A factory reset restores your Android phone to its original state by erasing all apps, settings, and personal data. This guide shows you how to safely back up your data, reset your device, and set it up again. These steps work for all Android phones and brands.
1. Before you reset: What gets erased?
A factory reset removes:
- All apps and app data
- Photos, videos, and files stored on the device
- Messages, call logs, and contacts (unless synced)
- System settings and customizations
- Accounts (Google, Samsung, etc.)
Data on SD cards is not erased unless you choose to format the card.
2. Back up your data
Make sure your important data is backed up before resetting.
Back up with Google
- Go to Settings → Google → Backup.
- Turn on Backup by Google One.
- Tap Back up now.
Back up photos & videos
- Open Google Photos.
- Enable Backup & sync.
Back up files manually
- Connect your phone to a PC.
- Copy photos, videos, and documents to your computer.
Backing up ensures you don’t lose anything important during the reset.
3. Sign out of your Google account (recommended)
This prevents activation lock issues after the reset.
- Go to Settings → Accounts.
- Select your Google account.
- Tap Remove account.
Some phones require the same Google account to be entered after reset if not removed.
4. How to factory reset from Settings (recommended)
This is the easiest and safest way to reset your phone.
- Go to Settings → System.
- Tap Reset options.
- Select Erase all data (factory reset).
- Tap Erase all data again to confirm.
Your phone will restart and begin the reset process.
5. How to factory reset from Recovery Mode (if the phone won’t boot)
Use this method if the phone is stuck, frozen, or unable to load Android.
- Turn off the phone.
- Hold Power + Volume Up (varies by device).
- Release when the recovery menu appears.
- Use volume buttons to highlight Wipe data / factory reset.
- Press Power to select.
- Choose Factory data reset.
- After completion, select Reboot system now.
This method erases everything but is useful when the phone won’t start normally.
6. After the reset: Set up your phone
Once the reset is complete, your phone will restart and show the setup screen.
- Select your language and Wi‑Fi network.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Choose to restore your backup (if available).
- Reinstall apps from the Play Store.
Your phone will feel like new once setup is complete.
7. When a factory reset is recommended
- Phone is extremely slow or freezing
- Severe app crashes or system errors
- Malware infection
- Boot loops or startup problems
- Preparing to sell or give away the phone
A factory reset is one of the most effective ways to fix deep software issues.