We've put together the steps you need for wiping data on iPhone, Android, and Samsung Galaxy. Plus, we'll explain how to delete stuff remotely if your phone ever gets stolen.

Phones are great for managing our personal and professional lives. But with all that convenience comes the risk of people getting access to all your personal data. So, here are some of the key reasons why you should give your device a spring clean before you move it on:

• Protect your personal details: Your phone's a treasure trove of info about you — storing your name, address, photos, and much more. Wiping it clean makes sure that your data doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
• Safeguard your online accounts: Your smartphone is probably connected to many of your online accounts — including social, email, and banking apps. You won't want a stranger taking control of these.

Apple's made deleting iPhone data pretty straightforward. Here's how to do it:

• Back up your iPhone first so you can restore all your precious data on your new device. You'll thank yourself later.
• Go to Settings and tap on 'General'.
• Scroll down and select 'Transfer or Reset iPhone'.
• Tap 'Erase All Content and Settings' at the bottom of your screen.
• If prompted, you'll need to enter your iPhone passcode or the password for your Apple Account.
• Tap 'Continue' to confirm, then sit back and let it do its thing.
• Once it's done, your phone will restart as if it's brand new.

If your iPhone's lost or been stolen

You can remotely remove your iPhone data as long as it's connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network. To do this, log into your account on iCloud.com and select your phone from 'Find Devices'. Then click 'Erase This Device' and follow the on-screen instructions.

For your peace of mind, a confirmation email will get sent to your Apple ID email address. And an Activation Lock will be turned on to stop anyone else from using your device.

The process for Android phones might vary a bit depending on the manufacturer, but here's a general guide that should work for most:

• Before you begin, back up your data using Google Drive (it's the most universal method for Android phones). You can do this by opening Settings and navigating to 'Google'.
• While still in your Settings, tap on 'System'.
• Select 'Reset' or 'Reset options' from the list.
• Tap 'Erase all data' and click on 'Reset' to confirm.
• After the reset, just double check that the phone boots up to the initial setup screen.

Lost or had your Android phone stolen?

You can use your Google Account to not only help you locate your Android phone, but to remotely delete its data so your personal info's not accessed.

To do this, open Google’s Find My Device site on a web browser and select your phone from the sidebar. Click on 'Settings' and choose 'Factory reset device'

Samsung Galaxy phones have a slightly different step-by-step process to the previous two:

• Make sure your data is backed up first, by using the Samsung Cloud. Or try Smart Switch instead, which lets you connect your device to a PC and safely back up your info that way.
• Go to Settings, then tap 'Accounts and backup'.
• Select 'Manage accounts' at the top and tap on your Google Account.
• Click the 'Remove account' option. Disconnecting your Google Account makes it easier to reset your device later.
• Go back to the main Settings menu screen and tap 'General management'.
• Choose 'Reset' from about halfway down the list. Then select 'Factory data reset' on the next screen.
• Tap 'Reset' and 'Delete all' when prompted. You might have to enter your PIN or password.

If you've lost your Samsung Galaxy phone or had it stolen

Samsung's Find My Mobile feature lets you lock, locate, and completely wipe your Galaxy phone’s data if the worst happens. Of course, it'll only work if your phone's switched on and connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network — so fingers crossed that's the case.

To do this, open the Find My Mobile site and log into your Samsung account. Choose your device from the list on the left and click 'Delete data remotely'. That'll stop the thief from accessing your private info.