How to Perform a Wipe Data/Factory Reset on an Android Device

"Wipe Data/Factory Reset" is a term used in electronic devices, particularly smartphones and tablets, referring to the process of restoring a device's data and settings to its original, out-of-the-box state. This procedure deletes all personal data, applications, settings, and any other user-added or modified content, effectively making the device as if it just came fresh from the factory. It is generally recommended to perform this action before selling, trading, or disposing of a device to ensure the privacy and security of your information.

Erasing or factory resetting your Android smartphone is a great way to fix various issues with the phone. If you're planning to sell it and need to wipe all the data, you should perform a factory reset/data wipe before handing the phone over to the buyer.

When you factory reset your Android, all installed apps and their data are deleted. It also returns all of the device's default settings to how they were when the phone was first purchased, giving you a clean slate.

How to Perform a Data Wipe/Clear Factory Reset on Android
Common Issues with Data Wipe/Clear Factory Reset
Bonus Tip: How to Wipe Data on Computer

How to Perform a Data Wipe/Clear Factory Reset on an Android Device

Erasing your data and performing a factory reset on your Android device is a simple process. In just a few minutes, you can wipe everything from the internal storage of your Android device. Here's how to erase your device's data and reset it to its factory settings:

1. First, turn off your device. Then, hold down the Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power buttons on your Android until it turns on.

2. Once you've done that, you should see this.

You will see the following screen:

3. When the device powers on, release the buttons. Use the Volume keys to scroll through the options on the screen, and the Power button to select “Recovery mode.” Your phone will reboot into “Recovery mode,” and you'll see a screen that looks like this:

4. Hold down the Power button and, while holding it, press the Volume Up button to navigate to the Android System Recovery menu.

5. Scroll down the list of commands and select “Wipe data/factory reset” using the Power key.

Select “Wipe data”

6. Scroll down to “Yes – Delete all user data” using the Volume Down button, then press the Power button to begin the deletion process.

Your device will be reset to its factory settings, and all data will be deleted after a while. This process should take only a few minutes. Make sure your phone is charged to at least 70% to avoid running out of battery during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions about "Erase Data / Reset to Factory Settings"

Will a factory reset delete all data?

There may be numerous instances when you might need to perform a data wipe/factory reset on your smartphone. For example, this could be due to an issue with your Android smartphone that you want to fix. In such cases, wiping data off the phone is a generic approach. Even if you plan to sell your device, a factory reset seems like the best option. Most importantly, you do not want to leave any traces of personal data on the device.

What if the Erase Data/Factory Reset option does not appear?

If a factory reset doesn't work – or doesn't work for long – the problem is probably with your device's hardware. If it's still under warranty, you should get it repaired or replaced.

Does a factory reset remove viruses?

Factory resetting or wiping your data is a good trick. It does eliminate some viruses and malware, but not all.

Additional Tip: How to Wipe Data from Your Computer

1. Make sure you have backed up all important data to the cloud. Learn about cloud services here.

2. Log out of all services you're signed into.

3. Download the tool Partition Master.

A partition manager tool has the feature of erasing data. If you want to erase data from your computer, it can be easily done with third-party software.

We have two options for clearing your data. Please choose the one you need.

Option 1: Erase Partition

1. Right-click the partition you want to wipe and select "Erase." 2. In the new window, set the time you want to erase the partition for, then click "OK." 3. Click "Execute 1 Task" in the bottom right corner, review your changes, and click "Apply."

Option 2: Erase the disk

1. Select HDD/SSD, then right-click on Erase Disk.
2. Set the number of times you want to overwrite the data. (Maximum of 10.) Click OK.
3. Click Perform 1 Task, then click Apply.

More features:

• OS Migration to SSD/HDD: Suppose you're currently using an HDD and want to upgrade to an SSD; the Partition Master tool can assist. Since HDDs and SSDs are quite different, this isn't an easy task. The tool helps you migrate your OS from an HDD to an SSD, or vice versa.
• Resize/Move Partition: If you've created a large partition and wish to divide it into smaller sections, use this option.
• Copy Partition: Ideal for users wanting to clone an entire partition, including all its files.
• Merge Partitions: As the name suggests, this feature allows you to combine multiple partitions into one.
• Change Drive Letter: This option comes in handy if you want to change the drive letter.
• Check Partition: If you're encountering issues and want to run some tests, this function is useful as it checks partition properties, runs the chkdsk.exe file, and performs a surface test.
• Hide Partition: Use this feature when you want to hide a partition for security reasons.
• Delete Partition: To delete an entire partition, utilize this function. The partition will be completely removed within seconds. After that, you can continue using your computer normally or create a new partition.
• Format Partition: If you want to keep the partition but not its contents, this feature is available.