How do I erase my phone if it’s off?

My phone is broken & I need to return it to Verizon but I cannot erase the content before returning it because it doesn’t turn on. Verizon said just remove the device from find my phone on the iCloud but does that erase the content on the phone? Also, I tried to erase phone option on the iCloud but I don’t think it did anything.

iPhone SE, iOS 16

Posted on Sep 13, 2023 5:08 PM

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Posted on Sep 13, 2023 5:18 PM

Remove the device from Find My, as was requested.


You can’t erase a damaged device, or a device offline, battery depleted, or out of communications.


Your data is protected by your passcode in the unlikely event that the device is repaired, and is not then erased.

8 replies

Sep 13, 2023 5:22 PM in response to bklyngal1130

Verizon said just remove the device from find my phone on the iCloud but does that erase the content on the phone?


No


But, if you can't get at the data on the phone, no one else can either. Even if someone could somehow get at the data.....(they can't).....they would have to guess your passcode correctly in a very limited number of tries.

Sep 13, 2023 5:20 PM in response to bklyngal1130

Hi,


do you have another device that you can use? If so, go to the find my app -> devices -> the device you want to erase-> and click erase.


if you do not have another device, you are going to need to use a computer at a library, or ask a friend, and go to iCloud.com. Log in with your credentials, press the apps button (looks like a 4 by 3 grid) and press find my. Locate the device you want to erase, click on it, and press erase. Whenever it is booted up again, and connected to the internet, it will be erased.

How do I erase my phone if it’s off?

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