Your phone or tablet is probably an important part of your daily routine. You use these devices to communicate, browse online, and find information. However, there will be times when you need to wipe the device clean and start fresh. Learn how to factory reset Android phones and tablets so you’ll be ready when that day comes.
Why You May Need To Factory Rest Andriod Devices
As you use your phone, you will add apps and personal settings. The phone will also collect different types of data about you and your habits and preferences. This information is good when you have the phone, but if you’re getting rid of it for any reason, you probably want to clear it out. You will want to know how to reset your phone to factory settings in several instances.
- Prepare for sale: If you plan to sell or donate your device, performing a factory reset is crucial to protect your data. A factory reset will erase all data on the device, including personal information, photos, and messages, ensuring that the new owner won’t have access to your information.
- Resolves Software Issues: When you’re experiencing issues with your device, such as freezing, crashing, or frequent restarts, a factory reset can help resolve these issues. It can clear any software glitches or conflicts causing the problems.
- Removes Malware: If your device has been infected with malware or a virus, a factory reset can help remove the malicious software. Malware can cause significant damage to your device, including data theft and system damage.
Steps To Factory Reset an Android Device
Now, let’s look at the steps for completing a factory reset. It’s not a complex process, but you need to know the correct settings to access to get the desired results.
Backup Your Data
Before performing a factory reset, it’s crucial to back up your data. When you factory reset your device, all the data on your phone will be erased, including apps, contacts, messages, photos, and documents. You can back up your data in several ways, such as using Google Backup, a cloud storage service, or manually copying the data to an external drive.
Open the Settings App
Once you’ve backed up your data, open the Settings app on your Android device by tapping the “Settings” icon on your home screen or in the app drawer. In the “Settings” menu, scroll down until you see the “System” option and tap on it. Look for “Reset options” in the System menu and tap on it.
Select “Erase All Data (Factory Reset)”
Under the Reset options menu, select “Erase all data (factory reset).” This option will wipe your device clean, so ensure you have backed up your data. Once you select “Erase all data (factory reset),” you’ll be prompted to confirm the reset. This step is essential because once you confirm the reset, you won’t be able to recover the data. Make sure you are ready to move forward. Tap on “Reset phone” or “Reset tablet” to confirm.
Wait for the Reset to Complete
Depending on the device, the reset process may take a few minutes to complete. Your device will restart, and you’ll be presented with a setup screen, just like when you first bought your phone. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device.
Tricks and Tips
Here are a few additional tips to help you through the factory reset process.
- Charge your device: Make sure your device has enough battery life to complete the factory reset. It’s recommended to have at least 50% battery life before starting the process.
- Remove SD card and SIM card: If your device has an SD card or SIM card, removing them before starting the factory reset process is recommended.
- Use recovery mode: If you cannot access the “Settings” app on your Android device, you can use the recovery mode to perform a factory reset. The process for entering recovery mode varies depending on the device, but it usually involves pressing a combination of buttons during startup.
Confidently Clean Out Your Phone
No matter why you want to know how to factory reset Android phones and tablets, it’s easy to get the desired result. Follow the steps and be confident that your data is cleaned off your old device before separating it. If it’s time to get a new phone, check out your options with enTouch Wireless.
Sources:
https://support.google.com/android/answer/6088915?hl=en
https://www.termsfeed.com/blog/android-sensitive-data-collection/
https://entouchwireless.com/where-to-find-free-internet-service/