Is there anything you need to do if you decide to sell your Google Chromecast device due to a lack of use or for some other reason? Today's SuperUser Q&A post has some helpful security advice for a reader who is ready to sell and move on.
Today’s Question & Answer session comes to us courtesy of SuperUser—a subdivision of Stack Exchange, a community-driven grouping of Q&A web sites.
The Question
SuperUser reader Phil_oneil wants to know if it is safe to sell a Google Chromecast device:
I have a Google Chromecast device that I am going to sell because I do not use it very much. My question is, do I need to do anything to it before selling it? Is there any personal data stored on it? Do I need to reset it so that the other person will not know my Wi-Fi or Netflix passwords?
Is it safe to sell a Google Chromecast device, and what should you do to protect your accounts' security?
The Answer
SuperUser contributors Sack Johnson and Shane Di Dona have the answer for us. First up, Sack Johnson:
I believe Google Chromecast stores information from your router in order to connect. Either way, it is never a bad idea to reset electronics before selling them.
There are two ways to reset it:
- Hold the button next to the micro USB port for 25 seconds (until the light starts flashing), then unplug the USB.
- Go into the Google Chromecast app's menu and look for the Factory Reset Chromecast option.
Followed by the answer from Shane Di Dona:
After you do a factory reset, a Google Chromecast device is safe to sell. There is a factory reset option in the Google Chromecast app's Settings Menu that you can use. Alternatively, there is a black button on Google Chromecast devices. Press it for 25 seconds while connected to your TV to do a factory reset.
Have something to add to the explanation? Sound off in the comments. Want to read more answers from other tech-savvy Stack Exchange users? Check out the full discussion thread here.