Is Erase All Content And Settings Alone Enough?

[Chad-VI]

hi everyone, I just sold my iPhone 6 today, but as I was in a rush, I didn't do the step by step guide of Apple (Sign out of AppStore, then from iCloud...). I just clicked on erase all contents and settings, then entered my passcode and my Apple ID password. Then the iPhone starting the wiping process (which was rather very fast, taking like a minute or so) and got me to the setup screen, which I was unable to get through since the iPhone didn't have a sim in it. (I know that's normal)
Now that I think about it, i just feel anxious that what if I missed something? Should I have done any other step? Is the short time of wiping abnormal? Could my data still be there, or is the setup screen an indicator of a clean wipe? I would be really thankful if someone would clear up those things for me. Thanks in advance

 

[eyoungren]

hi everyone, I just sold my iPhone 6 today, but as I was in a rush, I didn't do the step by step guide of Apple (Sign out of AppStore, then from iCloud...). I just clicked on erase all contents and settings, then entered my passcode and my Apple ID password. Then the iPhone starting the wiping process (which was rather very fast, taking like a minute or so) and got me to the setup screen, which I was unable to get through since the iPhone didn't have a sim in it. (I know that's normal)
Now that I think about it, i just feel anxious that what if I missed something? Should I have done any other step? Is the short time of wiping abnormal? Could my data still be there, or is the setup screen an indicator of a clean wipe? I would be really thankful if someone would clear up those things for me. Thanks in advance

The only one your haste is likely to affect is the new owner.

If you did not sign out of Find My iPhone then expect contact from the owner as they will want your Apple ID and password in order to complete activation.

Without that the new owner will have a brick.

But yeah, your info is wiped.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I would contact the buyer right away informing him or her of your mistake. Once the phone is received, you can provide the appropriate information. That way, you are less likely to take a hit on your feedback rating. After everything is finished, change your Apple account password and make sure Two-Factor Authentication is turned on.

Wiping the data as you did is fine. No need to worry.

 

[alex.houston]

hi everyone, I just sold my iPhone 6 today, but as I was in a rush, I didn't do the step by step guide of Apple (Sign out of AppStore, then from iCloud...). I just clicked on erase all contents and settings, then entered my passcode and my Apple ID password. Then the iPhone starting the wiping process (which was rather very fast, taking like a minute or so) and got me to the setup screen, which I was unable to get through since the iPhone didn't have a sim in it. (I know that's normal)
Now that I think about it, i just feel anxious that what if I missed something? Should I have done any other step? Is the short time of wiping abnormal? Could my data still be there, or is the setup screen an indicator of a clean wipe? I would be really thankful if someone would clear up those things for me. Thanks in advance

You can follow instructions under "If you no longer have your iOS device" on Apple's webpage "What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch" https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201351
As far as I can tell, the only thing you need to do, so that new owner can use the device, is to sign into iCloud.com and remove device from your account.

 

[Chad-VI]

The only one your haste is likely to affect is the new owner.

If you did not sign out of Find My iPhone then expect contact from the owner as they will want your Apple ID and password in order to complete activation.

Without that the new owner will have a brick.

But yeah, your info is wiped.

I would contact the buyer right away informing him or her of your mistake. Once the phone is received, you can provide the appropriate information. That way, you are less likely to take a hit on your feedback rating. After everything is finished, change your Apple account password and make sure Two-Factor Authentication is turned on.

Wiping the data as you did is fine. No need to worry.

You can follow instructions under "If you no longer have your iOS device" on Apple's webpage "What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch" https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201351
As far as I can tell, the only thing you need to do, so that new owner can use the device, is to sign into iCloud.com and remove device from your account.

Thank you so much for your valuable replies. So as I can understand, the only potential flaw is that the device might still be iCloud locked? As I remember, I was asked to turn off find my iPhone, and the iPhone 6 no longer appears among my devices in the "Find My iPhone" Application. So does that mean that the device is successfully "unlocked"? I also found that the Apple website states that restoring "automatically turns off icloud and find my iPhone". So I'm confused now, what should I do if I get hold of the device again? Thanks and sorry if my questions seem annoying

 

[alex.houston]

the iPhone 6 no longer appears among my devices in the "Find My iPhone" Application. So does that mean that the device is successfully "unlocked"?

