Go to Settings → Google → Backup and make sure Back up to Google Drive is toggled on. This backs up your contacts, app data, call history, SMS messages, and device settings automatically.
On the same Backup screen, tap Back up now. Wait for the backup to show a recent timestamp — don't proceed until it says "Backup complete" or shows today's date and time.
Photos are NOT always included in the standard Google backup. Open Google Photos, go to Library, and make sure all photos show as backed up (no cloud icon with a slash). Alternatively, connect your phone to a computer and copy your photos manually.
Write down or export any passwords not saved in your Google account. Check apps like your bank, work email, or two-factor authentication apps — you'll need to set these up again after the reset.
If your phone has a microSD card slot and you store photos or files on it, physically remove the card before resetting. Some factory resets offer the option to wipe the SD card too — you don't want to accidentally erase it.
Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the gear icon, or find Settings in your app drawer.
On Samsung phones: scroll down to General Management, then tap Reset. On Google Pixel and most other Android phones: tap System, then tap Reset options. The exact path varies slightly by brand and Android version.
You'll see a list of reset options. Tap Factory data reset (Samsung) or Erase all data (Pixel and others). Do not tap any other option like Reset network settings or Reset all settings — those are less thorough.
Android will display a complete list of everything that will be erased — accounts, apps, music, photos, and settings. Read through it, then scroll to the bottom.
Tap the Reset button at the bottom, then enter your PIN, password, or pattern when prompted to confirm your identity.
One final confirmation tap kicks off the process. Your phone will restart and begin wiping itself. This takes 5–10 minutes — don't interrupt it or remove the battery during this time.
Hold the power button and select Power off. If the phone is frozen and won't respond, hold the power button for 10–15 seconds to force it off.
The key combo varies by brand. Samsung: hold Power + Volume Up + Bixby button simultaneously. Google Pixel: hold Power + Volume Down. Most others: hold Power + Volume Down. Hold until you see the Android Recovery screen.
The touchscreen doesn't work in Recovery Mode. Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to move the highlight up and down through the menu options.
When Wipe data/factory reset is highlighted, press the Power button to confirm your selection. You'll be taken to a confirmation screen.
Navigate to Yes using the Volume buttons and press Power to confirm. The wipe will begin immediately and may take a few minutes.
After the wipe completes, navigate to Reboot system now and press Power. Your phone will restart fresh into the setup screen.
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