How to Perform a Factory Reset on Your Android: 3 Ways (2024)

Co-authored byAydin Yildizand Rain Kengly

Last Updated: February 19, 2024Fact Checked

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1. 1

   Open the Settings app

   . This is the gear icon.

   • A factory reset will erase all your data from your phone. It's recommended to back up your device before proceeding.^[1]
2. 2

   Tap Backup and reset. On newer versions of Android, you may need to tap Additional settings first.

   • On Samsung Galaxy devices, tap General Management, and then Reset.

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3. 3

   Tap Erase all data (factory reset). A pop-up menu will open.

4. 4

   Tap Erase data. Again, this will reset all your data on your device. This includes apps, photos, contacts, and SD card files.

5. 5

   Tap Erase data again. This will confirm your decision.

   • Your phone will begin to reset. This process can take up to 10 minutes, depending on the amount of data in your device.

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1. 1

   Open the Settings app

   . This is the gear icon.

   • Use this method if you have an Android older than version 5.0. If needed, you can check your Android version.
2. 2

   Scroll down and tap Backup & reset. It's in either the Personal or Privacy section of the menu, depending on device and Android version.

   • If you are on a Samsung Galaxy device, instead tap General Management and then tap Reset.
3. 3

   Tap Factory data reset. It's at the bottom of the menu.

4. 4

   Tap Reset Phone. Once the reset process is complete, your phone will be formatted as it was when it left the factory.

   • If you are on a Samsung Galaxy device, instead tap Reset.

   See Also

   How to factory reset your Android phoneHow to factory reset Android devices
5. 5

   Enter your screen lock passcode. If your phone has a screen lock enabled, you will be asked to enter your phone's pattern, PIN, or passcode.

6. 6

   Tap Erase everything to confirm. This will immediately erase all of the phone's data and reboots to the factory default settings and configuration. The process can take several minutes.

   • If you are on a Samsung Galaxy device, instead tap Delete All.

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1. 1

   Power off your device. Use the power button or Accessibility menu to turn off your device.

   • A factory reset will erase all your data from your phone. To reset without losing data, make sure to back up your device.
2. 2

   Boot your phone in Recovery Mode. With your device powered off, press and hold the device-specific button combination. The buttons will vary from device to device.

   • Most devices use Volume Up and Power. Some devices with physical user interfaces may use the Power and Home buttons.
   • Samsung devices: Hold Volume Up, Home, and Power at the same time.
   • Google Pixel: Hold Volume Down and Power at the same time. When you see the Android logo, press and hold the Power key, and then press the Volume Up key once.
3. 3

   Select a language. Use the Volume buttons to scroll up and down, and use the Power button to confirm.

4. 4

   Select Wipe data. Use the Volume buttons to scroll up and down, and use the Power button to confirm.

   • On some devices, this will look like Wipe data/factory reset. If you see this, select it. Then, select Yes to confirm your selection.
5. 5

   Select Format data. This is the factory reset option.

6. 6

   Enter the verification code. Use the keypad to enter the code on the screen.

7. 7

   Tap Format. You'll see a confirmation prompt.

   • The device will begin erasing the data.

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