Erasing / Cleaning all content and settings before selling...

Unfortunately the left hinges of my MacBook Air and the plastic area surrounding it has cracked and since I don't want to have it repaired I'm selling it and purchasing a new one.
Before I sell it is there anything I should do so that there is no trace of my details, previous activity or content left on it. I will be running the recovery discs after manually deleting everything I've ever saved on it.
I've used windows before this and even though the files were deleted from the recycle bin they were not permanently deleted. I was told to download a software called "Sure Delete" that would overwrite the disc. Does Mac OS work the same way? If you delete a file does it permanently delete it so that it cannot be recovered by hackers. If not which software do you recommend to wipe the disc clean?
Also, this is a major one... how do I unregister my macbook?
Any other suggestion or tips would be very helpful.
Thankyou.

HI,
Using the Disk Utility application you can use the secure erase option.
Usually when you erase a disk or volume, Disk Utility only erases the information used to access the files on the disk, not the actual files. Because of this, the erased files can be recovered.
If you want to erase the files so that they cannot be recovered, you can select security options to write zeros over the disk space. To make it more difficult to recover the files on the disk, you can specify doing this once, seven times, or 35 times. If you have a large disk, overwriting the free space several times can take a long time.
In Disk Utility, select the disk you want to erase and click Erase.
Specify a volume format and name for the disk.
Click Security Options and select the option you want to use. Click OK.
Click Erase.
If you select your startup disk, the buttons are dimmed because you can't erase your startup disk. To erase your computer's startup disk, you must start up from another disk. You can use your Mac OS X Install disc or the Software Restore disc that came with your computer.
Carolyn

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Erasing All Contents and Settings is taking a long time, showing circle loading logo.. is this normal?

I decided to first "restore" my phone in the itunes store and then i "Erase(d) All Contents and Settings". Its been taking longer then a couple hours and it is not showing the apple logo is is showing the circle loading screen. Is this normal? Please help!

Try a normal reset; just turn your phone off and then on again:
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1430
Then connect it to your computer (with iTunes already running) via the USB cable.
Give it a few seconds, then look for your phone's icon in the left-hand column of the iTunes window. Click on it once.
In the right-hand (large) column of the iTunes window, look for RESTORE TO FACTORY SETTING. Click on that and let it happen; it will take a few minutes.
Do not bother with the Erase All command from your iPhone's Settings app - unless you have a significant security concern, it is not necessary to do that.

HT5661 i have an iphone 3 i am selling .. if i go to erase all content and settings .. will the apps still be on the phone .. i've never been able to add apps to this phone and don't want to lose them

how do i prepare my iphone 3 to sell ..
i've never been able to download new apps so i don't want to lose the apps that are on there
am i to reset all settings? or erase all content and settings? or reset network settings?

Only the apps that are part of iOS will remain on the phone.
If you're going to sell it, use "Erase All Content and Settings".
If you're selling it, what difference does it make to you if the apps get erased? You don't have the legal right to transfer any apps you bought to anyone else. Not to mention the fact that you stated you have never been able to download new apps...
Why don't you just re-post the question in your native language. There are so many contradictions in your post that i don't believe you're conveying the questions you think you are.

Does erase all content and settings remove icloud?

Hi everyone
Apologies if this is a stupid question!
I sold my iphone 5 today and used the erase all content and settings function to wipe the phone. My icloud account was turned off on the phone before this. I just want to make sure i have completely broken the link between my icloud and my old phone. I have logged into my icloud and my old phone is not under the list of devices or in find my iphone. The phone is also not linked to my support profile so does this mean i have completely de registered it?
Many thanks in advance

Yes. Read here: What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.

