How to factory reset an Android phone: A Privacy-focused guide

Securely wipe your Android, remove personal data, and restore privacy with this guide.

4 mins Read
Factory Reset Android.png

Your Android phone is more than just a device – it holds your messages, accounts, photos, and personal data. When it starts acting up, gets cluttered with unnecessary apps, or you’re preparing to sell it, a factory reset can help restore it to a clean, optimized state. However, wiping your phone properly is crucial to ensure that no residual data lingers.

This guide will walk you through securely resetting your Android phone while keeping your privacy intact.

When should you factory reset your Android device?

A factory reset can be a game-changer in situations like:

  • Suspected malware or spyware – If your phone behaves strangely, a reset eliminates potential hidden threats.
  • Slow performance – Years of app installations and cached data can slow things down.
  • Selling or gifting your device – You don’t want your personal information falling into someone else’s hands.
  • Persistent software issues – If troubleshooting hasn’t worked, a fresh start might be the best solution.

What does a factory reset erase?

What a full Android reset removes

✅ Installed apps and their data

✅ System settings and preferences

✅ Messages, contacts, and accounts

✅ Photos, downloads, and stored files (unless backed up)

What a Android reset does not remove

❌ Pre-installed system apps

❌ Android OS updates (your system won’t revert to an older version)

Backing up your data before resetting

  • Navigate to Settings > Google > Backup.
  • Make sure Google Drive backup is turned on.
  • Tap Back Up Now to save your most recent data.

  • Upload critical documents and media to your preferred cloud service.
  • Transfer files to an external hard drive or computer.

How to factory reset your Android phone

  1. Open Settings.
  2. Scroll to System > Reset options.
  3. Select Erase all data (factory reset).
  4. Tap Reset phone, then confirm by selecting Erase everything.
  5. Your phone will restart and begin the reset process.

If your device is unresponsive or you can’t access settings, Recovery Mode is the next option:

  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Press and hold the Power + Volume Up (or Volume Down, depending on the manufacturer) until the recovery menu appears.
  3. Use the volume buttons to navigate and select Wipe data/factory reset.
  4. Confirm by selecting Yes.
  5. Once finished, select Reboot system now.

If you’re handing off your phone to someone else, take a few additional steps:

  • Remove your Google account before resetting (Settings > Accounts > Google > Remove Account) to avoid activation lock issues.
  • Encrypt your data before wiping (Settings > Security > Encrypt phone) to prevent data recovery attempts.
  • Verify reset completion: After setup, check Storage in settings to ensure no personal data remains.

Next steps after factory resetting Android

  1. Sign in to your Google account during setup.
  2. Choose Restore from Google Backup.
  3. Select the most recent backup to recover apps, contacts, and settings.

After a reset, take the opportunity to install tools that enhance your digital security:

  • Encrypted messaging apps (Signal, Session)
  • Privacy-focused browsers (Brave)
  • Tracker-blocking tools (RethinkDNS, Blokada)
  • A secure VPN like NymVPN for private browsing

Final thoughts

A factory reset is one of the most effective ways to refresh your device, fix persistent issues, and remove any potential security threats. Whether you’re just troubleshooting or preparing your phone for a new owner, doing it correctly ensures no sensitive data is left behind.

Once your phone is reset, don’t stop there – take control of your digital privacy by using privacy-focused apps, encrypted communication, and decentralized VPNs like NymVPN. A clean slate is just the first step toward true online security.

Android factory reset: FAQs

A factory reset deletes personal data—apps, settings, messages, photos, and accounts—and resets system preferences. It does not remove pre-installed system apps, OS updates, or data on microSD/SIM card.

Yes. Factory resets mark deleted files as reusable without overwriting them. Advanced recovery tools can retrieve residual data unless additional measures (like encryption or overwriting) are taken.

To prevent recovery:

  • Encrypt your device first (Settings → Security → Encrypt phone).
  • Perform a factory reset.

For maximal safety, overwrite storage with junk data or use NIST‑standard erasure tools.

Android’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP) requires entering the previous Google Account and screen lock PIN after a reset. Removing Google Accounts before resetting helps avoid setup lockouts.

Android does not automatically clear all cached data. After a reset, leftover cache may remain until overwritten by new use. Recovery mode “wipe cache partition” or encryption before resetting improves data privacy.

Share

Keep Reading...

Pablo: Improve quality

How to use Android Safe Mode

A privacy-focused guide to Android

6 mins read
NymVPN App Blog Image

Nym is more than a VPN

The first app that protects you from AI surveillance thanks to a noise-generating mixnet

8 mins read
Pablo: Improve quality

What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network)?

A guide to the popular privacy tool with centralized and decentralized forms

12 mins read
nym network.webp

Nym’s zero-knowledge network: No logging promises needed

Turning a VPN no log’s policy into a network design and guarantee

11 mins read