Tuesday, 2 Jul 2024
Technology

How to Reset Your Android Phone to Factory Settings

Knowing how to complete a factory reset on your phone is crucial. Whether you need to unlock a frozen device or wipe your old phone of personal data when getting a new one, we can help you with the process.

At Eireview, our mission is to provide expert advice on technology trends and help our readers make the most out of their devices. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to reset your Android phone to its factory settings, ensuring the protection of your personal information while maintaining the usability of your device.

Why Would You Need to Factory Reset Your Android?

Restoring your Android phone to its factory settings is essential in various situations:

  • Selling your phone
  • Trading it in for a new device
  • Giving it to a friend or family member
  • Troubleshooting performance issues, such as a frozen device or forgotten passcode

Our experts highly recommend a factory reset as a last resort, after trying other troubleshooting methods. It helps protect your personal information and ensures a fresh start for your Android device.

Does a Factory Reset Delete Everything?

Yes, a factory reset deletes nearly all data on your Android phone. Therefore, it is essential to back up your data before proceeding with the reset. Here is what a factory reset deletes from your phone:

  • Contacts
  • Photos and videos
  • Music
  • Passwords and files
  • Accounts
  • Messages
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What Should I Do Before I Reset My Android Phone?

Before resetting your Android phone, there are important steps to take to ensure you don’t lose any existing data:

  1. Back up your Android phone: Upload your data to a service like Google Drive™ or a backup service provided by your phone carrier.

  2. Plug your Android phone in and connect to Wi-Fi: Ensure your phone is charged and connected to a secure Wi-Fi network to avoid using excessive mobile data during the backup process.

  3. Know your login info to restore data after resetting: Make sure you know your login information, especially your Google Account username and password, as they are required to restore data on an Android device.

  4. Unpair your Android device: Disconnect Bluetooth® devices such as your smartwatch or wireless headphones.

  5. Sign out of all accounts: Protect your privacy by signing out of all your apps, services, and email accounts. Don’t forget to remove any cards saved in your mobile wallet and turn off Find My Device.

  6. Remove your SIM card: Follow our guide for easy-to-follow steps to remove the SIM card from your Android device.

  7. Sign out of your Android phone: After completing the checklist above and backing up your data, make sure to sign out of your Android phone. This ensures that no one can access your account once you sell or trade in your phone.

How to Factory Reset Your Android Phone

To perform a factory reset on your Android phone, follow these steps:

  1. To reset a Samsung Galaxy phone:

    • Open Settings, then tap General management > Reset.
    • Tap Factory Data Reset > Reset > Delete all.
  2. To reset other Android devices:

    • Open Settings, then search for “Reset” in the search bar.
    • Tap Erase all data (factory reset) in the search results.
    • Tap Erase all data (factory reset) on the Reset options screen, then enter your password or PIN to confirm.
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How to Factory Reset Your Android Phone When Locked

If you can’t remember the PIN, password, or pattern to unlock your phone, you may need to reset it. Here’s how to reset a locked Samsung phone (Samsung Galaxy S8 and newer):

  1. Turn off the phone if it doesn’t require a PIN to do so. You may have to wait until it runs out of battery and turns off on its own.

  2. Press and hold the Volume Up, Power, and Bixby buttons simultaneously until your phone vibrates, and the Samsung logo appears.

  3. When the Recovery menu appears, use the Volume buttons to select “Delete all user data” or “Wipe data/factory reset.” Then press the Power button to confirm your selection.

  4. Use the Volume buttons again to confirm “Yes” or “Factory data reset,” then press the Power button to initiate the reset.

  5. Once the factory reset process is complete, you may see the message “Data wipe complete” at the bottom of your screen. Press the Power button one last time to select the option “Reboot device.”

For a locked Google Pixel phone, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off your phone.

  2. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons until you see the Android logo.

  3. Use the Volume buttons to choose the Recovery Mode menu option, then press the Power button to select it.

  4. Use the Volume buttons to choose the Wipe data/Factory reset option, then press the Power button to select it.

  5. Use the Volume and Power buttons to choose and select Factory data reset.

  6. Your phone will display a message confirming the completion of the data wipe. Select Reboot system now to restart your phone.

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Once the reset process is complete, your Android phone will automatically reset and power back on, ready for setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I retrieve data after a factory reset?

A: No, a factory reset permanently deletes the data from your phone. It is crucial to back up your data before performing a factory reset.

Q: How long does a factory reset take?

A: A factory reset can take up to an hour to complete. Make sure your phone is plugged in during the process.

Q: Does a factory reset remove system updates?

A: No, a factory reset does not remove system updates. It only reinstalls the original operating system and removes all user data.

Conclusion

Resetting your Android phone to its factory settings is a powerful tool to protect your personal information and ensure a fresh start for your device. By following the steps and precautions outlined in this article, you can confidently perform a factory reset on your Android phone without losing important data.

Remember to always back up your data before initiating a factory reset, and be cautious when performing a reset on a locked device. If you have any further questions or concerns, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or consult with a trusted professional.

For more technology-related articles and expert advice, visit Eireview, your go-to resource for all things technology.