How to Reset Your Android Device Before You Sell It

Ready to sell your Android phone or tablet? You need to protect your data with a factory reset. Here’s how to reset your Android device to factory settings. Note: Different devices might use different names or store settings in different places. These steps present a general overview. If you get stuck, check the manufacturer’s website for model-specific instructions.

STEP 1: Back up your device

Connect your device to WiFi
Browse to SYSTEM > ADVANCED > BACKUP (or search for “backup”)
Make sure your backup service is enabled

If you’re using Google for backups, everything you need to restore your data, apps and settings on a new device will be backed up.

STEP 2: Turn off Find My Device

Browse to APPS > SETTINGS > GOOGLE (GOOGLE SERVICES)
Select LOCATION and turn it off
Select SECURITY
Turn off “remotely locate this device” and “allow remote lock and erase”

STEP 3: Reset to factory settings

Browse to SETTINGS > SYSTEM > ADVANCED > RESET OPTIONS
Select ERASE ALL DATA (FACTORY RESET)
Select RESET PHONE/TABLET
If prompted, enter your password or pin
Select ERASE EVERYTHING

Note that you can also hard reset your Android device by accessing the recovery menu. This involves holding some combination of volume and power buttons. However, we do not recommend this method to factory reset your Android if you intend to sell it. A recovery menu reset can require the buyer to enter your Google account information during device set up. That means you would need to give the buyer your account login (not ideal) or the buyer would need to ship the phone back to you to reset it via the settings menu, which can delay payment. Thus, it’s best to use the process outlined above to reset your Android device.

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