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How to Factory Reset Your Android Phone
Edited 2 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team
Factory ResetAndroidMobileGoogleTroubleshootingDevicesSettingsSecurityBackupPerformance
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Factory resetting your Android phone can be a useful way to resolve various problems on your device. These problems can range from persistent performance issues to the need to erase all your data before selling or giving away your phone. This guide will walk you through the steps to perform a factory reset on an Android phone. We'll cover different methods, considerations, and some key points to remember.
What is a factory reset?
A factory reset, also known as a hard reset or master reset, is a process that erases all the data on your Android device and restores it to the same state it was in when it left the factory. This means all of your apps, settings, and personal files will be deleted. Essentially, it's like starting with a brand new phone.
When to factory reset your Android phone
There are several scenarios where a factory reset may be necessary:
- Performance issues: If your phone is running slowly, crashing frequently, or behaving abnormally, a reset often resolves these problems.
- Preparing for sale: When you want to sell or give away your phone, a factory reset ensures that all your personal data is wiped clean.
- Malware removal: If your phone is infected with a virus or malware, a factory reset can help eliminate the malicious software.
- Forgot lock screen password: If you forgot your lock screen password, some phones require a factory reset to regain access to the device.
Before you begin: Important points
Before you proceed with a factory reset, you need to keep in mind several important things:
- Backup your data: Performing a factory reset will delete all your data. Make sure you have backed up your contacts, photos, videos, and other important files. You can use cloud services like Google Drive or transfer files to your computer manually.
- Remove account: Make sure you remove your Google account and any other accounts associated with the phone. This will prevent activation lock issues after the reset.
- Fully charged phone: Make sure your phone's battery has enough charge, preferably more than 70%, to complete the reset process.
Method 1: Perform a factory reset from Settings
This is the simplest and most common way to reset your Android phone.
Phase:
- Open Settings. Go to your phone's Settings. You can usually find the Settings app in your app drawer or by tapping the gear icon in the notification shade.
- Find the reset option: Scroll down and look for "System" or "General Management," depending on your device. Then, tap "Reset" or "Reset Options."
- Select factory reset: Select "Factory data reset" or "Erase all data (factory reset)."
- Read the information: A screen may appear that explains what will be erased. Read it carefully.
- Confirm your action: Tap "Reset phone" or "Erase everything." You may be asked to enter your PIN, pattern, or password.
- Wait for the process to complete: The phone will restart and the factory reset process will begin. This may take several minutes.
After the reset, your phone will reboot and you will see the initial setup screen, the same as when you first purchased it.
Method 2: Perform a factory reset using hardware buttons
Sometimes, you can't access your phone's settings due to software issues, freezing, or locking. In such cases, you can perform a factory reset using the hardware buttons.
Phase:
- Turn off your phone: Turn your device off completely.
- Boot into Recovery mode: The key combination to enter Recovery mode varies by device, but it usually involves pressing and holding the Volume Up, Power, and Home buttons simultaneously. For some phones, this may be Volume Down and Power or Power and Home.
- Select Wipe data/factory reset: Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select. Look for "Wipe data/factory reset" or a similar option.
- Confirm your selection: You may see a screen asking for confirmation. Use the Volume buttons and the Power button to confirm the reset.
- Wait for the process to complete: The factory reset process will begin, which may take a few minutes.
- Reboot your device: Once the reset is complete, select "Reboot system now."
Your phone will restart and take you to the initial setup screen.
Back up your data
As mentioned earlier, it is very important to back up your data before performing a factory reset. Here are some ways to back up different types of data:
Contact:
Sync your contacts with your Google account. Go to Settings > Accounts > Google > Account Sync and make sure "Contacts" is turned on. Your contacts will be backed up to Google Contacts.
Photos and Videos:
Use Google Photos to back up your photos and videos. Open the Google Photos app, go to Settings > Backup & Sync and turn it on. All your photos and videos will be uploaded to your Google account.
Other files:
You can use cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive to back up your documents and other files. Alternatively, you can connect your phone to a computer and transfer files manually.
Deleting accounts
Before resetting, make sure you have deleted all accounts associated with your phone to avoid activation lock issues:
Phase:
- Open Settings: Go to Settings > Accounts.
- Select accounts to remove: Tap the account you want to remove.
- Delete account: Tap "Remove account" and confirm if prompted.
After the reset: Set up your phone
Once your phone has been reset, you'll need to set it up again:
Phase:
- Choose your language: Select the language you want to use and tap "Next."
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect to a Wi-Fi network to continue the setup process.
- Sign in to Google: Log in with your Google account to restore your data and settings.
- Restore from backup: If you backed up your data to your Google account, you may be prompted to restore from a backup.
- Set up security: Set a lock screen PIN, pattern, or password as an additional security measure.
Complete the setup process by following the on-screen instructions. You can then reinstall your apps and restore other data as needed.
Troubleshooting common problems
Sometimes, you may encounter some problems during or after the factory reset process. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
Phone stuck during reset:
If your phone gets stuck during the reset process, press and hold the power button and restart it again. If the problem persists, try booting into recovery mode and resetting again.
Unable to enter recovery mode:
If you are having trouble entering Recovery mode, double-check the key combination for your specific device model. You can find it on the manufacturer's website.
Data lost after reset:
If you forgot to back up important data, unfortunately, it may be lost. Always make sure to backup all your important data before resetting.
Factory reset option
Although a factory reset is a comprehensive solution, it may not always be necessary. Here are some options you can consider:
Clear the cache partition:
Wiping the cache partition may solve the issues without erasing your data. Boot into recovery mode and select "Wipe cache partition."
Safe mode:
Booting into safe mode temporarily disables third-party apps. This can help you figure out if a specific app is causing the problem. To enter safe mode, press and hold the Power button and then tap and hold "Power off" until "Reboot into safe mode" appears.
Reset app data:
If the issue is related to a specific app, clear its data by going to Settings > Apps > [app name] > Storage > Clear data.
Conclusion
A factory reset is a powerful tool that can solve many problems on your Android phone. Whether you're preparing to sell it, experiencing performance issues, or dealing with malware, resetting your phone can help restore it to a brand-new state. Remember to back up your data, delete accounts, and ensure you have sufficient battery charge before you begin the process. By following the methods and steps discussed in this guide, you can perform a factory reset confidently and effectively.
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