Yes, police can recover data from iPhones even after factory reset. This is due to the fact that a factory reset does not completely erase all of the data from the device. While it might clear out the user data and visible files, the underlying file structure, low-level data and certain bits of metadata can still remain intact.
This means that with the right tools, police or forensic investigators can still recover information such as contact history, photos, messages, etc. from the device, even after a factory reset has been completed.
How do I permanently delete data after factory reset?
When you reset your device to factory settings, you’re returning it to its original state as it was when it came out of the box. This means that all of the data stored on your device will be deleted, and your device will be restored to its factory defaults.
Depending on your device and OS, you may have to delete data manually or it might delete automatically as part of the reset process.
If you want to ensure that your data is permanently deleted, some devices offer a secure erase option. This feature permanently erases all of your data from your device’s memory, and it is not recoverable.
Most Apple devices offer either a “reset all settings” or “erase all content and settings” option that will securely erase your data during a reset. Similarly, Android devices may offer an “erase all data” option while resetting.
It’s important to note that while factory resetting your device should delete most of your data, some may still remain on your device. If you want to ensure that all of your data is completely removed, it may be worth investing in a data-erasing tool like Data Eraser.
This will provide you with the security and peace of mind that all of your data is permanently deleted.
Can data be recovered after a factory reset without backup?
Yes, depending on the type of data, it may be possible to recover some data from a device after a factory reset without a backup. For example, if you had photos stored on the device, a data recovery software like Disk Drill could search for deleted files and folders that were not wiped during the reset.
However, if the files were stored on an encrypted hard drive, it could be difficult to recover them, as the encryption keys may have been eliminated during the reset. Similarly, if files were stored in the cloud and not on the device itself, they may not be able to be recovered.
Therefore, it is always best to back up data before doing a factory reset to ensure you have the data you need after the reset.
How do you delete all data so that it Cannot be recovered?
To delete all data so that it cannot be recovered, the best method is to use secure data destruction software. This software works by overwriting all data on the hard drive or other storage device with a series of binary codes which prevents the data from being recovered.
It is also important to physically destroy the device so that no one can attempt to retrieve data by dissembling the hard drive. Many government organizations use specialized equipment to shred hard drives and other storage media to prevent any potential data recovery.
Additionally, services such as degaussing are available which uses a powerful magnetic field to completely erase any data stored on hard drive platters. This is an effective method of data destruction as it prevents any possibility of data recovery.
Can phone data be recovered?
Yes, phone data can be recovered in certain cases. Depending on the type of phone, the operating system, and the extent of the damage, it may be possible to recover data from a phone. In the case of iOS devices such as iPhones, a user can use the iCloud backup service to restore a phone’s lost content.
For Android devices, there are several recovery methods that can be used to retrieve contents such as files and contacts. Additionally, third-party data recovery applications are available that can be used to recover lost data from a broken phone.
These applications require the device to be rooted and can be used to recover texts, call logs, photos, videos, audio files and documents. Some of these applications may even be able to retrieve the data without rooting the device.
In any case, it is important to note that data recovery is not always possible, depending on the extent of the damage, and success may vary from one phone to the next.
Is it safe to sell phone after factory reset?
Yes, it is generally safe to sell a phone after a factory reset. When you factory reset a phone, all of the personal information is wiped from its memory. This includes any accounts that were logged in, any downloaded applications, any photos or documents stored on the device, and any other data such as passwords or browser history.
Additionally, any additional software installed on the phone will also be removed, returning the device to its original factory settings.
Therefore, after performing a factory reset, the phone should not contain any of your personal information, and should be as safe to sell as any other. However, it is important to remember that even after a factory reset, there is still the potential for someone to recover any data that was on the device, so it may still be a good idea to perform additional steps to further protect your personal information such as encrypting the device or resetting the flash memory.
Does a factory reset restore storage?
Yes, a factory reset does restore storage. When you factory reset a device, it effectively wipes it clean and returns it back to its original state when it was first taken out of the box. This means that any space used for the device’s storage will be freed up, allowing you to begin the process of restoring storage.
Depending on the type of device, you may be able to use a cloud-based solution to backup your data so that it can easily be restored after the reset. Additionally, some devices also allow you to externally back up data to an external storage device, such as an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or SD card.
It’s important to note that a factory reset will not restore any applications or software that was not already pre-installed on the device, so it’s important to make sure any important data is properly backed up before resetting.
