Here’s how to properly wipe an NVMe SSD:

Check your BIOS or nvme-cli with --crypto-erase .

The Right Way to Wipe an NVMe SSD (Don’t Just “Delete” Files)

You just sold your old NVMe drive, returned a laptop, or are passing it on to a teammate. A quick format won’t cut it. Standard “delete” only removes the file pointers—your sensitive data (passwords, documents, browser history) can still be recovered with basic tools.

Don’t use it. DBAN is for old spinning hard drives. It won’t see NVMe drives (they aren’t BIOS-visible the same way) and unnecessary overwrites reduce SSD lifespan.

NVMe drives have a native command called Format NVM (often labeled "Secure Erase" in tools). This instantly scrambles all user-accessible data and resets the controller's mapping table. It takes seconds and preserves drive health.