Sometimes, when all else fails, a device has to be set back to factory defaults to fix problems that have arisen. You may also be selling or returning a phone and want to delete all your personal data. Whatever the reason, here are the various ways that you can get your device back to factory settings.
The path to the factory reset option in most Android phones is similar, but will vary slightly between manufacturers. Below are some of the most common paths. You'll want to back up your phone first and if you're unsure of how to do that, you can check out the tips here. If none of the steps below work on your phone, get in touch and we'll help you get your phone reset.
HTC Phones
1. Apps
2. Settings
3. Backup Reset
4. Reset phone
Back up to cloud should be enabled already
Older HTC Phones
1. Apps
2. Settings
3. Storage
4. Factory data reset
5. Choose if you want to erase the SD (storage) card or not
6. Tap Reset phone
Kyocera Phones
1. Settings
2. Backup and Reset
3. Enable Backup my data and Automatic Restore
4. Tap Factory data reset
5. Select Erase SD card if you choose
6. Tap Reset phone
LG Phones
1. Apps
2. Settings
3. Backup Reset
4. Enable Back up my data and Automatic restore; if you've set up a back up account, then also check the box for Backup account
5. Tap Factory data reset
6. Confirm the reset by tapping Reset phone
Older LG Phones
1. Apps
2. Settings
3. Privacy
4. Enable Back up my data and Automatic restore
5. Tap Factory data reset
6. Select Erase internal memory
7. Tap Reset phone
Motorola Phones
1. Settings
2. Privacy
3. Enable Back up my data and Automatic restore
4. Tap Factory Data Reset
5. Select Erase internal storage and Erase SD card (if you want to wipe the SD card)
6. Tap Reset phone
Samsung Phones
1. Apps
2. Settings
3. Backup and reset
4. Enable Back up my data and Automatic restore; if you've set up a back up account, then also check the box for Backup account
5. Tap Factory data reset
6. Select Format (erase) USB storage if you want to wipe the SD card
7. Tap Reset device
Older Samsung Phones
1. Apps
2. Settings
3. Privacy
4. Factory data reset
5. Select Erase SD card if you want to wipe the SD card
6. Tap Reset phone
Reset and erase IOS iPhones
DO NOT manually delete anything from your phone when you are logged into your iCloud account as that will also delete all that information from iCloud and all your other iCloud devices.
To reset a phone to factory defaults
1. Tap the Settings app
2. Tap General
3. Tap Reset
4. Tap Erase All Content and Settings
5. Enter passcode (if applicable)
6. Tap Erase iPhone
7. Tap Erase iPhone
Your phone can also be remotely erased if Find My iPhone activated:
1. Sign into the iCloud account
2. Click on Find My iPhone
3. When map comes up, click on iPhone drop down at the top
4. Select the correct device
5. Click Erase iPhone
6. Once erased, click Remove from Account