Guide to Completely Erase Data on iPhone to Avoid Privacy Leak

With growing instances of data leak and misuse, there’s a fear of digital data on iPhone landing in wrong hands. Personal photos, messages, videos, contacts, or sensitive information such as bank details, shopping apps ID etc., are at risk when selling, trading off, recycling or donating your iOS device.

So what can you do to keep your old iPhone data away from strangers’ eyes and make it 100% unrecoverable?

One solution is the commonly used Apple’s recommendation — erase iPhone data by choosing ‘erase all content and settings’ on your device. However, with professional hackers and sophisticated software available, erasing data by this method doesn’t guarantee data privacy.

Experts suggest using trusted iPhone erasure software that is 100 % safe. The software can make iPhone data unrecoverable beyond the reach of any tool.

Let’s understand in detail how to permanently erase data on iPhone by these techniques.

Clean iPhone by using ‘Erase All Content and Settings’

To clear all data from iPhone use the’Erase All Content and Settings’ option in the settings of your iOS device. It is like factory resetting your iPhone.

All the app data, settings, passwords, photos, videos, contacts, documents, messages, Calendar, chats, music, audio files etc., gets deleted after factory reset from iPhone.

However, don’t forget to first take the backup of your iPhone data in iCloud or iTunes.

Steps to erase iPhone via Settings:

• Go to Settings.
• Navigate to General > Reset> Erase All Content and Settings.
• Click Erase Now in the dialog box. Enter Passcode and Apple ID password, when prompted.

This will erase iPhone data turning the device off. When you power on the iPhone, you will see all its data is deleted including, photos videos, apps, contacts etc.

Permanently wipe iPhone to 0% recovery – Secure & tested method

Although deleting data via ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ on iPhone will make your device as clean as new, but it is not enough. Your iPhone data after factory reset is still recoverable by hackers. Thus, to protect privacy and prevent data leak by any means, it is essential to erase iPhone with the help of a professional iOS eraser software .

You can find several iOS cleaner software online but here we recommend Stellar Toolkit for iPhone. The efficient software is the best way to wipe iOS device before you sell , recycle, or donate.

It removes your personal videos, pictures, contacts, notes, calendar, browsing history, call log, chats, messages, Instagram, WhatsApp, and other sensitive information saved on your iPhone. The secure DIY software supports the latest iOS 16 and below versions. You can erase all variants including iPhone 6, iPhone 7, iPhone 8, iPhone X, iPhone SE, iPhone 11, and above.

You can take the free trail and gage the software features and user-friendliness.

Step-by-step guide to erase iPhone data permanently:

Step 1: Download and launch Stellar Toolkit for iPhone on computer.

Step 2: Click on Erase Data module.

Step 3: On Erase iPhone Data screen, click **Next.
**

Step 4: As you see the Click Device to Select screen appears, connect your iPhone to computer.

Step 5: Select Erase.

Step 6: In the Erase Process box, select Yes.

Step 7: Data Erase Complete message box appears that asks for confirmation before erasing the data. Click OK.

Wrapping Up

After erasing complete iPhone data by using the secure iPhone eraser software by Stellar, there’s no need to worry about personal data leak. The software algorithms ensure that even the most advanced iOS data recovery tool cannot retrieve your information.

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FAQs

How do you permanently erase data so that it cannot be recovered from iPhone?

Use the best iPhone data eraser tool to permanently wipe iPhone data. This is a assure way to prevent data leak and protect privacy.

How to Wipe iPhone Data Permanently?

Summary: Do you want to erase everything on your iPhone? But fear that it could be recovered. Learn about the best tool that wipes iPhone data permanently and makes it unrecoverable by any recovery software.

Your iPhone is a trove of personal data — photos, videos, passwords, ID proofs, bank details, chats, messages, contacts, and a lot more— which, naturally, you don’t want to fall into other hands. That’s why you prefer to delete all the information on your iPhone before selling it to others.

But several iPhone recovery software can easily restore deleted data from an old or discarded iPhone. So there’s always a fear that someone could recover your iPhone’s data and misuse it.

Here’s a solution — permanently wipe iPhone data beyond the scope of recovery by any software.

How do you permanently erase data from your iPhone?

Manual deletion is one of the ways to remove data. But it can be easily recovered by iPhone features like restoring ‘Recently Deleted’ or recovery software.

Then, Apple suggests resetting the content and settings of the iOS device. It’s effective as the deleted data is not accessible directly on your iPhone. But this also does not completely erase your data from iPhone storage.

