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.
**

Click here


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 Reset iPhone Without Apple Password?

Summary: If you want to erase your iPhone data and reset the device to factory settings, you need to enter your Apple ID password. What if you forgot your registered Apple ID password? This blog explains a step-by-step method of how to reset an iPhone without a password. It also shares a professional erasure tool – Stellar Eraser for iPhone to factory reset your device without entering your Apple credentials.

If you have forgotten your Apple ID password and you wish to reset your iPhone, then it’s going to be a difficult task. However, there are various ways you can use to factory reset your iPhone without an Apple password.

In this blog post, we will explain how to reset your iPhone without password using iTunes or Finder or by using the iPhone Eraser tool .

How to Factory Reset iPhone without a password?

Let’s explore the methods to reset your iPhone without an Apple ID password.

How to Reset iPhone without a password via iTunes or Finder?

To reset your iPhone without using an Apple ID password, you can use iTunes or Finder app. You have to use your computer to access the recovery mode of your iPhone and reset the device to get it without using the password. This method will erase all your iPhone data, so ensure to take a backup of your device before proceeding.

Steps – How to Factory Reset iPhone without Password via iTunes or Finder

• Turn off your iPhone. This process will depend on the kind of iPhone you have.

iPhone Model	How to Turn iPhone off?
All models of iPhone 15, 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone SE (2nd generation).	Press and hold the Lock and Volume down buttons of the iPhone until the power slider appears, then swipe it.
All models of iPhone 7, iPhone 6, and iPhone SE (1st generation),	Press and hold the Lock button of the iPhone until the power slider appears and then swipe to turn it off.

• Connect your iPhone to your computer via a USB cable and ensure iTunes or Finder is running on the system.
• If prompted, enter the device passcode or click Trust in the “Trust This Computer” dialog box.
• Then put your iPhone into recovery mode. To do this:

iPhone Model	How to put iPhone into recovery mode?
All models of iPhone 15, 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone 11, iPhone X, iPhone 8, and iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generation).	Press and hold the side button until the ‘Connect to computer’ screen appears on your iPhone
iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus	Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons. Then release the Power button and continue pressing the Volume down button until iPhone has been detected appears.
All models iPhone 6, iPhone 5, iPhone 4, iPhone SE (1st generation)	Hold the Home button until a pop-up appears informing the iPhone has been detected in recovery mode.

• Click on your iPhone when it appears in iTunes and then click Summary.
• Now, select the “Restore iPhone” option on the right pane.

• Click Restore to confirm and then follow the prompts to complete the restore process. This will erase all your iPhone data and install the latest iOS version.

• Once the restore process is complete, set up your iPhone as new or restore it from a backup.

Note– This method of reset will only work when Find My iPhone is disabled.

How to Factory Reset your iPhone without a Password via Stellar iPhone Eraser Tool?

Using the iPhone Eraser software like Stellar Eraser for iPhone is the best tool for resetting the iPhone without knowing the Apple ID login credentials. This tool can permanently erase All Content and Settings including photos, videos, audio, chats, call history, iMessage, texts, contacts, Safari browsing history, and other data on your iPhone.

Stellar Data Eraser Software is supported by all versions of iOS from the latest 16, 15, 14, 12, and below. It even erases content from all variants of iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. This tool erases the data permanently from your iOS devices making it unrecoverable by any data recovery software.

Steps – How to reset iPhone without password using Stellar Eraser for iPhone

• Download and install Stellar Eraser for iPhone on your Mac or Windows system.
• Launch the software and select Erase Data option from the home screen.

• On the Erase iPhone Data screen, click Next.

• Next, connect the iPhone that you want to reset to the computer when prompted. Click Erase.

• Click Yes in the Erase Process dialog box.

• Once the iPhone is completely wiped, click Yes in the Data Erase Complete dialog box.

Conclusion

If you forgot your Apple password and want to reset your iPhone, you can use any of the two methods mentioned above in the blog. You can reset your iPhone with iTunes/ Finder or by using a professional tool, such as Stellar Eraser for iPhone. However, make sure to backup up your iPhone data before proceeding to reset your device.

