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    How to Factory Reset an Android Phone Before Selling

    A factory reset erases your personal data from an Android phone before you sell it or pass it on. Here is how to back up your data first and then wipe the device safely.

    3 min read 5 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Back Up Your Data to Google

    ~28s
    Go to SettingsSystemBackup (path varies by phone brand). Make sure "Back up to Google Drive" is on and shows a recent backup date. Tap "Back up now" to create a fresh backup. Also open Google Photos and make sure all your photos are backed up (look for "Backup complete" at the top of Photos).

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: On Samsung phones, look in SettingsAccounts and backupBack up data. Samsung has its own backup system in addition to Google's.

    2

    Sign Out of Your Google Account

    ~26s
    Go to SettingsAccountsGoogle → tap your account → Remove account. This signs you out of Gmail, Google Pay, and all Google services on the phone. It also removes Factory Reset Protection so the new owner can set up the phone without needing your password.

    Warning

    Remove your Google account BEFORE doing the factory reset. If you reset first without signing out, the new owner will be stuck at a screen asking for your Google account during setup.

    3

    Perform the Factory Reset

    ~17s
    Go to SettingsSystemReset optionsErase all data (factory reset). The exact path varies by brand: on Samsung, look in SettingsGeneral managementResetFactory data reset. Review what will be deleted and tap "Reset" or "Erase everything." Enter your PIN if asked.
    4

    Wait for the Reset to Complete

    ~16s
    The phone powers off and goes through the reset process. This can take 5–20 minutes. Do not press any buttons or pull out the battery during this time. The phone restarts and shows the initial setup screen with language selection when it is done.
    5

    Prepare for the New Owner

    ~19s
    The reset phone is ready for setup. Stop at the setup screen — do not set it up yourself, as that would link it to your account again. Remove the SIM card (using the SIM tray tool or a small paperclip in the side slot). Include the phone's charger and original accessories if you have them.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: How to Factory Reset an Android Phone Before Selling

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    When you are done with an Android phone and plan to sell it, trade it in, or donate it, a factory reset is essential. Without it, the next owner could access your Gmail, Google Pay, saved passwords, photos, and any apps where you were still logged in.

    A factory reset wipes all personal data from the phone and restores the operating system to factory defaults — just like it was when it came out of the box. Before you do this, back up your data to Google so you can restore it on your new phone.

    Google automatically backs up most things: contacts, calendar events, app data, call history, and device settings. Your photos and videos sync to Google Photos if you have that turned on. Messages and WhatsApp chats may need separate backup steps.

    After a factory reset on Android, Google's Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature may require the previous owner's Google account to set up the phone — but only if you do NOT sign out of your Google account before resetting. Signing out first removes this protection for the new owner.

    The reset process takes 5–20 minutes depending on how much data is on the phone.

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    Official Resources

    Apple Support — iPhoneGoogle Help — AndroidSamsung Support

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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    How to Factory Reset an Android Phone Before Selling — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure