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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...
Recommend 3 methods for you to erase everything on iPhone before trade in.
1. The "Multiple Language Erase" method. This exploits the setup screen's reset function.
Steps:
- First, erase normally through Settings once (gets you to Hello screen)
- At "Hello" screen (shows in multiple languages)
- Triple-click Accessibility Shortcut if you previously enabled it (can sometimes trigger hidden menus)
- Alternatively, enter wrong passcode at setup 10+ times (may trigger additional wipe protocols)
- Restart during setup 3-4 times (Power + Volume Down) - each restart clears temporary files
2. The "Accessibility Shortcut Wipe" trick. Requires pre-setup first erase everything on iPhone before trade in:
- Before first erase: Settings > Accessibility > Accessibility Shortcut
- Set to "Erase All Content and Settings" (this adds it as triple-click option)
- Lock screen and triple-click Side button
- Confirm erase via Accessibility shortcut
- On Hello screen, try spamming triple-click - sometimes menu appears briefly
3. The "Repeated Failed Passcode" method. Uses the security lockout feature.
- Steps:
- Set passcode to complex 20-character before first erase
- Erase normally once
- During setup, repeatedly enter wrong passcodes (over 15 times)
- iPhone may enter "Security Lockout" with deeper wipe protocols
- Connect to power during lockout (some reports suggest this triggers more thorough erase)