Tutorials
How to Factory Reset Your Phone Safely
Want a worry-free phone reset? Learn how to factory reset your phone safely, protect your data, and make post-reset setup easy with this complete step-by-step guide for all users.
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Taking Charge: Backup Before Hitting the Factory Reset Option
Choosing the Best Backup Method
Handling Large Files and App Settings
| Backup Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Google Drive (Android) | Automatic, covers contacts/photos | Limited free space | Most Android users |
| iCloud Backup (iPhone) | Automated, secure | Limited storage without upgrade | iPhone owners |
| Manual via USB | Complete control | Effort, risk of missing items | Advanced users, large files |
| Google Photos/iCloud Photos | Unlimited photos (compressed) | Not all formats supported | Photo/video backup |
| App-specific Backup | Restores settings/messages | Needs activation per app | Data from messaging/finance apps |
Locking Up Personal Info: Erasing Accounts and Unlinking Devices
Why Accounts Linger After a Factory Reset
- Sign out of email accounts via Settings > Accounts so app data and credentials erase fully before any factory reset step.
- Remove biometrics—like Face ID or fingerprints—because stored credentials can linger and present privacy concerns if you skip them.
- Unpair Bluetooth devices by deleting each from the device list, ensuring you don’t reconnect unwanted tech automatically later.
- Unregister payment applications. Many banking apps require deregistration for security. Find the ‘Deregister’ or ‘Sign out from all devices’ option inside their app settings.
- Factory reset your SIM by removing it physically, avoiding service linkage or number tracking issues after your reset’s finished.
Managing Cloud Sync and Restoring Access
- Turn off ‘Find My Device’ or ‘Find My iPhone’ to disconnect location tracking and make resetting trouble-free for resale or recycling.
- Revoke device permissions for services like Dropbox, OneDrive, and Google Drive. Navigate to the provider’s security page to see signed-in devices and click ‘Remove’ for your old phone.
- Export contacts and calendar events to a file, then move it to your new device or cloud for import after signing in post-reset.
- Double-check social apps—like Instagram and Facebook—for linked devices. Tap Security then Devices, and disconnect everything you don’t recognize.
- Perform a mock restore or trial login to sensitive services on another device to safeguard access without relying on the phone you’re about to factory reset.
