How to Factory Reset an Android Phone or Tablet

This wikiHow teaches you how to reset your Android device to its factory settings using either a basic reset or if you're experiencing more serious issues, recovery mode.

1

Open your device's Settings. It's often a gear-shaped icon (⚙️) or an icon containing a series of slider bars.

2

Scroll down and tap Backup & reset. It's in either the Personal or Privacy section of the menu, depending on device and Android version.

• If you are on a Samsung Galaxy device, instead tap General Management and then tap Reset.

3

Tap Factory data reset. It's at the bottom of the menu.

Tap Reset Phone. Once the reset process is complete, your phone will be formatted as it was when it left the factory.

• If you are on a Samsung Galaxy device, instead tap Reset.

Tap Erase everything to confirm. This will immediately erase all of the phone's data and reboots to the factory default settings and configuration. The process can take several minutes.

• If you are on a Samsung Galaxy device, instead tap Delete All.