FAQ

1. How to remotely erase iPhone and iPad data?

If your iPhone is lost or stolen, then you can protect your iPhone data from misuse by remotely erasing its data. For more information, read this blog .

2. How to restore or set up your iPhone from iCloud backup after a factory reset?

If you want to restore your iPhone after a factory reset, you can use iCloud backup to set up your device. For more help, read this guide .

3. How to factory reset iPhone without a computer?

You can reset your iPhone without any computer by using the settings app of your device. To do so:

• Go to the Settings app > General > Reset > Erase all Content and Settings.

How to Fix iPhone Stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ Loop

Summary: If your iPhone gets stuck at ‘attempting data recovery’ loop screen while updating iOS, learn how to fix iPhone failed iOS update error and efficiently recover lost data using Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone.

Since the release of iOS 16, there are frequent complaints about flood updates leading to the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop. Moreover, users are concerned about data loss in such situations.

Users globally reported that their iPhone gets stuck in the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop while trying to install iOS updates. The issue occurs when they update to iOS 16 versions by using iTunes. It leaves the update in the lurch and erases some or all data from their iPhone.

iOS updates breathe new life into your device. However, the truth is that Apple’s every update brings some bug or new problem, like this one.

Read this post further if your iPhone screen gets stuck at the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop during an iOS update.

It shares how to fix iPhone ‘attempting data recovery’ failed problem and recover lost iPhone data in any case.

You can apply the methods on iPhone 14, 13, 12, SE, 11, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 series. They are relevant to iOS 16 and below versions.

Common causes of ‘attempting data recovery’ loop on iPhone

The attempting to data recovery failed problem usually occurs when iOS is updated with iTunes. The ‘attempting data recovery’ screen takes a long time and is often followed by a prompt ‘press home button to restore.’

Some of these occurrences were reported in the following scenarios:

• Users unplugged the iPhone from a PC or Mac during the update
• Downgrading from iOS 16 to 15 or below
• Updating iOS after jailbreak

How to fix iPhone stuck at the ‘Attempting Data Recovery’ loop

1. Force Restart iPhone
2. Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

Method 1: Force Restart iPhone

It’s essential to know that a force restart differs from a normal Restart. A force restart is advised when iPhone is not in its normal working condition. It is either hanged or stuck at the Apple logo or another screen in Recovery Mode or Restore Mode. It cuts the power and turns on the iPhone again. Force restart usually fixes many iPhone issues.

Steps to Force Restart iPhone 8 and earlier:

• Press and fast release the Volume Up button
• Press and fast release the Volume Down button
• Press and hold the Side button (power) until the Apple logo appears

Steps to Force Restart iPhone X and later:

• Press and quickly release the Volume Up button
• Press and quickly release the Volume Down button
• Press and hold the Side button until you see the recovery-mode screen.

Method 2: Put iPhone into Recovery Mode

If Force Restart doesn’t help, try this method. Recovery Mode helps in cases of failed iOS updates. Thus, whenever the iOS updates, the iPhone gets stuck at the ‘attempting data recovery,’ op put the device on Recovery Mode.

[Caution]: Recovery Mode erases the iPhone data, which can be restored with the help of iTunes backup. So, make sure that the iTunes version is the latest.

Steps to put iPhone on Recovery Mode:

1. Connect iPhone to computer
2. Open iTunes
3. Force restart iPhone (with steps mentioned above)
4. A dialog box appears. Select Update

5. After the Update process completes, set up your iPhone.

Fixed ‘attempting data recovery’ failed problem. Further, how to restore data on iPhone

Recovery Mode, though fixes iPhone’s ‘attempting data recovery’ issue but at the same time erases all information from the device. You can restore iPhone data from iTunes backup or iCloud backup.

In case, iTunes/iCloud backups are not able to restore iPhone or you discover that some of the data is still missing after restoring the device, choose Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone .

