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Can reset remove malware on ipad?

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!

Posted on Nov 9, 2022 8:01 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 10, 2022 6:27 AM

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: 

  1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
  2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
  3. Begin the device setup process.
  4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

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

  • iPad Pro (all models)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (5th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


2 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 10, 2022 6:27 AM in response to Qiao147

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: 

  1. Turn on and unlock the device. 
  2. If the passcode lock screen or the Home screen appears, the device hasn't been erased. Ask the seller to completely erase the device by going to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it's been erased.
  3. Begin the device setup process.
  4. If you're asked for the previous owner’s Apple ID and password, the device is still linked to their account. Hand the device back to the seller and ask them to enter their password. If the previous owner isn't present, contact them as soon as possible and ask them to use a browser to remove the device from their account. Don't take ownership of any used iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch until it has been removed from the previous owner’s account.

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

  • iPad Pro (all models)
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (5th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


Can reset remove malware on ipad?

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