Is it OK to trade in broken iPhone? Or is data accessible?

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Level 1

74 points

Is it OK to trade in broken iPhone? Or is data accessible?

I have an iPhone 11 Pro Max that got run over repeatedly by cars. The screen is smashed, it won't charge or turn on. It doesn't show up in iCloud services. I already replaced it with an iPhone 12 Pro Max.

I didn't know this, but Verizon will give me a few hundred bucks for the broken phone. But I have no way of wiping it (either via iCloud or by plugging it into a computer). So I'm paranoid about my data on the phone.

Part of me says I'm safe since everything is locked up with Face ID and Passcode. But part of me also assumes Verizon has hardware/software to either unlock the phone or access data from components.

I guess I'm not worried about pictures, but rather my email accounts, my Tesla key, bank accounts, eTrade account, Coinbase account, etc...

Would you still trade it in? Am I being paranoid?

iPhone 11 Pro Max

Posted on Apr 19, 2021 2:17 PM

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Answer 1

deggie

Level 10

167,303 points

Apr 20, 2021 9:28 AM in response to Rothgarr

If the phone is as heavily damaged as you say it is no one is going to be able to retrieve data from your device, it is already gone. Are you planning to sell the iPhone 12 Pro Max that you have now? If yes make sure you get it unlocked from your carrier and follow these instructions -> What to do before you sell, give away, or trade in your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

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Answer 2

sberman

Level 10

267,909 points

Apr 19, 2021 2:21 PM in response to Rothgarr

See item 5 here.

If your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch is lost or stolen - Apple Support

And by the way, it’s pretty amazing you would receive any monetary value for such a device.

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Answer 3

sberman

Level 10

267,909 points

Apr 20, 2021 9:24 AM in response to Rothgarr

Since you remotely erased the device, that action will complete once the device is turned on.

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Answer 4

Rothgarr Author

Level 1

74 points

Apr 20, 2021 6:27 AM in response to sberman

Thanks. I had already done the steps in item 5 (remotely wipe phone using iCloud), but the problem is, the device isn't accessible since it won't turn on (broken), so I can't wipe it (I requested the erase on April 10). I personally feel the device isn't fixable, but I don't know if Verizon will give up on it and send it to some lowest bidder who will fix it cheaply and be able to somehow access the data...

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Answer 5

May 31, 2021 3:39 AM in response to QuickTimeKirk

Download the current software version on the new iPhone you bought and also download the existing software on your old iPhone and reset your new iPhone and set up your new iPhone there before running it. The phone will be written, press it and connect it to your old iPhone with Bluetooth and transfer all your data to the new iPhone.

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Answer 6

Apr 19, 2021 2:21 PM in response to Rothgarr

Apple doesn't want a device that can't be used.

Take whatever Verizon offers you. They can't get your data any better than you can.

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Is it OK to trade in broken iPhone? Or is data accessible?

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