Warning: these processes will erase all the data from your device’s internal storage, including personal files such as photos, documents, texts, etc. Be sure to backup your phone’s data beforehand.
Reset your Android Device
Resetting your phone via Android Software where you go in to settings and click on backup & reset, then tap on factory reset isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. There is always something that stays because you are using software that requires storage in the temp files which it claims to clear which keeps pictures, documents and other things so how can a program erase what it’s using without crashing your phone? – It doesn’t.
Let me teach you the right way to clear your android device. Now, like I said above, this will erase everything on your phone and return it to factory defaults. For those that still don’t understand, this will put the device back to the point of just purchased.
- Turn off the phone completely.
- Press and hold the Volume down button then hold the Power button until the phone turns on.
- You’ll gain access to recovery mode which is black and white or green letters.
- Release all the buttons
- Use the Volume down until Wipe data/factory reset is highlighted.
- Quick press the Power button to start the wipe.
- You’ll see a lot of text stating that the phone is Clearing Cache & Clearing Data
- Once the phone has finished it’s process, you should have access to volume controls
- Use the volume controls to move and select Reboot system now.
- Hit the power button to finalize the process
Everything on the phone should be erased that needs to be erased and would resemble a New phone.
You could donate the phone to someone, you could take it to an eWaste provider or you could sell the phone if you desired.
Devices This Article works with:
- Samsung S20, S21, S22, S23 and other Samsung mobile devices
- Google Pixel Devices
- Motorola Android Devices
Updated for 2026