A working laptop can make an enormous difference to a student who is studying on a phone. Donating devices is one of the most practical ways to help. A little preparation protects your information and means the device arrives ready to use.

For business devices, follow your organisation's own IT and records policies first.

Is the device still useful?

A useful donated device:

  • turns on and holds a charge for a reasonable time;
  • has a working screen, keyboard and trackpad;
  • can run a current, supported operating system and a web browser;
  • comes with its charger.

If a device is badly damaged or too old to run supported software, recycling it properly is usually the better choice. Many councils and retailers run e-waste recycling programs.

Protect your data before you let it go

Deleting files or emptying the recycle bin is not enough. Before you donate:

  1. Back up anything you want to keep.
  2. Sign out of every account, including email, cloud storage, app stores, and any device-finding or anti-theft service. A device still linked to your account may be locked and unusable for the next person.
  3. Remove any SIM card or memory card.
  4. Reset to factory settings using the manufacturer's built-in reset option, which erases your data and reinstalls a clean system.
  5. Check that the device starts up as new, asking to be set up from scratch.

For organisations with many devices, or devices that held sensitive information, consider a certified data destruction service and keep a record of what was wiped and when.

What to tell us

When you register interest in donating, it helps to know:

  • roughly how many devices, and what type;
  • their age and condition;
  • whether they have been reset;
  • where they are, and whether you can deliver them.

What happens next

We talk through the details with you before anything is collected. Devices are matched to learners and programs with a specific, verified need, and we let you know where they went.

Global Education Support is the not-for-profit program of KAAM Networks. Donations of devices are expressions of interest until we have spoken with you and agreed the details, and no payment is taken through our website.