Yes, you should be good then. The new owner should have no problems using the phone.

 

[timeconsumer]

Thank you so much for your valuable replies. So as I can understand, the only potential flaw is that the device might still be iCloud locked? As I remember, I was asked to turn off find my iPhone, and the iPhone 6 no longer appears among my devices in the "Find My iPhone" Application. So does that mean that the device is successfully "unlocked"? I also found that the Apple website states that restoring "automatically turns off icloud and find my iPhone". So I'm confused now, what should I do if I get hold of the device again? Thanks and sorry if my questions seem annoying

Did you receive an email notifying you that find my iPhone has been disabled? Here's the last email I got when I restored my iPhone:

Find My iPhone has been disabled on <device name>.

With Find My iPhone disabled, this device can no longer be located, placed in Lost Mode, or remotely erased using icloud.com/find or the Find My iPhone iOS app.

In addition, your Apple ID and password will no longer be required for someone to erase, reactivate, and use your iPhone.

 

[Chad-VI]

Did you receive an email notifying you that find my iPhone has been disabled? Here's the last email I got when I restored my iPhone:

Find My iPhone has been disabled on <device name>.

With Find My iPhone disabled, this device can no longer be located, placed in Lost Mode, or remotely erased using icloud.com/find or the Find My iPhone iOS app.

In addition, your Apple ID and password will no longer be required for someone to erase, reactivate, and use your iPhone.

Yes, I actually received an email telling me that my "iPhone 7,2" has the find my iPhone disabled. What concerned me more was if my data wasn't really wiped since the process didn't take long which scared me. Thanks for your help, guys. I really appreciate it.

 

[alex.houston]

What concerned me more was if my data wasn't really wiped since the process didn't take long which scared me.

You did "erase all contents and settings", so your data is gone. It is normal that this is quite fast. I think since Apple started encrypting phones, deleting user data is not like deleting file by file. It's more like throwing the encryption key away.

 

[960design]

hi everyone, I just sold my iPhone 6 today, but as I was in a rush, I didn't do the step by step guide of Apple (Sign out of AppStore, then from iCloud...). I just clicked on erase all contents and settings, then entered my passcode and my Apple ID password. Then the iPhone starting the wiping process (which was rather very fast, taking like a minute or so) and got me to the setup screen, which I was unable to get through since the iPhone didn't have a sim in it. (I know that's normal)
Now that I think about it, i just feel anxious that what if I missed something? Should I have done any other step? Is the short time of wiping abnormal? Could my data still be there, or is the setup screen an indicator of a clean wipe? I would be really thankful if someone would clear up those things for me. Thanks in advance

You should be good... the popups that appeared when you tapped Erase All Contents and Settings were first your restrictions passcode and then your AppleID & password to sign you out of iCloud. The only thing you need to check is to sign in to iCloud.com with the AppleID and password that you cleared from your iPhone6 and ensure you have removed that device from your account. That's it... easy peasy.

 

[foxconn]

The only one your haste is likely to affect is the new owner.

If you did not sign out of Find My iPhone then expect contact from the owner as they will want your Apple ID and password in order to complete activation.

Without that the new owner will have a brick.

But yeah, your info is wiped.

find my iPhone must be disabled before "erase all content and settings" begins.

 

[Freakonomics101]

As far as I know, you can't do a full wipe (in the settings) with Find My iPhone turned on. It has to be disabled first.

 

[960design]

As far as I know, you can't do a full wipe (in the settings) with Find My iPhone turned on. It has to be disabled first.

You can do as I mentioned. It will popup a passcode bypass if enabled and then request your iCloud password to turn off Find My iPhone, if enabled. It will then immediately "wipe" all data and restore.
[doublepost=1488724803][/doublepost]

find my iPhone must be disabled before "erase all content and settings" begins.

Not completely correct... if erase all content and settings is tapped you will receive a popup to disable it during the wipe procedure.

 

[timeconsumer]

You can do as I mentioned. It will popup a passcode bypass if enabled and then request your iCloud password to turn off Find My iPhone, if enabled. It will then immediately "wipe" all data and restore.
[doublepost=1488724803][/doublepost]
Not completely correct... if erase all content and settings is tapped you will receive a popup to disable it during the wipe procedure.

