LAUSR

Smart home Internet of Things (IoT) devices are household technologies embedded with network connectivity and are increasingly traded in second‐hand markets, including online resale platforms and physical thrift outlets. However, the resale of these devices introduces significant privacy risks, especially when the manufacturer‐provided instructions for secure data transfer and reset are unclear or insufficient. This study conducts a qualitative content analysis of publicly available documentation, including user manuals, support pages, and websites from major IoT manufacturers, to evaluate how effectively manufacturers communicate privacy risks to consumers. The findings offer valuable insights for improving user trust, supporting responsible IoT consumption in second‐hand markets, and guiding manufacturers in developing clearer, privacy‐conscious communication strategies.