How to factory reset an Android phone and what to do first
A clean reset step by step: back up, sign out of accounts, remove your SIM and memory card, erase data and set the phone up again safely.
A factory reset wipes the phone and returns it to how it was when new. People use it to fix a stubborn infection, before selling, or after a serious breach. Do the preparation first or you may lose data or get locked out. Menu names differ slightly on Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Oppo, Realme and OnePlus phones.
Steps
- Back up what you need. Back up photos, contacts, WhatsApp chats and files. Check that your Google backup is recent. Note any 2-step verification codes you will need. A reset cannot be undone, so confirm before you go on.
- Sign out of accounts. Remove your Google account in Settings, then Passwords and accounts, or Accounts. Sign out of other accounts that may lock the phone. This avoids a locked screen asking for the old login after the reset.
- Remove SIM and memory card. Take out the SIM and any memory card if you are giving the phone away. If you are keeping it, you may leave them in, but a reset does not always wipe a card. Back up and format the card separately.
- Start the reset. Open Settings and search for Reset options, or go to System, Reset options. Tap Erase all data (factory reset). Read the list, tap Erase all data, enter your lock if asked and confirm. The phone restarts.
- Set up carefully afterwards. Choose to set up as new if the reset was for an infection. Install apps only from Play Store, set a strong screen lock, turn on Play Protect and Find My Device, and add 2-step verification again.
Menu names differ a little between phone makers and Android versions. If you cannot find a setting, open Settings and use the search box.
Why it matters
A reset is the strongest way to remove a stubborn bad app, but done carelessly it deletes memories and locks people out of their own account. It is also what you must do before selling a phone. Doing the backup, sign-out and restore steps in the right order saves a lot of pain.
Watch out for
- A reset does not remove a thief's ability to resell the phone, so lock and report loss first.
- Do not restore a backup from the same time as the infection.
- Never reset on the instructions of a caller.
- Keep the charger plugged in so the phone does not turn off midway.
How Safeavio helps
Safeavio's phone scan helps you decide whether a reset is needed by showing risky apps and settings. After the reset, Privacy tools such as data export and delete and secure delete help you handle your data, and recovery information helps if the phone is lost. It does not do the reset for you.
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.
Questions
Will a factory reset remove malware?
In most cases yes, because it wipes apps and data. Restore only what you need, skip unknown apps and change passwords afterwards. Rare firmware level threats may need a service centre.
What is the Google lock after a reset?
Factory reset protection asks for the last Google account after a reset, to stop thieves reusing a phone. Remove your account first when you plan to sell or give the phone away.