How to Factory Reset an Android Phone or Tablet

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

A factory reset is a process that wipes all the data and settings on your Android phone or tablet, restoring it to its original, out-of-the-box condition. This can be useful when you want to sell or give away your device, fix persistent software issues, or simply start fresh. In this guide, we'll walk you through the steps to perform a factory reset on your Android device.

Factory Resetting Your Android Phone or Tablet

Note: Performing a factory reset will erase all data on your device, including apps, settings, and personal files. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Method 1: Factory Reset from Settings

This method works for most Android devices, and it's the easiest way to perform a factory reset:

Backup Your Data (Optional)

Before you proceed with the factory reset, consider backing up your data to avoid losing important information. To do this:

Go to "Settings."

Scroll down and tap on "Backup & reset" or "System" > "Backup."

Ensure that "Back up my data" and "Automatic restore" are turned on.

Perform the Factory Reset

Open the "Settings" app on your Android device.

Scroll down and tap on "System" or "System & updates," depending on your device.

Select "Reset" or "Reset options."

Tap on "Erase all data (factory reset)" or a similar option.

If prompted, enter your device's PIN, pattern, or password.

Confirm that you want to erase all data and reset your device.

Your device will begin the reset process, which may take some time. Once completed, your device will reboot, and you'll be presented with the initial setup screen.

Method 2: Factory Reset with Hardware Buttons

If you can't access the settings on your Android device or if it's unresponsive, you can perform a factory reset using hardware buttons. The exact button combination may vary depending on your device, but the following steps provide a general guide:

Turn Off the Device

Ensure your Android device is powered off.

If it's unresponsive, remove the battery (if possible), wait for a few seconds, and then reinsert it.

Perform the Factory Reset

Press and hold the "Volume Up" button and the "Power" button simultaneously.

Continue holding both buttons until your device's logo appears on the screen.

Use the volume buttons to navigate through the menu (if displayed) and select "Wipe data/factory reset."

Confirm the action by pressing the "Power" button.

Navigate to and select "Yes" to confirm the reset.

Once the reset is complete, your device will reboot, and you'll be presented with the initial setup screen.

Method 3: Factory Reset via Find My Device

If you've set up Google's Find My Device feature on your Android device and it's connected to the internet, you can perform a remote factory reset:

Visit the Find My Device Website

Open a web browser on a computer or another device.

Go to the Find My Device website (android.com/find).

Sign In

Sign in with the Google account associated with your Android device.

Select Your Device

From the list of devices associated with your Google account, select the Android device you want to reset.

Erase Your Device

Click on the "Erase Device" option.

Confirm the action.

Your Android device will be remotely wiped and reset to its factory settings the next time it connects to the internet.

Performing a factory reset on your Android phone or tablet can be a powerful solution to many software-related issues. However, it's crucial to back up any important data before proceeding, as the process is irreversible. Be sure to choose the method that best suits your situation and follow the steps carefully to reset your Android device successfully.

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If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

STEP-BY-STEP Guide For Performing Factory Reset on Android Phone

1. Introduction

A factory reset is a process that erases the data on a tablet or smartphone and restores it to mostly the same condition as when it was first purchased.

Your smartphone or tablet has a lot of personal information on it. Before you sell, give away, gift, or otherwise dispose of your phone or tablet, it's good to remove your personal data to keep it safe, and to make it ready for its next owner. As well, if there's some problems that can be solved thanks to a reset.

Tools You'll Need:

• A paperclip
• iPhone charging cable
• Access to a computer with iTunes installed
• Any other non-consumable tools needed
• Comment out tools section if no tools are necessary

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Supplies You'll Need:

• Zip ties
• Any other consumable supplies
• Comment out supplies section if no supplies are necessary

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Before You Begin:

• Have your Android phone available.
• Ensure your device's battery is charged to at least 75% power - It is recommended to keep your device plugged in while performing the reset.
• This process removes all the personal information on your Android device; make sure you have your device backed up before beginning.

Android Backup

• How to Backup My Android Phone or Tablet

2. Factory Reset - Normal Mode

Remove any memory cards before resetting the device.Each Android device is slightly different, thanks to changes each manufacturer and provider makes to how the Operating System works. Things may be slightly different on your tablet or smartphone.

It can take an hour or more for the reset to complete. Make sure your device is charged — ideally, it's best to leave it plugged in during the reset process

1. Open Settings, and select System.
   

1. Select Reset options.
   

1. Select Erase all data (factory reset).
   

1. Select Reset Phone or Reset Tablet at the bottom.
   

1. You'll be asked to confirm, select Erase Everything.
   

1. Keep in mind that the Factory Reset can take some time.
2. Your device should reboot and may show a progress screen indicating that it is erasing the data.
3. After it finishes deleting the data on the device, the operating system will restart again and will arrive at a screen similar to the one when you first unpacked it from the box.
4. Setup Your Android Device
5. How to Set Up Your Android Smartphone
6. How to Set Up Your Android Tablet

3. Factory Reset - Recovery Mode

Recovery mode allows you to access your Android device before the Android operating system is fully loaded. This lets you make changes you can't make while the device is running normally, such as side-load updates to gain root access or restore a 'shadow copy' of the entire operating system which resets the device.

By design, Recovery Mode is not easy to get into! This is not a feature or function you will need to access regularly, and is designed for developers.

If you are uncomfortable accessing these tools, please reach out to your cell carrier or phone manufacturer, or tablet manufacturer for assistance, instead.

Factory Reset from Recovery Mode

Every phone, tablet, or device is slightly different, and may require a different key combination. If the default, basic instructions here don't work, search the web for "recovery mode" with the make and model of your device.

1. Push and hold the power button for a few seconds, a menu will open. Select Power Off.
   

1. Your device will turn off. Wait five seconds.
   

1. Use the Key Combo to enter Recovery mode to boot your device.
2. Common Key Combos To Enter Recovery Mode
3. Samsung Devices
4. Hold Home / Bixby, Volume Up, and Power.
5. LG Devices
6. Hold Volume Down and Power.
7. HTC Devices
8. Hold Volume Down and Power.
9. Google Nexus Devices
10. Hold Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power.
11. Sony Xperia Devices
12. Hold just the Power button to turn on the device.
13. Repeatedly push Volume Up and Volume Down while the device turns on.
14. Motorola Devices
15. Hold Home and Power.
16. If your device is not listed, try each method, in turn; many devices are similar and one may work.
17. Please contact your device's manufacturer if you're unable to access the Recovery Menu.
18. After the splash screen release the Power and Volume Down buttons.
19. The touch screen is disabled in Recovery mode in most cases. Using the volume up and down keys, highlight Wipe data / factory reset.
    

1. Tap the power button once to select Wipe data / factory reset.
2. Follow any further prompts on the screen to complete the factory reset.
3. Once done, your device should reboot, and you will be prompted to setup your Android device.
4. Setup Your Android Device
5. How to Set Up Your Android Smartphone
6. How to Set Up Your Android Tablet

4. What's next?