How to securely erase any hard drive, SSD, flash drive, iPhone, iPad or Android device

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iOS and Android devices both have built-in tools to erase the devices.

• On iOS: Settings > General > Reset and then tap Erase All Content and Settings.
• On Android: Settings > Backup & reset > Factory data reset and then tap Reset phone or Reset device.

You can also securely wipe the devices remotely using Find My iPhone for iOS or the Google Account associated with the Android device.

Price: Free

The WiebeTech Drive eRazer Ultra is a stand-alone device that completely and quickly cleans hard drives. Simply connect a drive to the Drive eRazer Ultra and it will sanitize the drive faster than using software, and without tying up your computer.

The Drive eRazer Ultra leaves the drive ready for safe re-use, and comes with a dozen different preset erase procedures, including US Department of Defense graded methods for data wiping.

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Another way to erase SSDs is to use the manufacturer utilities. Here are some links to get you started.

• Intel Solid State Toolbox
• Corsair SSD Toolbox
• SanDisk SSD Toolbox
• Samsung Magician Software
• OCZ Toolbox

Price: Free

One of the easiest ways is to encrypt the entire drive with a complex passphrase. You can use built-in tools such as BitLocker on Windows or FileVault on macOS, of a third-party tool such as or third-party VeraCrypt. Encrypt the drive with a strong throw-away passphrase and you're done.

No passphrase, no data.

You can then format the drive, from which point it should be sterile and ready to accept a reload of the data.

Price: Free

This method also works great if you just want to destroy drives before you take them to the recycling plant. It's also a great stress reducer!

You will need:

• A hammer (I use my trusty 32oz "fine adjustment" hammer)
• A thick nail (a 6-inch nail will do fine)
• Thick gloves - because you're going to be hammering that nail through the drive using the hammer, and hammers seem to be magnetically attracted to thumbs
• A block of wood - so you don't nail the drive through your floor (it's preferable to do this outside if you can)
• Eye protection - you've only got a maximum of two to start with, so it's silly to take chances!

Now you apply brute force. Ideally you want to put a nail through the platters of the drive, going all the way through (it's actually not as hard as it sounds). I aim for the spot marked by the red X on hard drives.

Alternatively you can use a power drill to make holes, but make sure that you have a way to securely hold the drive, for example, using a vice. Don't hold the drive in your hand because if the drill bit catches and the drive starts to spin - or helicopters - then there's a real risk of injury.

Another thing to bear in mind is that the data in SSDs is held on small flash storage chips rather than large platters, and to securely erase the data you need to smash the chips. Usually, this means taking the cover off the drive before you start swinging.

If you're not sure which are the flash storage chips, just drive a nail through all the large chips just to be on the safe side.

Price: Free