WIPERAPP – User Guide for Apple Silicon Computers (M-series)
1. What You Need to Prepare
Before you begin, make sure you have:
- ISO image – WIPERAPP_ISO
- Balena Etcher application – for creating the bootable USB drive
- USB drive – minimum 64 GB capacity, minimum read speed 400 MB/s
- License file – key.wiperapp (token)
2. How to Prepare the USB Drive
Step 1: Open Balena Etcher application
Step 2: Load the ISO image
Click “Flash from file” and select the WIPERAPP_ISO file
Step 3: Select the USB drive
Choose the USB drive where you want to flash WIPERAPP
Click “Flash!”
Step 4: Copy the token
After the process is complete, copy the key.wiperapp file directly to the WIPERAPP partition on the USB drive
3. Preparing the Mac Computer (Apple Silicon)
⚠️ IMPORTANT
The computer must have:
- An Administrator account created
- Reduced Security option enabled
How to enable Reduced Security:
Step 1: Shut down the computer completely
Step 2: Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds
After 2 seconds, you’ll see the message: “Continue holding for startup options…” – keep holding the button
When you see the message: “Loading startup options…” – you can release the button
Step 3: Click the “Options” icon and wait for it to load
Step 4: In the top-left corner, click “Utilities” → “Startup Security Utility”
Step 5: Click “Security Policy”
Step 6: Make sure the following option is selected:
- “Reduced Security”
- Both checkboxes below
Step 7: Click “OK”
Step 8: Enter the Administrator account password (to authorize the settings change)
Step 9: Confirm and restart the computer
4. How to Launch WIPERAPP
Step 1: Shut down the computer completely
Step 2: Insert the prepared USB drive into a USB-C port
Step 3: Press and hold the power button for about 10 seconds
After 2 seconds, you’ll see the message: “Continue holding for startup options…” – keep holding the button
When you see the message: “Loading startup options…” – you can release the button
Step 4: Select the “WIPERAPP_ISO” icon
The icon will appear next to “Options” and “Macintosh HD”
Step 5: The computer will restart
Step 6: Wait for the WIPERAPP workspace window to load
This may take about 30 seconds (depending on USB drive speed)
5. Data Erasure Process
Step 1: Connect to the Internet
You can choose one of three methods:
- WiFi – click the WiFi icon in the bottom-right corner of the screen, select a network, enter the password, and confirm
- Ethernet – connect an Ethernet cable via a USB-C adapter
- Mobile phone – connect your phone and enable Internet sharing (tethering)
Step 2: Check the connection
After successfully connecting to the Internet and loading the token:
All icons at the bottom of the screen should turn green
If the “WIPERAPP Panel” icon is red:
- Move the cursor to the top of the screen
- From the menu, select “View” → “Reload this Page”
If the problem persists – check that the key.wiperapp file is correctly copied to the USB drive
Step 3: Select the erasure method (optional)
Go to the “SETTINGS” tab
The default method is: “WIPERAPP Auto (NIST Standard 800-88 rev.1 & IEEE 2883)”
This method automatically selects “Apple Silicon Overwrite”
Step 4: Set all data in the “SETTINGS” tab, starting with the company name and ending with the operator’s details.
Step 5: Start the data erasure
You have two options:
- “WIPE ALL” – erases data from all drives connected to the computer
- Green arrow in the “Action” section – erases data only from the selected drive
Step 6: Wipe Finish
IMPORTANT Notes:
- The USB drive must remain plugged into the computer at all times
- DO NOT remove it during the erasure process
- Make sure the computer is connected to power if the process will take longer
- The erasure process can be monitored on the WIPERAPP screen
If you encounter any problems, contact our support@wiperapp.com