A practical checklist for retiring company phones and laptops

1. Build an inventory that supports a useful quote

A box count is a starting point, but a device-level inventory makes evaluation more useful. Separate working equipment from damaged or untested items, and distinguish company-owned assets from leased, financed or employee-owned devices.

Confirm who is authorized to approve the sale. Record any lease return requirement or outstanding financing before a device is included in a batch.

• Manufacturer, model and storage or key specifications.
• Quantity and internal asset identifier.
• Known faults, battery issues and missing components.
• Ownership and financing status.
• Account-lock and device-management status.
• Required handoff date and documentation.

2. Complete your approved data-retention process

Have the responsible IT or records owner decide what must be retained before any erasure. Transfer business files and required records, verify that they are accessible, and follow your organization's retention and security policies.

Do not include employee passwords, customer files or recovery keys in a quote request. If you require a particular sanitization method, certificate, chain-of-custody record or compliance standard, state that requirement and confirm the receiving provider can meet it in writing.

3. Resolve management restrictions in the right order

Erasing a device and removing its organization enrollment are different tasks. The responsible administrator should follow current vendor instructions for the exact platform and management setup.

For Apple devices, resolve Activation Lock before releasing them from the organization: Apple warns that its organizational Activation Lock controls are unavailable after release. Follow the release and erase instructions applicable to your environment.

For Windows devices, check Windows Autopilot as well as Intune and the relevant directory configuration. Microsoft documents an ordered deregistration process; deleting an arbitrary device record is not a substitute.

Google also recommends clearing data and applications before giving away a device, using the manufacturer's process. Simply signing out of one app does not establish that a device has been prepared for another owner.

4. Agree on the batch handoff

Before moving equipment, confirm the items being evaluated, inspection method, handling of rejected devices, payment terms and records each party will receive. Keep your internal inventory tied to the final disposition of each asset.

For an OTTR business inquiry, provide a non-sensitive inventory and your requirements first. Confirm scope and availability directly. Specify any required sanitization certification, compliance documentation or asset-level reporting before arranging a handoff.

Common questions