"Wipe data" or "wiping" refers to the process of completely removing all data from a storage device, such as a hard drive, solid-state drive (SSD), USB flash drive, or smartphone. This is often done for security reasons, to prepare a device for recycling or resale, or to reset a device to its factory settings.

### Methods of Wiping Data

1. **Factory Reset:**
- **Smartphones and Tablets:** Most mobile devices have a built-in option to reset the device to its factory settings, which erases all user data.
- **Computers:** Many operating systems, like Windows and macOS, offer a factory reset option that can be used to wipe the hard drive and reinstall the operating system.

2. **Disk Wiping Software:**
- **Software Tools:** There are various software tools designed to securely erase data from hard drives and SSDs. Examples include DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke), Eraser, and CCleaner.
- **Multiple Passes:** Some tools offer multiple passes, where the data is overwritten multiple times to ensure it cannot be recovered.

3. **Physical Destruction:**
- **Shredding:** For highly sensitive data, physical destruction methods like shredding or incinerating the storage media may be necessary to ensure data cannot be recovered.

4. **Cryptographic Erasure:**
- **Encryption:** Some modern devices use encryption to protect data. Wiping the encryption key effectively makes the data unrecoverable, without the need to overwrite the entire storage medium.

### Considerations Before Wiping Data

- **Backup Important Data:** Ensure you have backed up any important data before wiping a device.
- **Verify the Process:** After wiping, verify that the data has been removed to avoid any security risks.
- **Compliance:** If you are wiping data for compliance with regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA), ensure that the method you use meets the required standards.

### Steps to Wipe Data on Common Devices

#### Smartphones and Tablets:
1. **Android:**
- Go to Settings > System > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Confirm the reset.
2. **iOS:**
- Go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Confirm the reset.

#### Computers:
1. **Windows:**
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.
- Choose "Remove everything" and follow the prompts.
2. **macOS:**
- Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.
- Select Disk Utility > Erase > Format (choose APFS or Mac OS Extended).
- Reinstall macOS.

#### Hard Drives and SSDs:
1. **Using DBAN:**
- Download and create a bootable DBAN USB drive.
- Boot your computer from the USB drive.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to select the drive and start the wiping process.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your data is securely erased from the device.