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How to erase everything on iphone before trade in
Alright, trading in my iPhone soon. I need a definitive guide to nuke all personal data from this device. I want zero chance of recovery by the next owner. Can someone confirm the absolute correct me...
To erase everything on iPhone before trade in. DFU (Device Firmware Update) mode allows low-level access that can help ensure deeper erasure.
Steps:
1. First, do normal erase: Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content
2. Enter DFU Mode:
- Connect to computer with iTunes open
- Quickly press: Volume Up, Volume Down, then hold Side button
- When screen goes black, hold Side + Volume Down for 5 seconds
- Release Side but keep holding Volume Down for 10 more seconds
- iTunes/Finder should detect "iPhone in recovery mode"
3. Restore in DFU:
- Click "Restore" (NOT "Update") in iTunes
- This installs fresh iOS, overwriting more system areas
4. Repeat the entire process 2-3 times
By the way. About erasing everything on iPhone before trade in. For 99.9% of users, changing to a complex passcode + normal erase + Activation Lock removal is sufficient against all but state-level forensic attacks. The trade-in company will likely flash the device anyway before resale.