Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →A factory reset erases data and settings stored on an Android phone’s internal storage, including installed apps and their data. It does not automatically erase every copy: data already backed up to a Google Account may remain restorable, and a removable SD card may be left untouched. What happens to external storage, eSIMs, and account verification depends on the device and reset method.
What a factory reset erases from the phone
A factory reset clears the phone’s local internal storage and returns its software to a fresh state. Google’s guidance says that apps and their data are uninstalled. Sony’s list of examples for its phones includes accounts, contacts, calendar items, notes, messages and email, apps, photos, videos, music, settings, and bookmarks. Those examples illustrate the kinds of local data that can be removed; the exact list depends on the manufacturer and device.
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Before resetting, treat anything stored only on the phone as at risk. This can include files or app information that has not been synced or backed up. Do not assume that a reset will preserve local data just because it is not visible in the main photo or contacts app.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsWhat a reset does not necessarily erase
Copies in a Google Account or another backup
A reset removes the phone’s local data, not necessarily copies already stored in an online account. Google says data stored in a Google Account can be restored, but all apps and their data are uninstalled during the reset. Restoration is therefore not a guarantee that every app, setting, file, or app-specific record will return. Check that the items you care about are actually backed up, and check each app’s own backup or sync options.
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- 【OTG Function】:Support nearly all mobile phones which support OTG function,and very easy to operate
Files on a removable SD card
External-card behavior is not uniform. Sony says a factory data reset on its devices does not erase photos, videos, music, and documents on a memory card. Google likewise cautions that there are cases in which an SD card may not be deleted. If you plan to keep the card, remove it before handing over the phone; if you plan to erase it, follow the phone maker’s instructions rather than assuming the reset will do it.
eSIM service
Do not assume a consumer factory reset will either preserve or remove an eSIM. Google’s Android Management API describes eSIM wiping in managed-device deletion and distinguishes company-owned from personally owned devices; that is not a universal description of consumer reset screens. If you need to keep mobile service or transfer it, check the phone maker’s and carrier’s directions for your exact model and plan.
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Resetting does not remove every account check
After some reset methods, a phone may ask for a Google Account that was previously registered on it. Samsung documents this Factory Reset Protection behavior for Galaxy devices, with the requirement depending on the reset method. That guidance is not a guarantee that every Android model will prompt in the same way. Before resetting or giving a phone to someone else, make sure you know the account credentials and screen-lock PIN, pattern, or password associated with it.
Back up and prepare before resetting
- Verify account access. Confirm you can sign in to the Google Account on the phone, and know its screen-lock credential. Google recommends waiting 24 hours after a recent Google Account password change before resetting.
- Check the backup itself. Confirm that the photos, contacts, documents, messages, and other data you want are backed up or synced. Google’s backup guidance does not mean that every app and its data will be restored.
- Handle app-specific and local-only data. Use the relevant app or manufacturer backup method for information that may not be included in a general account backup. Copy files you cannot afford to lose before proceeding.
- Check removable storage. Find out whether your model’s reset erases its memory card. Remove a card containing files you want to keep before handing over the phone.
- Check eSIM instructions if relevant. Consult the manufacturer and carrier if you need to preserve or transfer service.
- Use the appropriate reset instructions. Follow the directions for your model and software. For Pixel trade-ins, Google specifically recommends starting the reset from Settings.
- Consider other fixes first if troubleshooting. Google recommends trying other troubleshooting steps before a factory reset when the goal is to solve a software problem.
Where to find the reset instructions
Android phones generally
Google recommends checking the phone manufacturer’s instructions because the steps vary. Its general Android reset guidance also notes that some steps apply only to Android 14 and later.
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Google Pixel
Google’s Pixel guide gives this Settings route: System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Google says to use the Settings reset option when preparing a Pixel for trade-in. The available labels or steps can vary with Android version.
Samsung Galaxy
Samsung warns that menu names and screen layouts can differ by model and software version. Its guidance also describes Factory Reset Protection and the possibility that a previously registered Google Account will be needed after a reset, depending on how it was performed.
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- EXPAND YOUR STORAGE. Easily move files off your device, freeing up valuable space so you can store your favorite photos, movies, music, games, and more.
- Say goodbye to emailing photos between devices. Once they’re on your SanDisk Phone Drive, read speeds up to 100MB/s let you transfer files fast. (1 MB/s = 1 million bytes per second. Based on internal testing; performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors. USB Type-C port with USB 3.2 Gen 1 support required.)
- AUTOMATIC BACKUP. Automatically back up your latest photos, videos, music, documents, and contacts with the SanDisk Memory Zone app. (Download and installation required. Set up automatic backup within app settings. See official SanDisk website for Memory Zone details.)
- DATA RECOVERY. Recover deleted files with the included RescuePRO Deluxe software.(Registration and download required; terms and conditions apply. See RescuePRO page on SanDisk site.)
- CONVENIENT DESIGN. Attach your drive to your keyring to help keep it secure so you can have storage wherever you are, whenever you need it.
Other manufacturers and managed phones
For other Android models, use the manufacturer’s instructions for the exact device and software version. Work- or school-managed phones may be subject to management-console wipe settings that differ from a personal phone’s reset controls.
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Official guidance
- Google: Reset your Android device to factory settings
- Google: Back up or restore data on your Android device
- Sony: Will I lose my data when I perform a factory reset?
- Google for Developers: Android Management API wipe flags
- Samsung: What is Factory Reset Protection (FRP)?
- Google Pixel: Reset your Pixel phone to factory settings
- Google: Fix an Android device that freezes or won’t respond
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