So to wipe iPhones permanently, specialized erasure software should be used. The iPhone data erasure tool destroys all information on your storage by overwriting, thus rendering it unrecoverable.

Methods to erase everything on iPhone

1. Reset content and settings on iPhone (data gets inaccessible but recoverable)
2. Use iPhone data erasure software – Stellar Toolkit for iPhone (permanently wipes iPhone’s data, unrecoverable)

Method 1: Reset content and settings on iPhone

Apple provides a factory reset feature in iPhone with the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option. This method lets you bring your device to default settings by erasing iPhone data.

Apple’s factory reset will delete all settings, passcodes, photos, videos, notes, contacts, call history, messages, search history, app history, and other data on your iPhone.

However, erasing your iPhone with the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option does not delete your data permanently. All the personal data on iPhone is still recoverable with the help of advanced iPhone data recovery software.

Steps to Factory Reset iPhone:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Tap and follow General > Reset.
3. Tap on Erase All Content and Settings.
4. A dialog box appears; click Erase Now.
5. Enter your Passcode and your Apple ID password when prompted. This will wipe iPhone completely and turn off the device.

Now your device is ready to use as new without any personal photos, videos, or other information.

Note: Back up your iPhone data on iCloud or iTunes before performing a factory reset. Even when you want to sell the iPhone, the old data remains in iCloud and iTunes. And you can access it anytime on your computer or new iPhone.

Method 2: Erase data permanently using Stellar Toolkit for iPhone

When you want to delete iPhone data permanently beyond the scope of any recovery software, use an iPhone erasure tool – Stellar Toolkit for iPhone.

The factory reset option by Apple does leave a chance of iPhone data recovery by using the software. But, Stellar Toolkit for iPhone software permanently resets iPhone. The software erases iPhone data from the storage drive by overwriting and setting it to the original default settings. The software leaves no possibility of recovering data by any means.

You can quickly remove iPhone’s settings, photos, videos, audio, music, contacts, messages, chats, installed apps, call history, reminders, search history, and other data.

The software works with all iPhones and iPads. It can wipe off data from iPhone 15, 14, 14 Pro, 14 Pro Max, 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max, 12, 12 Pro, 12 Pro Max, 11 Pro, 11, XS MAX, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 7s, 6s, 6 Plus, 6, 5s, 5c, 5, 4s, and 4. It supports iOS 6.0 and up to iOS 16.x.

Stellar iPhone erasure lets you completely wipe data from an unlimited number of iPhones with the software.

Additionally, the Toolkit can also recover lost, or deleted data from iPhone, iCloud, and iTunes in various data lost cases such as water-damaged iPhones , broken iPhones , stuck at Apple logos , and so on.

Key benefits

• Wipes complete iPhone data permanently
• Erases data from multiple unique iPhones
• Easy-to-use
• Compatible with all iPhones and iPads

Steps to erase iPhone data permanently with software:

Step 1: Download and run Stellar Toolkit for iPhone on your computer.

Step 2: Select Erase Data.

Step 3: Erase the iPhone Data screen appears. Click Next.

Step 4: Plug your iPhone into the computer when prompted.

Step 5: Click Erase.

Step 6: An Erase Process dialog box appears. Select Yes to start the erasing process on iPhone. Next, you can view the process progress bar.

Step 7: Once the process finishes, the ‘Data Erase Completes’ message box appears. Click OK.

Your iPhone is now reset as new without any personal information, passwords, or settings.

When should you erase iPhone data with software?

Your data is sensitive and can be easily exploited by someone. So before giving away your iOS device to its next owner, it is better to wipe it off completely so that no one can recover it.

You can use iPhone erasure software when you are-

• Selling an old iPhone
• Exchanging an old iPhone with a new one
• Donating an iPhone to someone
• Fixing technical malfunctions in your iPhone

Final Words

Stellar Toolkit for iPhone comes to the rescue when you want to be sure about your iPhone data privacy.

If you have to use your iOS device as new, give it away, donate, or resell, you must use the erasure software to wipe iPhone data permanently. It’s 100% secure and easy to use.

A free trial is available for Stellar Toolkit for iPhone; you may try it yourself.

How to Factory Reset iPhone and iPad Without Apple ID

Summary: This post guides you to the best methods to factory reset the iPhone without the Apple ID and password. It also shares a professional tool — Stellar iPhone Eraser that can help wipe iPhone without using Apple ID.

iPhone factory reset is essential when you want to sell off your old iPhone or troubleshoot the iOS device issues, such as iPhone freeze , iPhone stuck at booting loop, stuck at Apple logo , etc. But what if you have forgotten your Apple ID?

