How to set android phone to factory settings

Smartphones and tablets last longer than they used to. So when it's time to say goodbye to your current device, there's a good chance it'll go to a new owner rather than a landfill. Selling an old device is a great way to offset the cost of a new one, and it's good for the environment. If you plan to do this, ensure the device is reset correctly, providing the new owner with a smooth experience and none of your data.

The instructions in this article apply to the majority of Android devices, but some companies, like Samsung, organize their settings menu differently. If you have a Samsung device, we have a guide on how to factory reset a Samsung Galaxy phone.

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Back up your data before a factory reset

First, save all the data you don't want to lose. If you use Google Photos, your photos and video should be safe, but you can back them up to a computer over a USB cable to be sure.

Android devices periodically back up your apps, photos, messages, call history, and device settings on their own. It's still best to do a manual backup if the last auto backup failed or didn't include something important.

1. Download and open Google One from the Play Store.
2. You'll see a card telling you when the last backup was performed. Tap View details.
3. Tap Backup now.

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When you set up your new Android device, it can download the backup you created. This backup restores your SMS messages, saved Wi-Fi networks, wallpaper, homescreen layout, and apps.

Disable Factory Reset Protection

Google added Factory Reset Protection (FRP) to Android in 5.1 Lollipop, which prevents someone from using your device if it is stolen. FRP works differently on some modern Android devices compared to older ones. Those disable FRP when your phone is unlocked, and you reset it from the system settings. However, it's a good practice to make certain FRP is off because there's no way to remotely remove FRP once you've sold a phone. If FRP isn't properly disabled, the phone might not allow the next owner to set up the device without your Google account credentials (which you should never give out).

If you're resetting the device to troubleshoot a bug, and you're the one who will be using it after the reset, you can skip this step.

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and open Passwords & accounts.

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3. Tap your Google account.
4. Tap Remove account.

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5. On the following pop-up, tap Remove account.
6. On the last pop-up, tap OK.

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7. Enter your password or scan your fingerprint as prompted.

Now that your Google account has been removed, you'll need to remove your screen lock.

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and open Security.

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3. Scroll down and tap Screen lock. Make sure to tap the words and not the cog next to them.
4. Tap None.

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5. The device asks if you're sure you want to delete your screen lock. Tap Delete.

Reset your Google Pixel device

Now that FRP has been disabled, it's time to reset your phone or tablet. Once you complete the following steps, the data stored on the device is gone, so ensure you've backed up everything you want to keep before proceeding.

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and open System​​​​​​.

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3. Open Reset options.
4. Tap Erase all data (factory reset).

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5. Tap Erase all data in the lower-right corner.
6. Tap Erase all data in the lower-right corner.

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The phone performs a reboot, which may take a few minutes. Upon restart, it loads the first-run experience, allowing the next owner to log in and begin using it.

Reset your Samsung device

One UI is different from what you'll experience on a Pixel, and the steps for factory resetting a Samsung Galaxy device are not the same. The screenshots included here are from the one UI 5 beta, but the instructions are the same on software versions going back to One UI 1.0. So if you have an older phone, you can still follow these steps.

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and open General management.
3. Scroll down and open the Reset menu.

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4. Tap Factory data reset.
5. Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Reset.

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Your device reboots and begins the factory reset process.

Reset your OnePlus device

Like Samsung, OnePlus tweaked Android to offer its customers unique features, and the steps to factory reset a OnePlus device are slightly different from the others.

1. Open Settings.
2. Scroll down and open Additional settings.
3. Open Backup and reset.

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4. Open Erase all data (factory reset).
5. Tap Erase all data.

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This results in a reboot as the process begins.

Sometimes a factory reset won't fix a sluggish phone

If you're thinking about trading in your old phone or selling it for an upgrade, check out our recommendations for the best Android phones you can buy. With so many options, you need to make sure you pick the right one, whether you're shopping for flagships or midrange devices.

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