How to Factory Reset an Android

This article explains how to factory reset an Android. Instructions in this article apply to Android 10 and higher and should work no matter who made your phone (Samsung, Google, Huawei, Xiaomi, etc.).

How to Reset an Android Device

Make sure to back up your Android data before starting the reset process. Most devices back up automatically to Google Drive. Once that's done, follow these steps to restore your Android smartphone or tablet to factory settings.

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap System > Reset options. Or, on some devices, go to System > Advanced > Reset options.

3. Tap Erase all data (factory reset) > Erase all data. Enter your PIN, password, or pattern if necessary.

4. Select Erase all data again.

   This step is the point of no return. Once you select it, the erasing process begins.

5. Once the erasing process is finished, set up your device and restore your backed-up data.

When Your Android Device Freezes or Won't Boot Up Properly

If you can't perform a factory restore because your device is frozen or won't boot up, perform a hardware reset by going into recovery mode. To put the device into recovery mode, power it down, then hold a combination of buttons. On most devices, the Volume Down and Power buttons will work.

The following list shows the button combinations for popular Android-based devices. If you don't see your device manufacturer on the list, the easiest way to find the information is to search Google for "hard reset" and the device brand name.

When the device is in Android recovery mode, use the volume buttons to select commands. In this case, the command is some variation of "wipe" or "delete data." It may simply say, "perform factory reset." The exact wording may vary by manufacturer. Most devices use the Power button as an Enter button. The process can take several minutes.

Reasons to Reset Your Android Device

A factory reset is when all of the data on a tablet or smartphone is erased and the device returns to its original manufacturer settings. Only operating system updates survive this process. A factory reset is an invaluable troubleshooting tool, and it's a necessary step when selling or trading in an older device.