Factory reset

A factory reset erases everything on a phone and returns it to how it was when new, and it is the usual cure for deep infections and before selling.

Factory reset: A factory reset wipes all your apps, accounts, photos and settings from a phone and returns the software to its original state. It is used to remove stubborn malware, fix serious faults and clear a phone before selling or giving it away, so back up first.

If a phone is badly infected or you suspect hidden spying, a factory reset is often the most reliable fix. Back up your photos and contacts first, but do not restore apps from a risky backup, because that may bring the problem back. Install apps again one by one from the Play Store and change your passwords from another device.

Before you sell a phone, sign out of your Google account, remove the SIM and memory card, encrypt if asked and then reset. Android phones are encrypted by default, which makes a reset much more effective. A reset does not remove anything stored on a SIM or memory card, so take those out. Remember also that a reset does not remove a thief's access to accounts that are still signed in elsewhere, so check those too.

Tips

• Back up photos, contacts and chats before you reset, and note which apps you use.
• Sign out of your Google account first, so the reset phone is not stuck on its lock.
• After a reset from malware, change passwords from another device before logging in again.

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