Tech & Gadgets

How to Factory Reset a Phone Safely

Selling or giving away your old phone? Back up, sign out and wipe it properly to protect your data.

Editorial TeamNovember 4, 20261 min read

Before you sell, trade in or give away a phone, you should erase it completely. A factory reset removes your data and settings so the next owner can't access your information.

Before you reset

  1. Back up photos, contacts and messages.
  2. Check chat apps like WhatsApp have their own backups.
  3. Sign out of your accounts and turn off device-tracking features.
  4. Remove your SIM card and any memory card.
ImportantOn iPhone, turn off Find My before erasing. On Android, remove your Google account first. Otherwise the next owner may not be able to set up the phone.

iPhone

Go to Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings. Follow the prompts and enter your passcode and Apple ID password.

Android

Go to Settings → System (or General management) → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset). Exact menu names vary by brand.

After the reset

  • The phone should show the welcome or "Hello" screen.
  • Remove the phone from your account's device list online.

A factory reset is permanent. Double-check your backups before you start.

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Written by Editorial Team

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