If you want to erase all the data and settings permanently on your Android device, you can perform a factory reset. This can be useful if restarting your device doesn’t work for you. It is also useful if there is a problem with your Android device if you want to sell or give away your device, or if you want to fix some software issues. However, before proceeding with a factory reset, you should be aware of the consequences. Also, you need to take some precautions. Let’s see the simple and easy steps to factory reset your Android phone or tablet.
Note: The process to factory reset your Android device may differ for different Android versions and devices.
Things to Do Before Factory Resetting Your Android Phone
Following things, you need to keep in mind before going for factory resetting your Android device:
- A factory reset will delete everything on your device, including your data, settings, apps, login credentials, files, browsing history, images, videos, etc. So, it is highly recommended to back up all these files (if you need them for later use) on Google Drive, OneDrive, or any other cloud service. Alternatively, you can also connect your device to a computer and copy the files manually.
- Log out or sign out from each app you already logged in including the Google Account(s).
- To avoid being locked out of your Android device after resetting, you need to remove your Google account from the device and disable the feature Device Protection. To do this, open the Settings App > Accounts (or Accounts and backup) > Manage accounts, and remove all the accounts on the device. Then, again open the Settings App > Security (or Security and privacy), and turn off any screen lock or password.
How to Factory Reset Your Android Device (Phone or Tablet)
To factory reset your Android phone or tablet follow the below steps:
- Open the Settings App.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- Tap Reset options.
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset).
- Enable the toggle switch next to Erase internal storage under the section OPTIONAL and tap on Erase all data.
- Tap on the Confirm button if prompted to confirm your choice.
- Enter your Android phone lock screen PIN, Password, or Pattern. Your phone may ask for verifications one time more to finally erase all your data.
- Wait for the process of factory reset to complete. Your Android phone or tablet may restart multiple times.
Once the factory reset is done, now your Android device is returned to the factory default settings and asks you to set it up again. If you want to sell it, hand it to the new owner. Nothing more you need to do. If you want to use it, then, you have an option to choose to restore your data from a backup or start fresh. You will also need to sign in with a Google account and agree to the terms and conditions.
That’s it! You have successfully factory reset your Android phone or tablet.
Conclusion
Factory resetting your Android phone or tablet is a simple but effective way to erase all your data and restore your device to its original state (factory default settings). However, before proceeding you need to be sure that you have already backed up your important files. Also, you need to make sure that you have removed your Google account to avoid any issues. The process of factory resetting your device can also help you solve many problems, such as slow performance, malware infection, or forgotten passwords.
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