I have disassembled this very iPad but I do don't know what the data storage 'unit/units' look like as there is clearly no disc. I need to visually identity them so I can dispose of it/them securely in order to recycle the rest of it.
Thanks in anticipation of some help.
iPad mini 2
If you are intent upon destroying the iPad yourself, you will need to identify the flash-storage chips. iPad uses solid-state storage - not an HDD.
Having already dismantled your iPad and exposed the logic board, you are very likely to have inflicted sufficient damage to the iPad, or disrupted the battery supply to critical components, such that (a) the iPad is now fatally wounded, and (b) the Secure Enclave will have automatically destroyed its encryption keys.
Any locally stored data is permanently beyond reach.
If you are intent upon destroying the iPad yourself, you will need to identify the flash-storage chips. iPad uses solid-state storage - not an HDD.
Having already dismantled your iPad and exposed the logic board, you are very likely to have inflicted sufficient damage to the iPad, or disrupted the battery supply to critical components, such that (a) the iPad is now fatally wounded, and (b) the Secure Enclave will have automatically destroyed its encryption keys.
Any locally stored data is permanently beyond reach.
Unless you are able to restart your iPad to a running state - and successfully enter your Passcode - you'll not be able to erase the iPad - or recover any data from it. If you intend to dispose of your non-functional iPad, you shouldn't be concerned...
iPadOS uses an encrypted filesystem. Successful entry of your iPad Passcode unlocks the Secure Enclave (this being your iPad's security chip) within which the only copy of the encryption keys - that are required to access and decrypt your data - are stored. If the iPad is ever restored to a running state, in absence of the correct passcode (known only to you) all data remains beyond reach.
There are a limited number of opportunities to enter the correct Passcode before the iPad will be automatically disabled - at which point the Secure Enclave erases all the encryption keys.
As for recycling, simply return your iPad to the Genius Bar at any official Apple Store or Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) - who will arrange for the iPad to responsibly recycled at no cost to you.
Thanks - I understand what you are saying about the data being encrypted and without the passcode it cannot be accessed it - thanks for explaining that. However, I'd still prefer to physically removed the data storage component as the passcode I recall was a very simple, easily guessable one. Can someone let me know where the data storage component is located so I can do this? Thanks
Very helpful answer - much appreciated.
You're very welcome.
I need to dispose/recycle an iPad 2. 'Erase all content' did not work.
