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How to Factory Reset an Android Phone

Tap each step to see how to safely factory reset an Android phone.

  1. Back up everything before you reset

    A factory reset erases all photos, contacts, apps, and app data on the device, so complete a full backup to your Google account or the cloud before you start.

  2. Confirm your Google account sign-in details

    Write down the username and password for the Google account you'll sign back in with after the reset, so you don't get locked out by Factory Reset Protection.

  3. Open General management in Settings

    Open the Settings app and go to "General management" (labeled "System" on some devices).

  4. Choose Factory data reset

    Tap "Reset," then choose "Factory data reset" (sometimes labeled "Erase all data").

  5. Review the list and tap Erase all

    Check the list of what will be deleted, then tap "Erase all" at the bottom of the screen -- the device wipes itself and reboots automatically.

  6. Sign back in and restore your setup

    After the reboot, the initial setup screen appears; signing in with your previous Google account restores your backed-up apps and settings.

Factory Reset Protection is the step people skip

Android locks a reset device to the Google account that was signed in beforehand, specifically to deter theft. If you forget which account that was, you can be locked out of your own phone after the reset -- confirming your login details beforehand is not optional.

How this differs from a general reset overview

A broader guide covering iPhone, Windows, and Mac resets alongside Android only has room for one line per device. This guide stays on Android specifically, walking through the Factory Reset Protection check and the post-reset re-setup in full.

Frequently Asked Questions

I forgot which Google account I was signed into before resetting. What now?

Without the correct Google account credentials, Factory Reset Protection will block setup after the reset, and you may need to go through Google's account-recovery process or contact the manufacturer for help.

Does a factory reset remove a SD card's contents too?

No, a factory reset only erases the phone's internal storage -- a microSD card is left untouched unless you separately choose to format it.