Wiping devices

Mar 12, 2020

These instructions document how to wipe the data from various devices.

Android

  1. Plug the phone in so that it does not loose power during this process.
  2. Reset the device by selecting Settings→Backup→Factory data reset.
  3. When the phone restarts, follow the initialization steps, skipping the ones that are not required. Elect to associate a password with the screen lock. Use a very strong password such as a sequence of random characters.
  4. Encrypt the device by selecting Settings→Security→Encrypt phone. This will prevent someone from recovering deleted data.
  5. Reset the device again by selecting Settings→Backup→Factory data reset.

iPad

  1. Plug the iPad in so that it does not loose power during this process.
  2. Reset the device by selecting Settings→General→Reset. Select Erase All Content and Settings.