device type.
Going green? Re-using Amazon delivery boxes is a fantastic way to reduce waste. Just make sure they are undamaged and structurally sound.