How to wipe your car’s data before you sell it

January 9, 2026

By Kim Komando

Selling or trading in your car? Don’t just hand over the keys. Today’s vehicles track where you live, who you call and where you’ve been. Before your car is someone else’s, follow my guide to wipe it clean.

🚗 Start inside the car

Your first stop is your infotainment screen. Most brands hide these options under Settings > Privacy or System.

• Delete navigation history: Clear saved destinations, recent routes and home/work addresses.
• Unpair your phone: Go to your Phone, Bluetooth or Device List. Then, select your phone and tap Delete or Forget Device.
• Remove contacts and call logs: Plugged your phone in with a USB cable? Your contacts may have synced automatically.
• Factory reset the infotainment system: This is the closest thing to a full wipe and usually removes profiles, apps and stored data.

Quick note: Steps vary by brand. Your owner’s manual (paper or digital) should tell you exactly where to find them.

🔍 Don’t forget the hidden stuff

These are easy to overlook and easy for the next owner to find.

• Garage door and gate codes: Look for a menu called Garage Door, HomeLink, Universal Remote or Connected Features. Delete or reset any programmed buttons or saved locations.
• Payment info: Subscriptions to satellite radio and driver-assist features may be tied to your credit card. Log in to your vehicle account and remove all payment methods. Then log out and back in to confirm they’re gone.

🛡️ Use these apps to finish up

Open your manufacturer’s app (myChevrolet, FordPass, Tesla, etc.) and remove your vehicle from it. Otherwise, the next owner might be linked to your profile.

Privacy4Cars has a free app (iOS and Android) that walks you through deleting your data. You can also run a Vehicle Privacy Report on their site to see what your specific make and model stores. I’ve recommended them on my show. They’re legit.

📲 Help a friend out: If someone you know is selling or trading a car, share this guide before they sign the paperwork.