How to Factory Reset an Android Phone Safely

By Ammar Aslam · Updated September 29, 2026 · 3 min read

A factory reset erases everything on your phone and returns it to how it was when it left the factory. It's the right step before selling or giving away a phone, and it can fix serious software problems. Because it deletes everything, preparation is essential.

Step 1: Back up everything

Turn on Google Backup in Settings and tap Back up now.
Make sure Google Photos has finished backing up photos and videos.
Back up WhatsApp chats in WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat backup.
Copy files from Downloads and Documents to a computer or cloud.
Move authenticator app codes to another device.

Our backup guide covers this in more detail, and see backing up contacts.

Step 2: Know your passwords

After a reset, Android's Factory Reset Protection may ask for the Google account that was on the phone. This stops thieves using stolen phones. Make sure you know your Google account email and password before resetting.

Step 3 (if selling): Remove accounts

Go to Settings → Accounts (or Passwords & accounts) and remove your Google account and any Samsung or other brand accounts. Also remove the SIM card and memory card.

Step 4: Reset the phone

Charge the phone to at least 50%.
Go to Settings → System → Reset options (Samsung: General management → Reset).
Choose Erase all data (factory reset).
Confirm with your PIN or password.

The phone restarts and erases everything. It takes a few minutes.

If the phone won't start

Most phones can be reset from recovery mode: turn off the phone, then hold a button combination (often Power + Volume Up) until the recovery menu appears. Use volume buttons to choose Wipe data/factory reset. Button combinations differ by brand, so check your manufacturer's support site.

After the reset

When setting up again, sign in with your Google account and choose to restore from backup. Apps, settings and data will come back, and WhatsApp can restore chats when you reinstall it.

Don't factory reset without a backup unless you're sure there's nothing on the phone you need. Deleted data cannot be recovered afterwards.

Factory reset checklist (print or screenshot this)

☐ Google Backup completed today
☐ Google Photos shows "Backup complete"
☐ WhatsApp chat backup completed today
☐ Contacts visible at contacts.google.com
☐ Important files copied from Downloads and Documents
☐ Authenticator codes moved or backup codes saved
☐ Google account email and password known
☐ Banking apps: know login details; re-registration may need SMS on your SIM
☐ Phone charged above 50%
☐ (Selling) Accounts removed, SIM and memory card taken out

Understanding Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

FRP is a security feature that stops thieves from simply resetting and reusing stolen phones. After a reset, if a Google account was still signed in, the phone asks for that account's details during setup. This is why you must remove your account before giving a phone away, and why buying a phone that asks for "the previous owner's account" is a warning sign.

If you're locked out of your own phone by FRP, recover your Google account password on another device first, wait at least 24 hours after any password change (FRP may block recently changed passwords), and then sign in. Avoid "FRP bypass" tools and services, which are often scams or malware, and may be illegal to use on phones you don't own.

Resetting to fix problems vs. selling

When resetting to fix problems, restore from backup afterwards but reinstall apps gradually, testing the phone along the way. If an app caused the original problem, you'll spot it quickly instead of restoring the issue along with everything else.

Frequently asked questions

Does a factory reset remove viruses?

Yes, in almost all cases.

Does it remove the Android update?

No, the phone keeps its current Android version.

Ammar Aslam
Ammar writes clear, practical tech guides that help everyday users fix problems, stay safe online and get more from their devices.