can a phone be "wiped" even if it can't power on?

[chubby]

can a phone be "wiped" even if it can't power on?

 

if so can I do it myself, google is telling me the may not trade in the phone if I can't wipe it or factory reset, but the Nexus 5X  won't power on at all now ; I may just mail it in anyway, as it seems only other option   is ebay, but don't want to sell a phone on ebay  with  my  data still on it.

 

despite the phone being encrypted

[mtls2005]

I can't see how a device could be wiped/factory reset without "power"?

 

Can you get into RECOVERY mode?

 

https://productforums.google.com/forum/#!topic/nexus/lCnDlxi_OIo

 

Welcome to the Nexus Help Forum.

I understand you are facing issues with your Nexus 5X not turning on. For this issue, I'd suggest you try the troubleshooting steps listed below one after the other as one of them should help fix the issue:
Try plugging your device into a functioning wall outlet and reboot into bootloader by pressing and holding the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time for several seconds. Wait for 90 seconds within the bootloader menu, If your device reboots in the bootloader, it is most likely a hardware issue. If it doesn't reboot it is most likely a software issue.
Try wiping the cache partition through the bootloader by doing the following:
If your device is on, turn it off.
Press & hold the Volume down button. While holding Volume down, press & hold the Power button until the device turns on. You'll see the word "Start" with an arrow around it.
Press the Volume down button until you highlight "Recovery mode."
Press the Power button to start recovery mode. You'll see an image of an Android robot with a red exclamation mark.
Press & hold the Power button. While holding Power, press the Volume up button once. Then releasePower.
Press the Volume down button until you highlight "Wipe cache partition," and then press the Powerbutton to select it.
Press the Volume down button until you highlight “Yes,” and then press the Power button to select it.
Wait until the cache is wiped. You’ll see the words, “Cache wipe complete.”
Press the Power button to restart your device.
       3. If the above steps didn't resolve the issue, you could try resetting your Nexus device to factory settings through the bootloader by doing so:
After wiping the cache partition, press the Volume Down button twice to highlight "wipe data/factory reset" and press the Power button to select it.
Press the Volume Down button seven times to highlight "Yes - erase all user data" and press thePower button to select it.
After the reset is complete, select the option to reboot your device.
Before performing the FDR, make sure you remember the password of your Google Account.

Also, please go through our troubleshooter and follow the recommended steps which might help you turn on your Nexus 5X.

 

https://support.google.com/nexus/answer/7167687?hl=en&ref_topic=6023299

[SiSePuede419]

The 5x is from four years ago.  That's ancient.  Google doesn't even provide security updates after 3 years anymore (new policy this year).  Security risk the longer you use it. 

 

Suggest a mini sledge hammer to uh, "wipe it".  Seriously.

 

 

 

 

[lvr181]

A comprehensive answer, hope it works.

[tryasimight]

Why would anyone want buy a phone on eBay that does not function? 

[chubby]

thanks but there is no power on, period.  so, none of that would work, I did see someone put in it in the freezer for 10 minutes, and got a temporary boot, that may be all that is left.

 

PS the Nexus 5X was purchased June 2016,(you may be thinking of the Nexus 5, which was notorius for power button fails)  and in August I got Oreo upgrade, and some security upgrades after that ... which ironically possibly could have been why it went into a death boot loop spiral ...   at this stage I am going to try to get the 2 year warranty with my credit card if that fails then mail it to LG (but it has been opened and I fear they will want $100 for it, and fix it without asking , as to get warranty its supposed to not be opened)  it's either that or mail it into   Google for the trade-in  but  "no factory reset, supposed to be no trade -in "with exceptions",  which they are vague if the N5X qualifies",  so again I might  get  $0 on it, as I don't think they mail back,  trade in's they don't except.

 

from reading on Reddit, I see some people buy phones for $50 and repair them ...

 

a functioning phone apparently would fetch $115,  new it seems I paid about $270 ; but, this is one reason to buy mid level phone  IMO ...    mobile phone for me, is not my main method  of internet use ...

 

I ended up paying $320 for the MotoX4, hopefully it's not a lemon like the N5 and N5x ; I see it on Amazon Prime for $270  with ads on the home screens ,  I'm pretty sure the Moto will get Oreo updates soon,  and will work with Project Fi  if I use it much longer or go back to it ....  I looked at dual sim unlocked Samsungs, but many seem to be sold by 3rd parties, and hence, likely  no warrantys , even new ...

[speedtripler]

On 13/12/2017 at 10:22 AM, chubby said:

thanks but there is no power on, period.  so, none of that would work, I did see someone put in it in the freezer for 10 minutes, and got a temporary boot, that may be all that is left.

 

PS the Nexus 5X was purchased June 2016,(you may be thinking of the Nexus 5, which was notorius for power button fails)  and in August I got Oreo upgrade, and some security upgrades after that ... which ironically possibly could have been why it went into a death boot loop spiral ...   at this stage I am going to try to get the 2 year warranty with my credit card if that fails then mail it to LG (but it has been opened and I fear they will want $100 for it, and fix it without asking , as to get warranty its supposed to not be opened)  it's either that or mail it into   Google for the trade-in  but  "no factory reset, supposed to be no trade -in "with exceptions",  which they are vague if the N5X qualifies",  so again I might  get  $0 on it, as I don't think they mail back,  trade in's they don't except.

 

from reading on Reddit, I see some people buy phones for $50 and repair them ...

 

a functioning phone apparently would fetch $115,  new it seems I paid about $270 ; but, this is one reason to buy mid level phone  IMO ...    mobile phone for me, is not my main method  of internet use ...

 

I ended up paying $320 for the MotoX4, hopefully it's not a lemon like the N5 and N5x ; I see it on Amazon Prime for $270  with ads on the home screens ,  I'm pretty sure the Moto will get Oreo updates soon,  and will work with Project Fi  if I use it much longer or go back to it ....  I looked at dual sim unlocked Samsungs, but many seem to be sold by 3rd parties, and hence, likely  no warrantys , even new ...

If you buy a Samsung from any reputable dealer, you get the warranty but if youre really worried about it, buy it from Samsung themselves.... 

 

If you want a grade b/c refurbished or  grey market import you can usually save a good chunk of the retail price but you will need to pay for the repairs yourself...... 

[Peterw42]

You may be able to wipe the phone using "Android device manager". Google and follow the link, enter the email used to set up the phone then you will get options to find, wipe, lock etc the phone.

Its part of the android op system.

Edited December 26, 2017 by Peterw42