How to Wipe and Reset an Android Tablet or Phone

A factory reset is a process that erases the data on a tablet or smartphone and returns it to the original manufacturer settings. Only operating system updates survive this process, so when an Android device is reset to its factory defaults, the updates don't have to be installed again. A factory reset is an invaluable troubleshooting tool, and there are a few other reasons to reset your device.

There are three reasons to reset an Android device:

• To fix a problem: The main reason to reset a device is to correct problems that can’t be corrected another way. Examples of these problems include default apps such as the Google Chrome browser no longer work and the device becomes slow. Before wiping the device — that is, erasing all the data on it — reboot the device, check the internet speed, and try other troubleshooting steps to fix the problem. Perform a device reset if rebooting the device doesn't work.
• To sell the device: Another common reason to reset a device is to sell it to someone else. Don’t sell or donate a smartphone or tablet without erasing all the data on it. Resetting the device to the factory defaults is the best way to erase your data.
• To set up a preowned device: Perform a reset when you buy a used Android tablet or smartphone, especially if that device is set up and ready for use. Unless you received the device from a close friend or family member, don't trust that the operating system is in a clean state.

Before starting the reset process, back up the device. Starting with Android Marshmallow (version 6.x), the device backs up automatically to Google Drive. Or, download an app such as Ultimate Backup to back up the device manually.

When the tablet or phone restarts, a progress screen displays. This screen indicates that the device is erasing the data. When the data has been deleted, the operating system restarts and shows a screen that is similar to the one it had when it was taken out of the box. The whole process takes a few minutes.

It's possible to perform a hardware reset by going into Android recovery mode. To put the device into recovery mode, hold a combination of buttons. On most devices, hold the Volume Down and Power buttons.

The following list shows the button combinations for popular Android-based devices. If you don't see your device manufacturer on the list, the easiest way to find the information is to search Google for "master reset" and the device brand name.

There are different ways to access the Android recovery mode because manufacturers make it difficult to trigger recovery mode accidentally. Recovery mode makes it easy to wipe the device.

When the device is in Android recovery mode, use the volume buttons to select the command. In this case, the command is some variation of "wipe" or "delete data." It may simply say "perform factory reset." The exact wording may vary by manufacturer. Most devices use the Power button as an Enter button, so press Power when you've selected the command to wipe the device. The process can take several minutes.