How to Factory Reset On Android Phone or Tablet? There comes a time when your Android device may start facing performance issues, become locked, or need a complete reset. Whether you’re planning to sell or give away your phone or tablet, ensuring your personal data stays safe is crucial.
A factory reset is the best way to wipe all the data and settings, returning it to its original out-of-the-box condition. This process can help fix persistent software issues, give your device a fresh start, or prepare it for a new owner without any trace of your information left behind.
If you’ve used your device every day for the last year, it likely contains a lot of private and important information.
Before disposing of it, you want to make sure no one can extract your data or access your personal details. A reset helps restore everything back to default, making your device as good as new.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to perform a complete reset with ease.
Factory Reset On Android- The Short Answer
What is a Factory Reset?
A factory reset, also called a hard reset or master reset, is a process that restores an electronic device to its original factory settings.
This procedure removes all user data, settings, and applications installed after the device was manufactured, bringing it back to a fresh out of the box state.
Many people use this method to troubleshoot issues, remove personal data before selling or giving away their device, or simply to start fresh with a clean slate.
It’s important to back up any important information before starting because a factory reset will delete everything, including contacts, messages, photos, and installed applications.
If you don’t, you risk losing valuable data with no way to get it back. Understanding this step can save you from unexpected surprises when performing a reset.
Why Reset your Android Device?
Over time, your Android device can slow down as unwanted clutter, files, cache, and apps build up, affecting its performance.
If your phone is affected by malware that you can’t get rid of, a reset is a reliable way to eliminate these issues and restore it to its original state.
If you plan to sell or give away your device, resetting it ensures that your data is completely wiped, protecting your privacy from unauthorized access.
What To Do Before you Perform a Factory Reset on Your Android Device
- Backup Data: Save your important files, photos, and videos to a Google account, cloud storage, or computer to prevent loss.
- Save Login Details: Write down passwords, account credentials, and app settings to easily restore access after the reset.
- Charge Device: Ensure the battery level is at least 70% to avoid interruptions during the reset process.
- Disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP): Turn off FRP in Security settings if you plan to sell or give away the device.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Factory Reset Your Android device
Note: Always save important data before resetting, as the process cannot be undone once completed.
How to Factory Reset your Android Device Using Settings
- Open the Settings app and go to System.
- Select Reset options and tap Factory Data Reset.
- Enter your PIN or password to confirm the reset.
- Your device will restart after the reset is complete.
How to Factory Reset your Android Device Using Recovery Mode
- Turn off your device completely.
- Press and hold the right button combination to enter recovery mode.
- Use volume buttons to go to Wipe Data/Reset, then press the power button.
- Confirm the reset and wait for the process to complete.
- Select Reboot System Now to restart your device.
How to Factory Reset your Android Device When It’s Locked
- Turn off your Android device by holding the power button.
- Press and hold the correct button combination to enter recovery mode.
- Use volume buttons to find Wipe Data/Reset, then press the power button.
- Confirm the reset and wait for the process to finish.
- Select Reboot System Now to restart your device fresh.
How to Factory Reset your Android Device Without a Password
- If you forgot your password, try using your Google account to unlock the device.
- After multiple failed attempts, enter your Google account email and password to regain access.
- Once unlocked, go to Settings, select System, tap Reset, and choose Factory Data Reset.
How to Factory Reset Your Android Device With Buttons
- Turn off your device,
- Hold the power button and volume down,
- Release after the logo appears,
- Enter recovery mode,
- Choose Wipe Data/Factory Reset,
- Then select Reboot System Now.
How to Factory Reset – Normal Mode
- Go to Settings and tap System.
- Select Reset options and choose Erase all data (factory reset).
- Tap Reset Phone or Reset Tablet and confirm Erase Everything.
- Keep the device plugged in as the Reset process may take time.
- Once done, your Android device will reboot, and you’ll see the setup screen like when it was new.
Alternatives to Doing a Factory Reset
Before choosing a factory reset, try simple fixes to improve your Android device. A quick restart can fix minor performance issues.
Clearing the app cache through settings helps free up space and speed up your device. Removing unused apps can free up resources. Keeping your software up-to-date ensures better performance and fixes bugs.
Factory Reset with Hardware Buttons
If your Android device is unresponsive, you can reset it using hardware buttons. This method works when you can’t access settings or the touchscreen stops working.
Turn Off the Device
- Make sure your Android device is completely powered off before starting the factory reset process.
- If the device is unresponsive, try to remove the battery (if possible), wait a few seconds, and then reinsert it.
Perform the Factory Reset
- Press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button together until you see the device’s logo on the screen.
- Use the volume buttons to move through the menu and find Wipe data/reset.
- Select the option by pressing the Power button to confirm the action.
- A new screen will appear; use the buttons to navigate and choose Yes to continue.
- The reset process will begin, erasing everything and restoring the device to default settings.
- Once done, the device will reboot, showing the initial setup screen like when it was new.
Factory Reset Via Find My Device
If your Android device is online and linked to your Google account, go to the Find My Device website. Select your phone or tablet, click Erase Device, and confirm the reset process to restore default settings.
Visit the Find My Device Website
- Open a web browser on any device and go to android.com/find.
- Sign in with the Google account linked to your Android device.
- From the list of devices, choose the one you want to reset.
- Click on Erase Device to begin the reset process.
- Confirm your choice to remotely wipe all data.
- Your phone or tablet will reset to factory settings once connected to the internet.
- This method is useful for software-related issues or if your device is lost.
- Always back up important data before resetting, as the process is irreversible.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Factory Resetting Your Android
A reset will erase all your data, including contacts, messages, settings, and files. Once the process is done, your device will be like a new phone, requiring a full setup.
If your Android device is acting slow or unresponsive, first try deleting apps, restarting, or clearing memory instead of wiping everything. These steps might solve the issue without needing a reset.
If you’re sure about resetting, make sure to back up important data before wiping your phone or tablet. A factory reset is irreversible, and recovering lost files afterward can be challenging.
If you also use Apple products, you may want to bookmark a guide on how to factory reset an iOS device for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you factory reset an Android tablet without a password?
If you can’t access your Android, use system recovery mode. On the screen, press the Volume Down button to highlight the Reset to factory settings option. Press the Power button to proceed. On the Confirm reset screen, select Yes to delete all user data.
How long does an Android factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes up to an hour, so keep your phone charged to at least 70% to avoid interruptions.
What buttons do I push to factory reset Android?
If your device is off, press and hold the power keys and volume down button together. A menu will appear where you can select factory reset to erase everything and reset your device.
Does a factory reset delete everything on an Android?
Yes, a factory reset erases everything on your Android device, including your apps, data, and settings, returning it to its original state. Make sure to save important files before you reset.
How do I factory reset my Samsung phone?
To factory reset your Samsung phone, go to Settings > General management, then swipe and tap Reset. From there, tap Reset all settings, scroll through the information, and hit Reset settings to confirm the reset.
Final Remarks – Factory Reset On Android
Factory resetting an Android device is a powerful way to fix software issues or prepare it for a new user. You can reset your device through Settings, Recovery Mode, or remotely via Find My Device. Before resetting, always back up your data, as the process erases everything. Once completed, your device will return to its factory settings, ready for a fresh start.
That’s all! We hope you now understand how to Factory Reset On Android phone. You can also check out How to Find Recently Deleted Apps on Android/iPhone 2025 and How to Reset Android Auto: A Step-by-Step Guide
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