A Factory Reset (also known as hard reset or master reset) restores your Android device to its original factory settings, erasing all user data and installed apps.
What Gets Erased
- All installed applications
- User data and settings
- Contacts (unless synced to cloud)
- Messages
- Photos and videos (in internal storage)
- Downloaded files
- Account information
What Stays
- Operating system
- Pre-installed apps
- Data on SD card (usually)
How to Factory Reset
From Settings
- Go to Settings → System → Reset
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
- Confirm and enter PIN if required
From Recovery Mode
- Boot into Recovery Mode
- Select Wipe data/factory reset
- Confirm the action
- Select Reboot system now
When to Factory Reset
- Selling or giving away your device
- Fixing persistent software issues
- Removing malware
- Starting fresh
- Before installing custom ROM
