How to properly wipe your iPad before reselling it

As you probably know, Apple launched the third iteration of the iPad. If, like me, you already owned an iPad and you're switching to the new one, it's wise to properly wipe its content before handing it over to its next owner.

The best way to wipe an iPad's content is to go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings

You'll be asked for your passcode (if you don't have a passcode… it may be time to think about setting one ;-))

The iPad will proceed with the reset and on the next boot, the iPad's startup screen will be displayed.

This method is the best one, since there's no interference from iTunes, which could lead to unwanted information being stored or to information being corrupted in iTunes.

It's important to know that the reset doesn't erase any content, it only erases the encryption key. That way, the process is very quick, but imperfect. In the unlikely event that the key could be recovered (by brute force), the content remains available. Given that we're not carrying national security information or high-value intellectual property, the time and money needed to get through the encryption are prohibitive enough that nobody will bother recovering the content.

UPDATE: I made a short video showing how to wipe the iPad, in case it helps.