Cant erase all content and settings

Trying to sell this iphone as I have a new carrier but all buyers want it reset. When it asks for my pw I put in the correct one but nothing happens, sometimes it says verification timed out. I already changed my carrier and deactived this phone, not sure if thats the cause or not

Hey Cassfromnv,
It sounds to me like this is the section that you're getting stuck on:
Go to Settings > General > Reset, then tap Erase All Content and Settings.
This will completely erase your device and turn off iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, Game Center, and other services.
If you're using iOS 7 and have Find My iPhone turned on, your Apple ID and password will be required. After you provide your password, the device will be erased and removed from your account so that the next owner can activate it.
So if that isn't working, I would first make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi, and if you are - troubleshoot the internet connection on the device:
iOS: Troubleshooting Wi-Fi networks and connections
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1398
And if that doesn't resolve the issue, you can try this:
If you're using iCloud and Find My iPhone on the device, you can erase the device remotely and remove it from your account by signing in to icloud.com/find, selecting the device, and clicking Erase. When the device has been erased, click Remove from Account.
info from: What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT5661
Welcome to Apple Support Communities!
Best,
Delgadoh

Will "erase all content and settings" lock my unlocked phone back up?

I have an unlocked iphone and am about to sell it to a friend, but first I want to erase all of my contacts, pictures, etc... Is it best to use the "erase all content and settings" to get rid of all my personal information without locking my phone back up? Because I don't know how to unlock phones...
Thanks

We can't discuss things involving hacked phones. Erase all may or may not relock the phone but the smart person erases all their personal information before selling an electronic device.

Have upgraded to 5c and want to give my 4s to parents. Trying to get 4s back to 'factory settings' as was when bought but cannot remember restrictions passcode. If I erase all content and settings will that take it back to how was when bought? Thanks.

Have upgraded to 5c and want to give my 4s to parents. Trying to get 4s back to 'factory settings' as was when bought but cannot remember restrictions passcode. If I erase all content and settings will that take it back to how was when bought? Thanks.

Hogey1301 wrote:
Trying to get 4s back to 'factory settings' as was when bought but cannot remember restrictions passcode.
Restore the Device as New... See Section 6 here...
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4137
Hogey1301 wrote:
Have upgraded to 5c and want to give my 4s to parents.
Follow the Check List here...
What to do before selling or giving away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Erase All Content and Settings on my iPod Touch

I'm trying to delete an old email address from my iPod Touch. It doesn't show up in Contacts and it has been deleted from my AOL, Yahoo, and gmail Contacts lists both in my iPod and on the laptop I use to synch the iPod. When I open my iPod and click to compose email it doesn't show up in the possible matches pop up while I'm typing the address. However, if I'm writing an email from an open app it does. I think I entered it manually one time rather than from my contacts list and it's stored in my iPod somewhere but I can't find it to delete it. A friend has suggested clicking on the Erase All Content and Settings but I'm not sure if I can re-synch with iTunes to restore apps and music and, if I can, I'm not sure if it will come back when I restore the apps.
I'm asking if that may be a possible solution to my problem and if I do that will I be able to restore content, including any purchased apps by re-synching with iTunes? I'm concerned with losing something I can't replace. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Ok, thanks for the response. I just have two more questions:
1) In my iTunes when I connect the iPod to my laptop I and click on My iPod, under Apps I get a listing of all my optional apps with boxes to be checked if I want them installed down the left side of the page, with the exception of the standard apps that are included with the iPod, like Photos, for instance, which cannot be removed through iTunes. Am I correct in assuming that these standard apps will automatically be restored when I re-synch?
2) What about photos I have taken with my iPod? Will I lose those? Is there a way to send them in bulk to my laptop first before erasing everything so that I won't lose the photos I've taken? When I go to the Photos folder in iTunes I can't tell which pictures are there and which are only in the iPod.

I wish to reset my ipad. However, when I selectGeneral Reset Erase all content and Settings, I am prompted for a a Restrictions Passcode (which I have never set). I have now entered random codes 11 times and the ipad not reset. How do I get past this?

I wish to reset my ipad (as advised by the Apple Store) to attempt to resolve an issue with a non-responsive part of the screen.. However, when I select General>Reset>Erase all content and Settings, I am prompted for a a Restrictions Passcode (which I have never set). I have now entered random codes 11 times and the ipad has not reset. How do I get past this? I am now at the point where I have to wait 60 mins before I can enter another random passcode. I just want the ipad to clear down, erase everything so I can start again.

