What an Android factory reset erases, what to back up first, and how factory reset protection asks for your Google account afterwards.
A factory reset erases all data on an Android phone, including apps, accounts, settings, photos and files on internal storage, and returns it to its original software state. Before a reset, back up your data and make sure you know the Google account and screen lock, because factory reset protection asks for them afterwards.
Everything on internal storage is erased. The Android version and updates already installed stay. Data backed up to your Google account or other cloud services can be restored when you sign in again.
If a Google account was on the phone, after a reset the setup asks for the screen lock or that Google account's password. This stops a thief from using a reset phone. Remove the account first if you give the phone away.
Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset) on most phones; Samsung: Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
Last updated: 2026-10-08
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