How do I safely sell a MacBook Air that won't turn on

[Gbreynol]

My wife spilled a coffee on a 2019 Macbook Air. I cleaned it, but 3 months later it does not turn on. Apple wanted $755 for a new logic board. The 2020 Air was only $899 with the free AirPods so I went with that route instead. How do I now sell this for parts without compromising her data? The NAND is on the logic board so I cannot just remove the drive. Thanks!

My ideas so far:

1. Drill hole in NAND
2. Remove and dispose of logic board.
3. Remote wipe (so if it does boot it is wiped).

 

[Apple_Robert]

I would do option 3. You have a better chance of selling with option 3, in my opinion.

 

[Gbreynol]

I would do option 3. You have a better chance of selling with option 3, in my opinion.

If they do not connect it to Wi-Fi it doesn't wipe though right?

 

[thekev]

I like option 3. If you're selling this, you should clearly inform the buyer on whatever you do. If you're not comfortable doing so, you shouldn't sell it. Beware that any security measure you use here could make it harder to sell if disclosed, but you still need to disclose it.

If they do not connect it to Wi-Fi it doesn't wipe though right?

Correct. How would it be signaled to wipe something without network access?

 

[Apple_Robert]

If they do not connect it to Wi-Fi it doesn't wipe though right?

Was FileVault turned on before the accident? If so, you have no need to worry.

 

[Gbreynol]

Was FileVault turned on before the accident? If so, you have no need to worry.

I do not believe it was turned on.