The other option is to force iPad into Recovery Mode.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1808
Note: You need to be patient and repeat the above many times to recover your iPad

HT4113 hello, I have an Iphone 4 and im trying to "erase all content and settings" but it asks for a passcode that i have no idea what is. its none of my previous passcodes ive ever had. What should i do to find out that passcode?

Hello im trying to "erase all content and settings" on my iphone 4, but it keeps asking for a 4 digit passcode and i have no idea what that passcode is. It's none of my previous passwords I've had on the phone since i've used it. How do i find out that Passcode?

Are you sure it's asking for a four digit code?
iOS 7 has a new feature called Activation Lock. It requires your Apple ID and password before doing something like an iPhone reset. This is a new anti-theft feature.

IPod Touch Stopped Working after erasing all content and settings

I have a 32GB Touch I bought in January from Amazon. I just got the new iPhone and was planning selling the Touch. I used the "Erase all content and settings" and, since then, the iPod Touch does not respond. I let it sit over night since the manual says it can take a while but no joy. I've tried all the reset options. iTunes does not recognize it either.
Any suggestions?
Additionally, I have the receipt from Amazon but can I take it to an Apple store if it needs a fix/replacement?
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I was able to spend more time digging in the forum and came across the solution (thanks to modular747). Although this solution specified the iPhone, it worked fine on my Touch:
Do a DFU recovery:
1. Open iTunes.
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3 Press both the home and sleep/wake buttons until the Apple icon appears (ignore the red slider if it shows).
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HT201274 i have ipod 2nd generation and i had reset Erase All Content and Settings it is longer than 3 hrs it is still showing apple logo and blink like if it will restart but again it shows the same logo!! is it all right with the erasing...??? i am co

i have ipod 2nd generation 32 gb and i had reset > Erase All Content and Settings it is longer than 3 hrs it is still showing apple logo and blink like if it will restart but again it shows the same logo!! is it all right with the erasing...??? i am confused!!

For a 1G and 2G it can take hours. Make sure it is connected to a charging source otherwise the battery can fully drain before it is done. If still problem
Try:
- iOS: Not responding or does not turn on
- Also try DFU mode after try recovery mode
How to put iPod touch / iPhone into DFU mode « Karthik's scribblings
- If not successful and you can't fully turn the iOS device fully off, let the battery fully drain. After charging for an least an hour try the above again.
- Try on another computer
- If still not successful that usually indicates a hardware problem and an appointment at the Genius Bar of an Apple store is in order.
Apple Retail Store - Genius Bar

If I backup my iPhone in iTunes then "Erase All Content and Settings", will I still be able to restore the iPhone?

I am asking this because my iPhone 4S is really starting to slow down. And I think is mainly due to the deleted text messages bug (i.e., they are still searchable in spotlight!), therefore not deleted off my phone and slowing it down. There are big delays opening up apps (especially Messages) and now, sometimes, my phone won't even vibrate when texts come in. I also just want to completely wipe the slate clean and start fresh, but I still would like to save the SMS conversations I already have. So I guess what I am afraid of is wiping my phone then iTunes sees the phone as a completely new phone and not "Drew's iPhone" therefore making a restore impossible. Would this be an issue at all?? Thank you!

If you restore your phone as new - your text message will be deleted from the phone.
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Does "Erase All Content and Settings" on iPhone 5 removed my Provisioning Profile (developer's account)?

Does "Erase All Content and Settings" on iPhone 5 removed my Provisioning Profile which is my developer's account? I just want to make sure if it gets removed or not before doing it.

Try the developer forum with your post

I can't remember my pass code to erase all content and settings

I Can't remember my pass code to erase all content and settings help please

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A
1. iOS- Forgotten passcode or device disabled after entering wrong passcode
2. iPhone, iPad, iPod touch: Wrong passcode results in red disabled screen
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4. What to Do If You've Forgotten Your iPhone's Passcode
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iPad,iPod,iPod Touch Recovery Mode
You will need to restore your device as New to remove a Restrictions passcode. Go through the normal process to restore your device, but when you see the options to restore as New or from a backup, be sure to choose New.
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Erasing / Cleaning all content and settings before selling...

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