The software is also helpful when you don’t want to recover all the data from iTunes or iCloud unnecessarily. Instead, it. It lets you recover precisely what you want, by allowing you to choose specific files like photos, videos, WhatsApp chats, or memos, Calendar, etc., and restoring them on the device.

Additionally, Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone also restores the data lost and deleted after jailbreak, water damage, a Black screen of death, iPhone stuck at Apple logo , screen damage iPhone, factory reset, etc. It supports recovery from iPhone 15, 14, 13, 12, SE, 11, XS, XR, X, 8, 7, 6, 5, and 4 series.

Steps to Restore Data on iPhone with Stellar Data Recovery of iPhone

• Download Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone on PC/ Mac
• Connect iPhone to the computer
• Select iTunes from the software screen
• Follow the simple on-screen instructions

Wrapping Up

Users look forward to iOS updates. However, the experience can get irritating, when iPhone software updates fail. For example, iPhone ‘attempting data recovery’ loop is a common problem faced after attempts to upgrade to the latest iOS 16.

Force restart of the device often resolves the ‘attempting data recovery’ loop issue. If this doesn’t work, further try to get your iPhone on Recovery Mode. Later restore data via iTunes or Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone. The software approach is straightforward and lets you select and restore the informathat you want.

How to Recover Files after iPhone Factory Reset?

If you detect anything anomalous on your iPhone, you may need to reset it to factory settings. However, after a factory reset, you will lose all the data stored in your device. You will not be able to access your contact list, call logs, or messages, be it your imessages, WhatsApp, etc. But, why restore your iPhone?

Sometimes, there are issues that cannot be handled and the only solution is to restore the device to factory settings. This is usually done when the device functions abnormally or the performance is extremely slow. If your iPhone is restored to factory settings, every single bit of personal information will be permanently deleted from the device, and this may prevent others from getting access to your personal information.

How to reset your iPhone to Factory Settings:

To reset your iPhone to factory settings, follow the steps below:

1. Click Settings and then select General
2. Select Reset and click on Erase all contents and settings. The interface will prompt you to key in your Apple ID and Passcode
3. Enter your Apple ID and Passcode to proceed. With this, the procedure to factory reset iPhone is complete

Important!

Before resetting the iPhone device to factory settings, it would be a good practice to back up your device on your system. If you have not created a backup, you will not be able to restore the data back to your device, and all you will lose all your data. You can use iCloud or iTunes to back up your iPhone data. If anything anomalous occurs, all the data can be restored from the most recent backup files right from anywhere.

How to recover deleted data from your iPhone:

Even if you have not backed up your iPhone data, there’s still a solution. You can now retrieve all your erased data from your iPhone with Stellar Data Recovery for iPhone . The tool is powered by sophisticated recovery algorithms that help restore all the data components back to your iPhone after a factory reset.

The tool provides the option to recover data through multiple channels. Since we need to recover data that has been erased after a factory reset, we need to select ‘Recover from iPhone’ option from the main interface of the tool.

Follow the steps below to restore your deleted data:

1. Connect your iPhone device to the system. The tool will then begin to analyze the device for detecting the previously existing files from the connected device. The tool will generate a preview for all the folders and incorporated contents within its panel.
2. You can then select single or multiple files for recovery that you have lost while resetting your iPhone.
3. The iPhone recovery tool will provide dual options to store data either on the hard drive on the computer or your connected iPhone device.

Not only the tool provides the benefit to recover data from iPhone device, but you will also be able to recover data from iTunes or iCloud backup files . Also, the iOS recovery tool can also be used to recover data from encrypted backup files. However, to utilize this feature, it is important to have a backup.

Important!

• Backup your data before performing any huge operation on the iPhone device such as restoring the device to factory settings.
• It is a good practice to store iPhone data on iCloud and perform a regular backup to prevent data loss.
• Saving iPhone data to iCloud offers an ease of accessing data contents from anywhere, even if the data is deleted from your device.
• In addition to online backups, it is beneficial to retain a replica of existing data on another device such as a system hard drive or external storage media.