What? Those posts you quoted had correct information. If you have find my iPhone enabled you cannot use the "Erase all content and settings" as it needs to be disabled beforehand as per: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201274

The only way to bypass this is by putting the device into recovery mode and using iTunes to restore the device. However, when doing so, it will prompt for the iCloud password once it tries to activate through iTunes.

 

[Chad-VI]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I guess since I only have my current 7 plus and iPad Air listed on the find my iPhone app, the old 6 is removed from my account. Or is it? The only instruction apple gives to remove a device from your iCloud is to go to icloud.com, which redirects me to open either "Find my friends" "find my iPhone" and "setup icloud on this device". I didn't find any option that explicitly manages tied devices. Any suggestions?

 

[jr866gooner]

If it's not listed under your devices in iCloud.com(settings icon/button) you should be

 

[foxconn]

You can do as I mentioned. It will popup a passcode bypass if enabled and then request your iCloud password to turn off Find My iPhone, if enabled. It will then immediately "wipe" all data and restore.
[doublepost=1488724803][/doublepost]
Not completely correct... if erase all content and settings is tapped you will receive a popup to disable it during the wipe procedure.

You didn't read what I said correctly.

 

[alex.houston]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I guess since I only have my current 7 plus and iPad Air listed on the find my iPhone app, the old 6 is removed from my account. Or is it? The only instruction apple gives to remove a device from your iCloud is to go to icloud.com, which redirects me to open either "Find my friends" "find my iPhone" and "setup icloud on this device". I didn't find any option that explicitly manages tied devices. Any suggestions?

See https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht201441
The steps are:
"If the previous owner isn't present, contact them and ask them to follow these steps to remove the device from their account:
1. Sign in to iCloud.com with their Apple ID.
2. Go to Find My iPhone.
3. Select All Devices to open a list of devices linked to their account, then select the device to be removed.
4. Click Remove from Account."
Since the device is not in your "Find my iPhone", it's already removed from your account.

 

[Chad-VI]

See https://support.apple.com/en-us/ht201441
The steps are:
"If the previous owner isn't present, contact them and ask them to follow these steps to remove the device from their account:
1. Sign in to iCloud.com with their Apple ID.
2. Go to Find My iPhone.
3. Select All Devices to open a list of devices linked to their account, then select the device to be removed.
4. Click Remove from Account."
Since the device is not in your "Find my iPhone", it's already removed from your account.

Thank you I used another method actually, I entered settings > iCloud > Devices and even though my device wasn't listed in Find My iPhone, it was, surprisingly, listed there. So I clicked on "Remove From Account". thanks for your help

 

[960design]

You didn't read what I said correctly.

My mistake... what part of the following quote did I fail to read correctly?

find my iPhone must be disabled before "erase all content and settings" begins.

I was pointing out the error in the above statement. To clarify. Find my iPhone does NOT need to be disabled before "Erase All Content and Settings" begins. It can be disabled during the process of "Erase All Content and Settings".

More words:
Disabling Find My iPhone through iCloud before tapping Erase All Content and Settings will work perfectly, as you stated.
If you tap Erase All Content and Settings first, a modal will appear asking you for your iCloud password in order to turn off Find My iPhone and Remove the device from your account.

That's why I wrote that you were not technically correct. "Must be disabled before..." is incorrect. More correct would be "Can be disabled before..." or "Should be disabled before..."

Proof:
Mr. Foxconn, please tap "Erase All Content and Settings" on your device without previously disabling Find My iPhone. You should see a modal popup that asks for your iCloud password. This will turn off Find My iPhone and Remove it from your account.

Please forgive me if I am completely misunderstanding you and Mr. Timeconsumer.

PS. As odd as it sounds, I disable dozens of devices daily. Actually waiting on 19 to restart while typing this response.

 

[timeconsumer]

My mistake... what part of the following quote did I fail to read correctly?


I was pointing out the error in the above statement. To clarify. Find my iPhone does NOT need to be disabled before "Erase All Content and Settings" begins. It can be disabled during the process of "Erase All Content and Settings".

