I am interested in an open box ipad. But somehow I am a little bit worried about whether there will be any malware left in the ipad. So I wonder whether reset can remove malware on ipad? Especially if the ipad was jailbroken, and something was left in the root level, then a whether a reset can wipe everything? Thanks!
As suggested by Ferd II, if you have any doubts at all as to the provenance or jailbreak status of the iPad, you should avoid it.
If you do decide to proceed with purchase of a previously used device - with you accepting the potential consequences - here is Apple’s advice for the steps you should perform:
Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else
Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use:
You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.
Also be aware that many previously owned devices are older models of iPad, many incapable of update to current versions of iPadOS. If the iPad cannot be updated to the current OS version, it may be similarly limited in its ability to install compatible Apps from the Apple Store.
Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:
32-bit devices (obsolete)
iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1
iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)
iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)
64-bit devices
iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.6
iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.7.1
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.1.1
As suggested by Ferd II, if you have any doubts at all as to the provenance or jailbreak status of the iPad, you should avoid it.
If you do decide to proceed with purchase of a previously used device - with you accepting the potential consequences - here is Apple’s advice for the steps you should perform:
Check for Activation Lock before you buy a device from someone else
Before you buy an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, from someone other than Apple or an authorized Apple reseller, make sure that the device is erased and no longer linked to the previous owner’s account. Follow these steps to check if the device is ready to use:
You will know that a device is ready for you to use when you're asked to "Set up your iPhone," “Set up your iPad," or “Set up your iPod” the first time you turn it on.
Also be aware that many previously owned devices are older models of iPad, many incapable of update to current versions of iPadOS. If the iPad cannot be updated to the current OS version, it may be similarly limited in its ability to install compatible Apps from the Apple Store.
Here is a list of the highest version of iOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:
32-bit devices (obsolete)
iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1
iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)
iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)
64-bit devices
iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.6
iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.7.1
Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version, iPadOS 16.1.1
The All Too Common SAD Reality of Buying a Used iPad/iPhone explains the hazards and pitfalls involved. Stay away from it "as if it were a swarm of bees."
Can reset remove malware on ipad?