Apple ID is not just required to sign in to iCloud account, App store, etc., but also needed to factory reset iPhone and iPad.

So how to reset iPhone without Apple ID?

Lets’ explore the methods to reset iPhone without Apple ID and password. Also, levarn how you can recover your Apple ID password and then attempt a factory reset on your iPhone or iPad.

Methods to Reset iPhone Without Apple ID Password

You can utilize iPhone Recovery Mode and iTunes on your computer to reset the iOS device without Apple ID. Another easier method to permanently delete everything on iPhone that doesn’t require your Apple ID is by using Stellar iPhone Eraser software.

While you can also choose to reset the forgotten Apple ID and password and then later factory reset the iOS device with the new Apple ID.

1. Use Recovery Mode to reset iPhone without Apple ID
2. Reset iPhone without Apple ID via Stellar iPhone Eraser
3. Recover Apple ID and Password to reset iPhone

Important: As Factory Reset deletes everything on iPhone, always backup your data before reset. If you haven’t and already reset your iOS device, you can download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on your computer to restore the lost data due to factory reset.

Method 1: Use Recovery Mode to reset iPhone without Apple ID

You can factory reset iPhone without Apple ID or password by using Recovery Mode. Make sure to have the latest iTunes installed on your already trusted computer.

Steps to reset iPhone without Apple ID using Recovery Mode

Step 1: Update iTunes on your PC/Mac to the latest version.

Step 2: Connect your iPhone/ iPad to the computer via USB cable.

Step 3: Put your iPhone/ iPad to Recovery Mode. Note: The steps will vary with your iPhone/ iPad model.

How to put your iPhone to Recovery Mode

iPhone 8, iPhone X, or later: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Then, press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery mode screen.

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus, and iPod touch: Press and hold the Top (or Side) and Volume Down buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the Recovery Mode screen.

iPhone 6s or earlier, iPad with Home button, and iPod touch: Press and hold both the Home and the Top (or Side) buttons at the same time. Keep holding them until you see the recovery mode screen.

iPad models that don’t have a Home button: Press and quickly release the Volume Up button. Press and quickly release the Volume Down button. Press and hold the Top button until your device begins to restart. Continue holding the Top button until your device goes into Recovery Mode.
_Source: Apple support _

Step 4:  iTunes detects the DFU mode and alerts you. Click OK in the message box.

Step 5: In iTunes, click Summary.

Step 6: Select Restore iPhone on the right pane.

Figure: Restore iPhone option iTunes

Step 7: Click Restore to confirm.

iTunes factory resets your iPhone without Apple ID. This will delete all your photos, videos, contacts, messages, chats and other data, same as in normal factory reset process using iPhone settings, which requires Apple ID.

Method 2: Reset iPhone without Apple ID via Stellar iPhone Eraser

Stellar iPhone Eraser software is another secure way to permanently erase complete iPhone data when you have forgotten Apple ID and password.  The software wipes iPhone as new without using the Apple ID.

Stellar iPhone Eraser is popularly used to reset iPhone before selling, donating, or exchanging so that no one can gain access to your personal data.

You can permanently delete photos, videos, audio, contacts, messages, passcodes, documents, third-party apps and other data from iPhone.

It sets the iOS device to the original factory settings. The software works with all iPhone variants including series of iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, XS MAX, XS, XR, X, 8, and below. It supports latest iOS 16 and below versions.

Steps to reset iPhone without Apple ID using software:

Step 1: Download and run Stellar Toolkit for iPhone on PC/Mac.

Step 2: Select Erase Data.

Step 3: On Erase iPhone Data screen, click Next.

Figure: Erase iPhone Data screen

Step 4: Connect your iPhone to the computer when prompted.

Figure: Erase button in software

Step 5: Click Erase.

Step 6: In the Erase Process dialog box, select Yes.

Step 7: In Data Erase Completes dialog box, click OK.

All the data gets erased permanently beyond recovery from your iPhone or iPad.

Method 3: Recover forgotten Apple ID and Password to reset iPhone

Apple ID password is necessary to use iPhone applications and services. So if you are not planning to sell off your iPhone or iPad, it is best to first recover the forgotten Apple ID password and then reset your iOS device using the ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ option in the iPhone Settings.

You can use iPhone Settings, Apple Support app, Find My iPhone, or visit Apple account page  to recover lost Apple ID password.

Click here to know in detail how to reset forgotten Apple ID and password.