More words:
Disabling Find My iPhone through iCloud before tapping Erase All Content and Settings will work perfectly, as you stated.
If you tap Erase All Content and Settings first, a modal will appear asking you for your iCloud password in order to turn off Find My iPhone and Remove the device from your account.

That's why I wrote that you were not technically correct. "Must be disabled before..." is incorrect. More correct would be "Can be disabled before..." or "Should be disabled before..."

Proof:
Mr. Foxconn, please tap "Erase All Content and Settings" on your device without previously disabling Find My iPhone. You should see a modal popup that asks for your iCloud password. This will turn off Find My iPhone and Remove it from your account.

Please forgive me if I am completely misunderstanding you and Mr. Timeconsumer.

PS. As odd as it sounds, I disable dozens of devices daily. Actually waiting on 19 to restart while typing this response.

You both have correct information. The issue is that you're assuming @foxconn was stating that you have to specifically disable "Find my iPhone" before tapping "Erase all Contents and Settings". Since "Erase all Contents and Settings" prompts you for the password to your iCloud account, you're disabling "Find my iPhone" before you can even proceed with the "Erase all Contents and Settings". If you don't type in your iCloud password at this point, you cannot fully erase all content and settings. But, no you don't have to go into your iCloud account first, then disable find my iPhone from there, before you can go to "Erase all Contents and Settings".

@foxconn said: find my iPhone must be disabled before "erase all content and settings" begins.

Which is correct, the process won't begin unless you disable find my iPhone first (via the prompt that pops up asking for your iCloud password).

 

[foxconn]

My mistake... what part of the following quote did I fail to read correctly?


I was pointing out the error in the above statement. To clarify. Find my iPhone does NOT need to be disabled before "Erase All Content and Settings" begins. It can be disabled during the process of "Erase All Content and Settings".

More words:
Disabling Find My iPhone through iCloud before tapping Erase All Content and Settings will work perfectly, as you stated.
If you tap Erase All Content and Settings first, a modal will appear asking you for your iCloud password in order to turn off Find My iPhone and Remove the device from your account.

That's why I wrote that you were not technically correct. "Must be disabled before..." is incorrect. More correct would be "Can be disabled before..." or "Should be disabled before..."

Proof:
Mr. Foxconn, please tap "Erase All Content and Settings" on your device without previously disabling Find My iPhone. You should see a modal popup that asks for your iCloud password. This will turn off Find My iPhone and Remove it from your account.

Please forgive me if I am completely misunderstanding you and Mr. Timeconsumer.

PS. As odd as it sounds, I disable dozens of devices daily. Actually waiting on 19 to restart while typing this response.

you are lacking reading comprehension skills.

 

[960design]

you are lacking reading comprehension skills.

You are correct. Please forgive my lack of comprehension. I am working on it.

 

[letmein33]

The only one your haste is likely to affect is the new owner.

If you did not sign out of Find My iPhone then expect contact from the owner as they will want your Apple ID and password in order to complete activation.

Without that the new owner will have a brick.

But yeah, your info is wiped.

I would contact the buyer right away informing him or her of your mistake. Once the phone is received, you can provide the appropriate information. That way, you are less likely to take a hit on your feedback rating. After everything is finished, change your Apple account password and make sure Two-Factor Authentication is turned on.

Wiping the data as you did is fine. No need to worry.

I did not sign out of icloud manually, I did erase all content and settings. I also got conf. email from Apple that Find My iPhone was signed out of. Will the person that has my device be able to see my iCloud data, pictures, notes, etc. since I did not sign out of iCloud?

 

[eyoungren]

I did not sign out of icloud manually, I did erase all content and settings. I also got conf. email from Apple that Find My iPhone was signed out of. Will the person that has my device be able to see my iCloud data, pictures, notes, etc. since I did not sign out of iCloud?

Things have changed somewhat in the last two years (when this thread started).

In order to do an Erase All Contents and Settings on your device now (later versions of iOS) you are asked for your Apple ID password. You can't continue unless you provide it.

Doing so means the device is automatically signed out from all Apple services and removed from Find my iPhone before it's wiped.

That means the new owner gets a stock device.

How can they access your stuff if on a stock device you've never signed in?

So, no, they can't.