FAQs
Unpair your smartphone with any other connected devices. Sync all current apps to your account by choosing System > Backup > Back Up to Google Drive. Clear your data by choosing Settings > System > Reset or Backup and Reset > Factory Data Reset > Reset Phone.
How to factory reset phone before selling? ›
Step 1: Go to the “Settings” option on your Android device. Step 2: Click on “Reset Options”. Step 3: Now, click on “Erase all data” basically “factory reset”. Step 4: Tap on the “Reset Phone” option.
Is a factory data reset enough before selling a phone? ›
What You Can Expose if You Don't Wipe Your Phone. It's important to thoroughly wipe devices before selling, recycling, trading, or donating them. On a majority of devices, a factory reset isn't enough to keep your data safe.
Does factory reset remove all data permanently? ›
Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone. If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot Android issues. To restore your data after you reset your phone, you must enter security info.
Can someone recover data after a factory reset? ›
This is because the reset process involves overwriting the storage space with new data, effectively erasing the previous information. In most cases, the data is not recoverable using conventional methods, and attempting to do so without the proper expertise can lead to permanent data loss.
How do I permanently wipe my Android phone before selling it? ›
How to wipe your Android
- Go to “Settings” > “System.”
- Tap “Reset Options.”
- Choose “Erase all data (factory reset).”
- Tap the “Reset phone.”
- Tap “Erase everything.” Your phone will be returned to the same state as when you purchased it.
If I factory reset my Android, will I lose everything? The short answer is: yes—unless you back up your device. The biggest risk of a factory reset is the loss of data and your customized settings. A factory reset will wipe your device of all data, apps, and any personalized formatting.
Does factory reset remove logins? ›
A complete factory reset will allow you to save your data and remove all links to the phone, including passwords, credit card information, paired devices and any other sensitive information. Here's everything you need to know about factory resetting iPhones and Androids.
Is it a good idea to factory reset? ›
Why perform a factory reset on your smartphone? Fixing generic phone problems: If your smartphone is having issues, such as slow performance, freezing, or crashing, a factory reset can often solve the problem. This is because the process erases any corrupt files or settings that might be causing the issue.
What is the difference between a hard reset and a factory reset? ›
A hard reset is forcing your phone to restart when it's unresponsive. A factory reset is the process of restoring your phone to its original settings, like when you bought it. Factory resetting erases everything on your device, while a hard reset simply reboots it.
How to factory reset an Android:
- Turn off the screen lock. Go to Settings > Lock Screen or Security > change the screen lock setting to none.
- Delete any passwords you have saved on your browser or apps. ...
- Remove payment cards. ...
- Deactivate data protection. ...
- With all that done, you can now reset your Android phone or tablet.
While a reset will make your files, photos and other materials “disappear,” it doesn't remove the files themselves. Learn how to dispose of your old smart devices securely.
Is it safe to sell a phone after a factory reset? ›
First remove all the Google accounts from the phone by following this guide. Then, remove any lock screen pin/password/pattern. After that, factory reset the phone and it should be good to go for being sold. The new owner will have no problems setting it up with their own Google account.
Can police recover data from a factory reset phone? ›
It is commonly believed by end-users that factory reset on an electronic device restores the state of the device back to when it was shipped from the factory. Nevertheless, user data has reportedly been recovered after a factory reset by applying forensic data recovery techniques.
How long does a factory reset take? ›
The length of time it takes to perform a factory reset can vary depending on the size of your hard drive and other factors like processing speed. Generally speaking, most resets should take between 30 minutes and an hour.
How do I wipe my phone before giving it away? ›
If you want to wipe it completely, the following suggestions are a starting point:
- Back up the device before any procedure.
- Download a remote wiping app. ...
- Clear the internal memory.
- Follow the manual factory reset instructions.
- Get software that – among other things – includes a SIM card lock.
For Android:
- Go to "Settings."
- Select "Backup and reset."
- Select "Factory data reset."
Yes, it will clear all of your personal data from your phone. Doing a factory reset of your Android phone will make the phone look and operate exactly as it did when you bought it. That means that your contacts, photos, messages, and any installed apps will be deleted.
How do I factory reset my phone to startup? ›
Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons until you see the Android logo. Press the Volume buttons to choose the Recovery Mode menu option, then press the Power button to select it. Use the Volume buttons to choose the Wipe data/Factory reset option, then press the Power button to select it.