Once you recover the Apple account password, follow the below steps to reset iPhone with the new Apple ID.

Reset iPhone with Apple ID password:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Click on Erase All Content and Settings.

Figure: Reset option in iPhone

3. Enter the new Apple password and click Erase iPhone.

Also read: Does factory reset deletes everything on iPhone?

Conclusion

Without the Apple ID and password, you cannot reset your iOS device through the traditional ‘Erase All Content and Settings’ method. Either you recover the forgotten Apple ID and password or use any of the two methods shared above to factory reset the iPhone without Apple ID.

You can put the iPhone to Recovery Mode and use iTunes on your computer to reset the iOS device without Apple ID. Other than this, a simpler way to permanently delete everything on your iPhone is by using Stellar iPhone Eraser software. The software doesn’t ask for Apple ID through the process. It quickly resets your iPhone or iPad and brings it to original settings by erasing complete data on it.

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Summary: Digital data may sometimes seem a nuisance, and due to essential data may be deleted with unwanted trash. However, if you have also deleted your important messages with all the trash various companies spam you with, you have the option to recover your messages. We are covering the best 10 iMessage Recovery Software to let you make your choice and stay stress-free.

Messages have been an integral part of our personal and professional lives. Losing important messages can be a nightmare. Since most Apple systems work seamlessly with cloud backups, there’s not much to worry about if the backup exists. The heavens fall flat, though, when there’s no backup.

Fret not, as we have a list of top iMessage recovery software to help you get the messages back. We’ve walked the hard yard to make a list and take notes of all the available software. Then, we tested each and listed only the best 10 iMessage Recovery Software for your perusal.

What are iMessages?

iMessage is Apple’s proprietary messaging service. iMessages are a secure form of text, photo, and video messaging across Apple devices. They can only be sent from and received by an Apple device, like an iPhone, iPad, or a Mac.

Top iMessage Recovery Software

1. Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

Stellar is a known name across the data recovery world, with top-of-the-line products and services. Stellar has been the industry leader for the past 25 years, with awards and accolades to go along with it. When they launched their iPhone Data Recovery Software, they packed years of expertise, experience, and technological advancement in that software. The software is dedicated to simplifying the lives of iPhone users by offering data recovery in every possible way. Among the many options for recovery, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone software also recovers iMessages easily.

The top Features of Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone:

• Apart from the iMessages, it also recovers photos, videos, contacts, call logs, text messages, photo streams, voice memos, camera roll, app data, and so on. It is a single solution for all iPhone users.
• It also recovers your messages, including attachments, from messaging apps like WhatsApp, WeChat, and Tango.
• The preview feature lets you pick the data you want to recover and discard the unwanted data.
• It also allows for recovering desired data from iCloud and iTunes while not affecting the current iPhone data.

The best iPhone Message Recovery software, and more, are available for both Windows and Mac. It supports iOS 15 and all the versions below. In addition, it is compatible with all the iPhone series, including the iPhone 14 series.

Steps to Recover iMessages using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone

• Download and install Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone to your computer. It is available for both Windows and Mac users.
• Use your data cable to connect your Apple device to your computer.
• Run Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.
• Select the ‘Recover from iPhone’ option on the main screen.

• Select the data type you want to recover.
• Click ‘Next’ to begin the scanning process.
• Preview the data available to recover.
• Select the required data and click ‘Save’ to start recovering the data.
• You can also recover from iTunes or iCloud backup and follow the same steps.

2. Dr. Fone for iOS

Dr. Fone for iOS comes from the house of Wondershare, which supports a wide array of data recovery on iOS. In addition, it has a preview feature to sneak a peek at any deleted messages before recovering them. Dr. Fone has an excellent scanning procedure that is also uncomplicated.

The top Features of Dr. Fone for iOS:

• Fast Data Recovery
• Compatible with all the iPhones
• Recover from iTunes, iCloud, as well as iPhone

3. Primo iPhone Data Recovery

It is also a wonderful iPhone messages recovery application that provides assured results. It enables one to recover any deleted message regardless of the circumstance. For example, it can result from water damage, forgotten passwords, update failures, etc. Primo iPhone Data Recovery uses three settings of recuperation to guarantee a greater success rate as an iMessage recovery software. The problem with Primo is that it works only with iPhone 7 and earlier versions.

The top features of Primo iPhone Data Recovery:

• Recover any of the top 25 file types from any iPhone.
• Three recovery settings, from simple to deep recovery.

