How to factory reset your Android phone or tablet
Resetting your Android device to factory settings erases all data on the device and clears out unnecessary files. The reset process wipes all your information from it, including private data, messages, and files.
A factory reset is crucial before selling, recycling, or donating your Android phone or tablet. It can also be a last-ditch attempt attroubleshooting persistent issueswith your device.
Given the sensitivity and potency of a factory reset, we guide you through the process of performing one on any Android device.
We include instructions for multiple devices, including heavily skinned phones like theSamsung Galaxy.
A factory reset can fix software issues. However, it isn’t always necessary. To perform a soft reset, restart your Android phone (press thevolume upandpowerbuttons at the same time), as this may solve your issue.
Back up your photos manually by forcing the app to sync
How to back up your data before you perform a factory reset on your phone
Regardless of the reason for your factory reset, back up your data first, as performing a hard reset will wipe it all. There are multiple ways to do this, but we recommend using Google One.
Google One allows you to reaccess your data when setting up a new Android phone. All you need is theGoogle One appfrom the Play Store.
A factory reset doesn’t clear data stored on an SD card. Instead of backing up data to the cloud, you cansave bandwidth and storage spaceby moving that data from your phone’s internal storage to the SD card instead.
However, some devices have the option to reformat the SD card. Make sure that the option isn’t selected if you want to preserve the data.
But nothing is as foolproof as taking the SD card out of the device prior to resetting it.
When you set up your new Android device, it can download the backup you created. Thisbackup restores your SMS messages, saved Wi-Fi networks, wallpaper, homescreen layout, and apps.
Turn off Factory Reset Protection before you wipe your phone
Google added Factory Reset Protection (FRP) to Android in 5.1 Lollipop. The featureprevents someone from using your deviceif it’s stolen. FRP works differently on recent versions of Android.
Regardless of the age of your device, it’s good practice to ensure FRP is off, as there’s no way to remove FRP remotely.
If FRP isn’t properly deactivated, the phone asks for your passcode and Google account credentials when it restarts.
It is also why a factory reset is required when trading in your phone.
Skip this step if you’re still using your device after the reset.
After you’ve removed your Google account, you’ll want to turn off Screen lock. Here’s what you’ll do:
How to factory reset a Google Pixel device
After you complete the following steps, the data stored on the device is gone. Back up everything you want to keep before proceeding.
How to factory reset a Samsung device
One UI differs from the experience on a Google Pixel. The steps for factory resetting a Samsung Galaxy device differ from other near-stock Android versions.
Our steps use a Galaxy phone runningOne UI 7, but the instructions are similar to those for software versions dating back to One UI 1.0. If you have an older phone, it’s possible to still follow these steps.
How to factory reset a OnePlus device
Like Samsung, OnePlus tweaked Android to offer its customersunique features, and the steps to factory reset a OnePlus device are slightly different from other models.
Use Android’s Recovery Mode if you cannot perform a standard factory reset
If you can’t access your phone’s settings app, you can’t perform a factory reset in the usual way.Recovery Modelets you factory reset your phone without needing any apps.
You might actually need to use it on your device one day
Sometimes, a factory reset doesn’t fix a sluggish phone
Resetting your phone wipes out all the data. Then, it returns to the original settings. Using a factory reset can resolve persistent issues that may be slowing down your phone.
Sometimes, a factory reset may not be enough to save it. Either you wait for the next smartphone upgrade or hope for anew software update.
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Hummm, I wish it was easier as 1, 2 and 3. Did spent 2 hours with T-Mobile Tech Level 2 trying to do this. Still in limbo with Samsung when my new Z7 Flip locked on me during set up… Returned the phone and they will not removed the charge on my account: criminal !
Lol looks like you drew the short straw this week Jon.
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