How to Make SSD Data Unrecoverable | Ensure Data Irretrievability

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have become an essential part of modern computing due to their speed, durability, and efficiency. However, when your SSD needs to be replaced or upgraded, or when you need to sell your old computer, if you don't handle it correctly, the data on your SSD will become a serious privacy risk. So, how can we ensure that the data on the SSD is permanently deleted? In fact, it's not a difficult task. Continue reading this guide, and you will learn three safe and effective techniques.

Part 1: Can Normal Deletion Make Data on SSD Unrecoverable?

The simple answer is no. When you delete a file on an SSD using the operating system's standard deletion function, the data is not immediately erased. Instead, the system marks the space occupied by the file as available for reuse. Until new data overwrites that space, the original file can potentially be recovered using specialized data recovery software.

Even though modern SSDs use a technique called wear leveling (which spreads data across the drive to avoid using the same cells repeatedly), this does not guarantee that the data is gone forever. As a result, deleted data may linger in various memory cells, making it vulnerable to recovery.

Part 2: How to Make SSD Not Recoverable via Built-in Secure Erase Command

Most modern SSDs come with a built-in Secure Erase command, which is designed to completely and permanently erase all data on the drive. Additionally, many SSD manufacturers provide proprietary software for securely wiping data. These tools are specifically designed for the SSDs they produce, ensuring compatibility and security.

If you use Samsung SSD, you can choose the Samsung Magician software. For SanDisk SSD, please use SanDisk SSD Dashboard, and Crucial Storage Executive Tool is for Crucial SSD, etc. Thu, please check the brand of your SSD first.

Here's how to make Samsung SSD data not recoverable via Samsung Magician:

Step 1: Obtain the latest version of Samsung Magician from the official Samsung website.

Step 2: Ensure the Samsung SSD you want to wipe is properly connected to your computer.

Step 3: Launch the Samsung Magician software, and navigate to "Secure Erase".

Step 4: The software will guide you to select your target SSD, creating a bootable USB drive, restart your computer, and boot from the USB drive.

Step 5: Start the secure erasing process. Then allow the process to complete. Next, restart your computer.

Part 3: How to Make SSD Data Unrecoverable with iReaShare Data Wipe

For a more user-friendly approach, the reliable wiping software - iReaShare Data Wipe, can be used. This tool offers two wiping methods. One is Quick Erase, quickly erasing your existing files from your SSD and making them unrecoverable. The other is Deep Erase, thoroughly erasing SSD data, including current and deleted files, which is more complete than Quick Erase.

Main features of this drive wiper:

* Completely erase data from SSD on a computer.

* Wipe HDD entirely on Windows PCs.

* No data can be recovered after wiping with Deep Erase.

* Deep Erase follows the US DoD 5220.22-M(E) standard.

* Allow you to select specific files and folders from your drive to erase.

* Support Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.

Download iReaShare Data Wipe.

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Here's how to make SSD data unrecoverable with this data wipe software:

Step 1: Please install this software on your PC, and then launch it.

Step 2: Choose "Drive Wiper" and select your SSD.

Step 3: Select the "Deep Erase" level, and click "Erase Now". Then tap "OK" for confirmation. The program will wipe your SSD data permanently.

Part 4: How to Make Files Unrecoverable on SSD via Physical Destruction

For those who need the highest level of security, physically destroying the SSD is the ultimate method to ensure data is completely unrecoverable. Physical destruction involves methods like shredding, crushing, or incinerating the drive. This approach physically damages the internal components of the SSD, making it impossible to access or recover any stored data.

Physical destruction should be considered a last resort, as it renders the SSD unusable. However, it is the most foolproof way to protect sensitive data when other methods of data erasure might not be sufficient.

Part 5: FAQs About Wiping Data on SSD

Q1: Will wiping my SSD degrade its lifespan?

SSDs do have a limited number of write and erase cycles, but using iReaShare Data Wipe once or a few times will not significantly impact the lifespan. However, wiping an SSD multiple times might reduce its longevity, especially with lower-end models.

Q2: Does TRIM affect the ability to wipe data on an SSD?

Yes, TRIM can affect data wiping. TRIM helps the SSD manage unused space, making it harder to fully erase data through overwriting.

Q3: Can wiping an SSD recover the performance?

Wiping an SSD using Secure Erase can sometimes improve performance, especially if the SSD has been heavily used and is becoming sluggish due to fragmented data or bad blocks. Secure Erase resets the SSD's internal structure, often restoring it to near-new performance levels.

Conclusion

While standard deletion methods are insufficient for ensuring data irretrievability on SSDs, the techniques mentioned above can be employed to achieve this goal. If you don't want to destroy your SSD physically, and make the data unrecoverable completely, please consider iReaShare Data Wipe. This program can erase drive data permanently without damaging the drive.

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Elowen Wilson Senior Editor

Elowen has been specializing in iOS devices and data transfer for over three years. She is very familiar with all generations of iPhones and iPads, so she is able to provide readers with all kinds of useful guides and tips about iOS backup, data recovery, unlocking, system repair, etc.