4. PhoneRescue for iOS

PhoneRescue is also among the best iMessage recovery software that has helped many users recover their lost data on iPhone devices. In addition, it features easier operating steps that don’t require the user to be tech-savvy, as even casual users can follow the steps, making it a choice application for the users.

The top features of PhoneRescue for iOS:

• Recovers iMessages safely, and no other person can access your data.
• It can help you restore deleted messages/iMessage to your iPhone’s messaging application directly.
• You can preview and then choose the message before restoring them.
• No backup is needed to recover 31 file types with ease.

5. ApowerRescue

ApowerRescue is a high-grade iMessages recovery software for iPhone users. It allows one to recover missing messages easily. ApowerRescue provides extensive device scanning for iPhones, iCloud backup, and iTunes backup to help one recover any erased data. It can recover lost information even if your gadget isn’t easily accessible, is stuck on the Apple Logo, or has a white or black screen. ApowerRescue supports up to iPhone XS Max and iPad Pro models.

The top features of ApowerRescue are:

• Recovers iMessages safely, and no other person can access your data.
• It can help you restore deleted messages/iMessage to your iPhone’s messaging application directly.
• You can preview and then choose the message before restoring them.
• No backup is needed to recover 31 file types with ease.

6. 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery

The 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery has been one of the best iMessage recovery software in terms of its ease of use, speed, usage, and efficiency. It recovers lost data in two ways: from iphone as well as from iTunes backup.

The top features of 7thShare iPhone Data Recovery are:

• It recovers deleted messages more quickly.
• The recovery of files is selective.
• No skills are required.
• Clean and user-friendly interface.

7. iMyFone D-Back

iMyFone D-Back is the best software for fast recovery of data from iPhones with only access to the iCloud account. It is good for recovering mistakenly erased files and messages, even in case of a factory reset. iMyFone D-Back is an iPhone Data Recovery software application specially produced for iOS 9 to iOS 15 gadgets. Thus, it came in handy for different use cases like sync issues. It can recover all data files and information supported with various other programs.

The top features of iMyFone D-Back are:

• Powerful recovery through an intelligent integrated algorithm of iMyFone D-Back.
• You can sneak a peek at the content before recovering it.
• It enables selective recovery of data that stays clear of overwriting existing data.
• It has 3 data healing modes.
• It can be used to recover complete information.

8. MobiKin Doctor for iOS

MobiKin Doctor for iOS works great when looking for easy and quick recovery from iOS devices and iTunes backup. The application supports most iPods, iPhones, as well as iPads. Recovering data from the internal storage of your devices, like contacts and iMessages, works like a breeze. This great iMessage recovery software can also recover many other file types, like videos, music, books, attachments, calendar, etc.

The top Features of MobiKin Doctor for iOS are:

• Preview and recover data from iPhone’s internal memory without any backup.
• Pick only the files you want to recover through previews.
• Recover from iPhone easily.

9. Aiseesoft Fonelab

Aiseesoft Fonelab focuses on the ease of recovery, ensuring that technology helps even the ones who don’t understand. A simple, step-by-step process allows you to recover data from one iOS device to another. Among the best iPhone message recovery software, it can recover from iOS, iTunes Backup, or iCloud backup.

The top features of Aiseesoft Fonelab are:

• Data recovery is independent of the method of data loss.
• Export recovered data to other iOS devices.
• Supports both old and new iPhones.

10. Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery

Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery is designed to improve the efficiency of data recovery. It recovers accidentally deleted iMessages, while also recovering other file types, like photos, videos, messages, notes, etc.

The top features of Coolmuster iPhone Data Recovery are:

• It allows you to recover deleted messages and contacts without backup.
• In addition, you can preview your iMessages before recovery.
• You can also transfer data to your computer using the software.

Recovering lost data with the best iMessage Recovery Software

Technological advancements have meant that there are several options available for the recovery of data. iMessages can be recovered using any software with or without iTunes/iCloud backup. However, we recommend Stellar due to its stellar record in data recovery. The software needs no introduction, and reviews have consistently pitched Stellar’s Data Recovery solutions to consumers for their ease of use and efficiency.

FAQs

How do I recover all my iMessages?

You can recover all your iMessages by connecting your iPhone to your computer, opening iTunes, and finding your backup. If the backup doesn’t recover all iMessages, you can try one of the best iMessage recovery software, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

Are deleted iMessages gone forever?

Deleted iMessages may seem scary, but they aren’t gone forever. You can always find them in iTunes or iCloud backups. In addition, you can try the top iPhone message recovery software listed above if they’re not there.