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Making iPad secure for repair when it is unusable

Hi All

I need to take my iPad to an Apple store tomorrow for repair and want to make everything on it as secure as possible. Unfortunately I cant use the iPad so I'm unable to go into it to remove apps and things, I can only make it as secure as possible from my iPhone and laptop.

I've removed banking apps, removed the device from iCloud, changed a couple of passwords on accounts which I want ultra secure, and logged the device out of as many other things as I can think of. Is there anything else I should do? I did think about removing a lot of my saved passwords on my phone but am not entirely sure this would remove them from the iPad anyway. Thanks in advance.

iPad Pro, 12.9-inch, 6th Gen, Cell 5G

Posted on Feb 14, 2023 9:19 AM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Feb 14, 2023 10:15 AM

If you cannot access the iPad and successfully enter a passcode, it is impossible to erase any locally stored data.


While you cannot erase or remove any data from your damaged iPad, this issue isn’t as concerning as it might first appear. Your iPad and its locally stored data has an encrypted filesystem. The encryption keys required to access local data are securely stored within the iPad security chip (the Secure Enclave). The only way to release the encryption keys, necessary to decrypt data, is to enter the iPad Passcode known only to you.


If you can’t enter the Passcode, neither can anyone else. No Passcode = no decryption = no access to data.


Even if the iPad is subsequently restored to running status, the Passcode will still be required. This cannot be brute-forced - as only a limited number of attempts are possible before the iPad becomes disabled - at which time the Secure Enclave is automatically erased - destroying all hope of ever accessing locally storage data.

3 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Feb 14, 2023 10:15 AM in response to CaroleA88

If you cannot access the iPad and successfully enter a passcode, it is impossible to erase any locally stored data.


While you cannot erase or remove any data from your damaged iPad, this issue isn’t as concerning as it might first appear. Your iPad and its locally stored data has an encrypted filesystem. The encryption keys required to access local data are securely stored within the iPad security chip (the Secure Enclave). The only way to release the encryption keys, necessary to decrypt data, is to enter the iPad Passcode known only to you.


If you can’t enter the Passcode, neither can anyone else. No Passcode = no decryption = no access to data.


Even if the iPad is subsequently restored to running status, the Passcode will still be required. This cannot be brute-forced - as only a limited number of attempts are possible before the iPad becomes disabled - at which time the Secure Enclave is automatically erased - destroying all hope of ever accessing locally storage data.

Feb 14, 2023 9:24 AM in response to CaroleA88

Clearly you are able to access the iPad and its settings. As such, here is Apple’s guidance:

Get your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch ready for service - Apple Support


Be aware that manual deletion of files or data whole the iPad remains connected to iCloud has implications for all other devices. Performing a full device reset will erase all data - without affecting other devices.

Making iPad secure for repair when it is unusable

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