things you should always do before factory resetting a phone
A factory reset (also known as erasing all content and settings) returns your smartphone to its original “out-of-the-box” state, wiping away apps, photos, messages, accounts, custom settings, and personal data. While it’s an effective way to troubleshoot persistent issues, prepare a device for sale, or give it away, the process is irreversible — making proper preparation essential to avoid permanent data loss, account lockouts, or activation problems.
Whether you’re using an Android device or an iPhone, follow these key steps before hitting that reset button. The advice reflects current best practices as of early 2026, incorporating official guidance from Google and Apple.
1. Back Up Everything Important
This is the single most critical step. A factory reset permanently deletes data stored on the device, so ensure nothing valuable is left behind.
- Photos, videos, and files — Sync to cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud Photos, Google Drive, OneDrive, or transfer manually to a computer/external drive.
- Contacts, calendars, and messages — Most sync automatically with your Google Account (Android) or Apple ID (iPhone), but verify in settings.
- App data — Many apps (e.g., WhatsApp, games, notes) offer their own cloud backups. Manually back up WhatsApp chats, export health data, or save game progress if not cloud-synced.
- Full device backup — Android: Use Google Backup in Settings > System > Backup. iPhone: Create an iCloud backup or connect to a computer via Finder/iTunes.
- Other items — Save documents, downloads, music, ringtones, alarms, call logs, and any non-cloud-synced items.
Pro tip: Test restoring a few items (like photos or contacts) on another device to confirm your backups work.
2. Record Essential Login Credentials
After the reset, you’ll need to sign back in everywhere.
- Note your Google Account (Android) or Apple ID credentials, including password and recovery details.
- Save passwords for your password manager, banking apps, email, social media, and any 2FA apps (e.g., Google Authenticator — export recovery codes or seeds beforehand).
- Screenshot Wi-Fi networks, custom layouts, accessibility settings, or other preferences that aren’t automatically restored.
3. Sign Out of Accounts and Disable Security Features
Failing here can trigger lockouts, especially when selling or giving away the phone.
- Android — Remove all Google accounts from Settings > Accounts. This helps prevent Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which requires the original account credentials during setup after reset. Also sign out of Samsung, manufacturer, or other accounts.
- iPhone — Turn off Find My iPhone (Settings > [Your Name] > Find My > Find My iPhone). Sign out of your Apple ID if needed.
- Log out of individual apps like WhatsApp, banking, social media, and email clients to avoid access issues.
4. Handle Device-Specific Preparations
- iPhone — If switching to Android, turn off iMessage (Settings > Messages) to prevent text delivery problems. Unpair any Apple Watch or other accessories.
- Both platforms — Remove your SIM card (and eSIM if applicable) if selling the device. Decrypt any encrypted SD cards (Android).
- Charge your phone to at least 70% and connect to Wi-Fi — the reset process can take up to an hour.
5. Double-Check Forgotten Items
Common oversights include:
- WhatsApp or messaging app backups
- Transit/wallet cards (newer Android versions may prompt backups)
- Bluetooth-paired devices
- Saved Wi-Fi passwords
- Game progress not tied to accounts
Quick Comparison: Android vs. iPhone Preparations
Step Android Focus iPhone Focus Primary Backup Google Backup iCloud or computer backup Key Security Feature Remove Google accounts to avoid FRP Turn off Find My iPhone Common Extra Step Decrypt SD card if encrypted Disable iMessage if switching platforms Account Removal Remove from Settings > Accounts Sign out of Apple ID Time Estimate Up to 1 hour; charge to 70%+ Similar; ensure latest software
By completing these steps thoroughly, you’ll minimize risks and make the post-reset setup smooth. Always try less drastic fixes (like clearing cache or updating software) before resorting to a full reset. Once you’re confident your data is safely stored elsewhere, proceed with peace of mind — your phone will emerge fresh, fast, and ready for its next chapter.
About The Author
