This iPad is dead - won't connect to the internet or via cell signal. How do I erase the data on it before I recycle it?
iPad (4th gen) Wi-Fi + Cellular
My other recommendation of take it to Apple for recycling won't cost you anything. They'll take care of ensuring your data is wiped safely.
GIven the chemicals in the lithium ion battery, I would recommend that you take it into an apple store, tell them that you need it wiped, have them help you remove your info, then they can dispose of it properly. (and you don’t have to worry about flying glass or chemical reactions not to mention haz mat.
I don't want it to be serviced. I just want to get rid of it. I'm thinking sledgehammer might be the best option.
That would certainly prevent anyone else from ever getting into the data on the device. But if you do want to wipe it clean, you'd have to pay to get it up and running, hence why you'd need to take it to an Apple Store.
Apple will also recycle it for you as well.
Here’s how to erase the data
What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support
I think paying someone to fix it just so that I can wipe it clean before recycling is kind of crazy. I will go with physical destruction, I think. Thanks, though. All I wanted to find a way to prevent others from getting into the data on the device.
That doesn't work unless the device can get online to verify the Apple ID (which I have) - If the device CAN'T verify the Apple ID it won't erase the data using this setting.
Then you'll need to take it your Apple Store Genius Bar and let them tell you the options for service. There is literally nothing we can do to help you get a dead iPad running.
Thanks - good to know for future reference. Since this is a company iPad, though, it would be against company policy to turn it over without it having been erased first.
Your company doesn't have a policy against destroying company owned assets?
Thanks. I can do this.
You may not need to pay them to fix it. If you want to go ahead with the crushing, just have them take the battery out. That’s where the chemicals are. Or disassemble it yourself to remove the battery, crush teh rest and recycle the battery. I’m fairly confident you can drop the battery off at Best Buy.
They may even be able to help you in removing the battery, you’d just need to ask if they charge or if they’d just do it for you
I have a dead iPad - how do I erase it?
