By clicking a retailer link you consent to third-party cookies that track your onward journey. This enables W? to receive an affiliate commission if you make a purchase, which supports our mission to be the UK's consumer champion.
Could you make money selling your old router?
Callum pushes tech to its limits and has spent over three years bombarding antivirus with malware, taxing routers and inspecting computer monitors
Most of us have one (or even two or three) old routers kicking about. For many, a contract with a new internet service provider (ISP) or an upgrade will mean your current router is no longer used. So what do you do with it?
Don't leave it languishing in a cupboard or drawer. If you're confused or unsure about how to safely get rid of old tech, we explain all of the available options, including returning it to a provider, selling it on, giving it away or recycling it.
That means you'll be able to free up some space in your home, keep your data secure and avoid putting it in your household waste from where it will just end up in landfill.
Getting the right broadband plan matters. Find out which are the best and worst providers
Is my data at risk if I recycle a router?
It can be easy to view your router as a simple gateway to the internet, but it's actually a computer that you're using every day, and it's an information hub that every internet-connected device in your home talks to.
Routers don't track users in the same way a computer or an internet browser does. But they do contain sensitive data, especially if you've enabled any logging configuration to help you monitor traffic on your network, such as a child lock.
Typical information stored on your router includes:
- admin passwords
- configuration files
- IP addresses
- parental control settings, including websites visited, if this logging is enabled
- system data, including firmware updates.
Before you return, sell, give away or recycle your router, you should always factory reset it. Details on how to do this can usually be found on the manufacturer's website.
This is crucial to ensure that your data remains secure, especially if the router is acquired by a new owner.
However, if you're upgrading to a third-party router, don't dispose of your old ISP router just yet. You'll likely still need it to act as a modem or for any unique proprietary cables and connections, such as those used by Virgin Media.
Take a look at our wi-fi router reviews to see which excel in our tough tests
Can you get money for an old router?
There's a strong second-hand market for old third-party routers from brands such as Asus, Netgear and TP-Link.
People typically sell their old third-party routers when they're looking for upgrades with the latest wi-fi standards or smart home functionality.
ISP routers are normally loaned by providers on the basis that they'll be returned if you upgrade your broadband package or move to a new provider. Many now stipulate this in the broadband contract, and failure to return the router can result in you being charged.
Websites such as eBay, Gumtree, Preloved and Facebook all have marketplaces for this kind of tech.
Alternatively, high street retailer CEX offers cash or credit for selling your old router and other home networking devices (wi-fi extenders and mesh systems).
Why it's important not to keep your router for too long
Routers can age into obsolescence, and you don't want a router that's so old that it's no longer provided with important updates.
We've previously found that millions in the UK were at risk of using unsecure routers because they owned devices that were no longer receiving firmware updates.
Firmware updates are necessary to patch security vulnerabilities. Without them, new or previously undiscovered exploits can be used to compromise your device.
If you're in the position of having an unsupported old router, you should talk to your ISP, as it may be able to provide you with a modern or upgraded unit.
And if you're out of contract with your provider, it could be the ideal time to haggle or switch. Switching to a new provider means you should receive the latest equipment and potentially get a more capable and better-value broadband connection.
Our guide to the best broadband deals can give you an idea of how much you could save.
How to recycle a BT router
BT broadband equipment can be returned and recycled free of charge. The steps are outlined on BT's website.
If you log in to your BT account, you can request a free returns bag. Then put your old router, plus any accessories, into it and take it to your local Post Office, Royal Mail Parcel Locker or arrange for Royal Mail to collect it from your home.
BT customers have their broadband equipment on loan. BT states that returned items are either recycled or refurbished for further use.
How to recycle a Sky router
Sky Broadband equipment is loaned to you and must be returned when it's no longer needed. This includes when you upgrade or downgrade your subscription, move to a different broadband provider, or because your equipment is broken. If you fail to do this, you could incur a fee.
Owners of old Sky tech can find detailed instructions on how to return Sky products or recycle Sky products via Royal Mail.
Sky says it will reuse what it can and recycle what can’t be reused.
How to recycle a TalkTalk router
The TalkTalk website explains how to return your router, booster or TalkTalk-provided Amazon Eero 6 or Eero 6 Pro wi-fi mesh system via Royal Mail.
If you're already sitting on an old TalkTalk router, send it to the address on its website (see the 'Recycle your equipment' dropdown option). But if you send back equipment that isn't in a pre-paid postage bag, then you'll pay for the shipping cost.
How to recycle a Virgin Media router
You can post your old kit back to Virgin Media, and it will repair and reuse or recycle it. Visit Virgin Media's website for more information.
Virgin Media customers who receive a new router can put the old router into the new one's packaging, attach the new postage label and post it back.
If you're leaving Virgin Media, it will send you a postal returns bag and label to send back your old Virgin device. You'll then need to find a local Yodel by InPost Store and drop it off there for collection. Make sure to keep your receipt as proof you sent the equipment.
Boost your wi-fi coverage at home with one of our recommended extenders or mesh systems
Other ways to recycle a router
You can take your router, along with other old tech you have lying around, to your local recycling centre.
Alternatively, you can take your old router to retailers that accept electronic waste (such as some Argos, Currys and Tesco stores) or recycling points.
Recycle Your Electricals has built an online tool to show you your nearest WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) recycling locations. You can also read our guide on how to recycle electrical items for more tips and advice.
Remember to always factory reset your router before disposing of it, to keep your data secure.
