How to Reset an Android Device
Make sure to back up your Android data before starting the reset process. Starting with Android Marshmallow (version 6.x), your device backs up automatically to Google Drive. Or you can download an app such as Ultimate Backup to back up the device manually. Once that’s done, follow these steps to restore your Android smartphone or tablet to factory settings.
Open your phone or tablet’s Settings app. Tap System > Advanced > Reset options. You might be able to skip Advanced and go straight to Reset options. Tap Erase all data (factory reset) > Erase all data. Enter your PIN, password, or pattern if necessary. Select Erase all data again. This step is the point of no return. Once you select it, the erasing process begins. 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, it’s possible to perform a hardware reset by going into Android 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.
3 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.
