Windows PC
On the sign-in screen, hold Shift and select Power, then Restart. Choose Troubleshoot, then Reset this PC, then Remove everything.
Mac, iPad and iPhone
You can erase the device in recovery mode without the passcode. You still need the Apple Account password to turn off Activation Lock. Apple can help you reset that password.
Android
You can factory reset from recovery mode. After the reset, the phone asks for the last Google account. Recover that account at Google before you donate.
Chromebook
At the sign-in screen, press Ctrl, Alt, Shift and R to Powerwash. No password is needed.
Still stuck?
Tell us on the donation form. We review each device case by case.
If the device belonged to someone else
For a family member's device, ask them to remove it from their account if you can. For a loved one who has passed away, Apple and Google both have processes for executors and next of kin. Start with their support pages and have proof of ownership ready.
What we can and can't do
We can
Accept devices that were reset without a password, as long as no account lock remains.
We can't
Remove Activation Lock, Factory Reset Protection or school enrollment. Only the owner or the maker can.
Sometimes
Use a locked device for parts. Tell us on the form and we'll review it.