How to reset your Android phone to factory settings

💡 Need to know

• Back up first. A factory reset erases apps, photos, downloads, accounts, and other data stored on the phone.
• Know your Google login. You may need the Google Account username and password already associated with the device when you set it up again.
• Don't reset too soon. If you're troubleshooting, a restart, update, or less drastic reset may solve the problem without wiping your phone.

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There are times when an Android™ phone really does need a clean slate. Maybe it's being traded in, handed down to someone else, or you've reached the end of troubleshooting and nothing else has fixed the problem.

Whatever the reason, a factory reset is the point of no return for anything that isn't backed up. Asurion Experts help people set up, troubleshoot, and transfer data between phones every day, so we'll walk through what a factory reset actually removes, what to save first, and how the steps differ between Google Pixel™ and Samsung Galaxy® phones.

What does a factory reset do on Android?

Think of a factory reset as returning the phone's software to the state it was in when you first set it up. Your accounts are removed, downloaded apps are uninstalled, settings are reset, and locally stored personal data is erased. Data that's safely backed up to your Google Account can be restored when you set up the phone again.

That's why we'd never treat a factory reset like an ordinary troubleshooting step. Google recommends trying other fixes first when you're resetting because of a phone problem.

Before you factory reset your Android

The few minutes you spend preparing matter much more than the reset itself.

Start by backing up anything you want to keep, especially photos, videos, messages, contacts, files, and app data that isn't already synced somewhere else. Then make sure you know the password for the Google Account currently signed in to the phone, along with your screen-lock PIN, pattern, or password. Google specifically recommends confirming those credentials before wiping the device because you'll need security information when restoring it afterward.

Give the phone some power, too. Google recommends charging it to at least 70%, and the reset itself can take up to an hour.

How to factory reset a Google Pixel and most Android phones

On most Android phones, the reset lives under the system settings rather than somewhere in storage or security.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap System.
3. Tap Reset options.
4. Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
5. Review what's being erased, then follow the prompts to confirm.

The exact wording can vary a little by manufacturer and Android version, but Erase all data (factory reset) is the option you're looking for.

Once you confirm, leave the phone alone while it finishes. It'll restart to the initial setup screen when it's ready.

How to factory reset a Samsung Galaxy phone

Samsung puts the same feature in a different part of Settings, so Galaxy owners shouldn't worry if the Pixel path above doesn't match what they see.

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap General management.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Tap Factory data reset.
5. Review the accounts and data that will be removed.
6. Tap Reset, then Delete all.

You may be asked for your lock-screen or Samsung account credentials before the reset begins.

One Samsung-specific detail worth checking: if the phone has an encrypted microSD card, Samsung recommends decrypting it before the factory reset so the card remains readable afterward.

What if you can't open Settings?

This is where Android gets more device-specific.

Phones can also be factory reset using their hardware buttons and recovery mode, but the button combination and recovery process vary by manufacturer. Google recommends checking the phone manufacturer's instructions rather than assuming one button combination works across every Android device.

If the phone is frozen but you can still access Android normally after a restart, we'd try that route before jumping straight to a recovery-mode reset.

What happens after the factory reset?

When the phone restarts, you'll see the same setup experience you'd expect from a new device. Connect to Wi-Fi, sign in with your Google Account, and restore the backup you created earlier.

Don't be surprised if everything doesn't reappear instantly. Apps may need to download again, photos may need to resync, and some apps will ask you to sign back in.

If the reset was supposed to fix a software problem, pay attention before reinstalling everything. Google notes that if a downloaded app caused the original issue, reinstalling that same app can bring the problem right back.

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FAQ

Does a factory reset delete everything on Android?

It erases data stored on the phone, including downloaded apps and their local data. Anything safely backed up to your Google Account can be restored afterward.

Will a factory reset remove my Google Account?

It removes the account from the phone, but it doesn't delete the Google Account itself.

Should I remove my Google Account before a factory reset?

If you're selling, trading in, or giving the phone away, it's smart to make sure you know your account credentials and follow the manufacturer's device-preparation instructions before wiping it.

How long does an Android factory reset take?

The reset can take up to an hour, although many phones finish sooner. Keep the battery well charged before starting.

Can I factory reset an Android phone without opening Settings?

Yes, many Android phones support a recovery-mode reset using hardware buttons, but the exact steps vary by manufacturer and model.