US Trends

how to do a factory reset on android

A factory reset on Android wipes your phone or tablet back to its original “just bought it” state and erases your personal data, so always back up first.

What a factory reset does

  • Erases apps you installed, photos, downloads, messages, call history, and most settings.
  • Leaves the core system software and manufacturer apps in place so the device can boot like new.
  • Often fixes stubborn bugs, glitches, and performance issues that normal restarts do not solve.

Think of it as “wiping the chalkboard,” not just erasing a few words.

Before you reset (important prep)

Do this first so you do not lose important stuff:

  • Back up photos and videos (Google Photos, cloud storage, or a PC) so they can be restored later.
  • Sync contacts, calendars, and app data with your Google account, and make sure backup is turned on in Settings → Google → Backup (or similar).
  • Note down Wi‑Fi passwords, authenticator app backup codes, and anything stored only on the device.
  • If selling or giving away the phone, remove screen lock, sign out of accounts if you can, and know your Google login (Android may ask for it after reset as factory reset protection).

Method 1: Factory reset from Settings (phone is working)

This is the easiest way if you can unlock and use the device. Generic Android steps (may vary slightly by brand/version):

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Go to System (sometimes General management or similar)..
  1. Tap Reset or Reset options.
  2. Choose Erase all data (factory reset) or Factory data reset.
  1. Review what will be erased, then tap Erase all data / Reset phone.
  2. Enter your PIN/password/pattern to confirm and follow prompts.
  1. The device reboots and shows the initial setup screen when finished.

Samsung example (Settings):

  • Settings → General management → Reset → Factory data reset → confirm and enter your PIN/passcode, then follow prompts.

Method 2: Factory reset via recovery mode (if frozen or locked out)

Use this when you cannot access Settings (forgot PIN, boot loop, frozen screen). Generic Android recovery reset:

  1. Power the phone off completely.
  2. Press and hold a key combo to enter recovery (often Power + Volume up or Power + Volume down ; some phones use three buttons with Home).
  1. When the logo appears, release buttons to enter Recovery mode (you may briefly see “No command”)..
  1. Use volume keys to move to Wipe data/factory reset or Delete all user data.
  1. Press the power key to select, then choose Yes / Factory data reset to confirm.
  1. When you see “Data wipe complete,” choose Reboot system now.

Your phone will restart and show the first‑time setup screen as if it were new.

After the reset: setting up again

Once reset is complete, you set the phone up from scratch:

  • Connect to Wi‑Fi, sign in with your Google account, and decide whether to restore a backup or set up as new.
  • Reinstall apps, adjust display , sound , notifications , and security (screen lock, fingerprint, face unlock) to personalize the device again.
  • Re‑enable backup and any privacy/security options you rely on, such as Find My Device or 2FA apps.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.