How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

To remove all data from your phone, you can reset your phone to factory settings. Factory resets are also called “formatting” or “hard resets.”

Get ready to factory reset

Important: A factory reset erases all your data from your phone.

If you're resetting to fix an issue, we recommend first trying other solutions. Learn how to troubleshoot Android issues.

Know Google Account username & password

To restore your data after you reset your phone, you must enter security info. When you enter the info, it shows that you or someone you trust did the reset.

  1. Be sure that you know a Google Account on the phone.
    • Open your phone's Settings app.
    • Tap Accounts. If you don't have the option to tap "Accounts," get help from your device manufacturer.
    • You'll find a Google Account username.
  2. Be sure that you know the password for the Google Account on the phone. To confirm, sign in to that account on another device or computer. If you don't remember the password, get sign-in help.
  3. If you've set a screen lock, be sure that you know your phone's PIN, pattern, or password. If you can't unlock your phone, learn what you can do.

Tip: If you recently reset your Google Account password, wait 24 hours before you perform a factory reset.

Back up your data to your Google Account

A factory data reset erases your data from the phone. While data stored in your Google Account can be restored, all apps and their data will be uninstalled.

To be ready to restore your data, make sure that it's in your Google Account. Learn how to back up your data.

Charge & connect

A factory reset can take up to an hour.

  1. Charge your phone to at least 70%.
  2. Connect your phone to Wi-Fi or your mobile network. When the factory reset completes, you must be connected to sign in to your Google Account.

Factory reset your phone

On most phones, you can reset your phone through the Settings app. If you can't open your phone's Settings app, you can try factory resetting your phone using its power and volume buttons. 

We recommend checking your manufacturer's support site for device-specific instructions.

  • Add an account to your phone
  • Can't sign in to your Google Account
  • Can't unlock your phone

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How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Part 1: What is Factory Reset?

There are two types of reset for every Android device, soft and hard resets. A soft reset is just a way to force the Android operating system to shut down in the event of a freeze and you only risk losing any data which wasn't saved prior to the reset.

A hard reset, also known as a factory reset and a master reset, returns the device to the condition it was in when it left the factory. Performing a factory reset will permanently delete any and all personal data you have on your device. This includes any personal settings, apps, pictures, documents, and music stored on your device. A factory reset is irreversible, which means before considering taking this step, it is a good idea to back your data and settings up. A factory reset is a great way to purge buggy updates and other malfunctioning software and can give your phone a new lease of life.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Signs You Need to Reset Phone.

You'll probably already know if your phone needs a reset, but if you're unsure, look for some of the following signs. If you recognize any of the following symptoms then a factory reset is probably a good idea.

  1. If your phone is running slowly and you've already tried deleting Apps and data, but it hasn't resolved anything.
  2. If your Apps are crashing or you keep getting 'force close' notifications from your operating system.
  3. If your Apps are taking longer to load than usual, or your browser is running slow.
  4. If you find your battery life is worse than usual and you need to charge your phone more often.
  5. If you are selling, exchanging, or just giving your phone away. If you don’t reset it, the new user can gain access to cached passwords, personal details, and even your pictures and videos.

Remember factory resetting will erase everything on your device, so it's essential that you back up anything you can't afford to lose.

Part 2: Back Up Your Data Before Factory Reset

There are a number of Android data backup software for PC out there. Having a Google account will help you save your contacts and settings, but it won't save your pictures, documents, or music. There are numerous cloud-based systems available like Dropbox and Onedrive where your data is saved onto a cloud-based server, but you'll need a data connection or wi-fi to restore to your device and of course, you are trusting a third party with your data. We recommend Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (Android). It's easy to use and will save everything and best of all you know exactly where it is.

Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (Android) enables you to backup all your data, including contacts, messages, call history, calendar, video and audio files, etc. You can choose to individually back up data or everything directly to your computer and then restore it whenever you like.

Back up and restore data from your device to a computer with a single click. It's a tried and tested program and compatible with over 8000+ devices. To use it, click the link, download it and follow these instructions.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (Android)

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How to backup Android phone with Dr.Fone toolkit

Step 1. Connect your Android Phone to your PC with a USB cable.

Step 2. Choose the Phone Backup function.

Run Dr.Fone toolkit for Android and choose Phone Backup. This will allow you to back up whatever you want from your device to your computer.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Step 3. Select the file type for backup.

Click on the Backup icon and then choose the file types to backup your device. There are a number of options, check your preferred file type and you're ready to go.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Step 4. Back Up your Device.

When you're ready, just click 'Backup' on the button to backup your device. Make sure your phone is powered up and remains connected for the duration of the transfer.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

safe & secure

Part 3: How to Factory Reset Android Phone.

After your data is safely tucked away, it's time to tackle the reset itself. There are a few different ways to reset your device and we'll look at them all in turn.

Method 1. Using the Settings Menu To Factory Reset Your Device.

You can factory data reset your Android device via the settings menu by following these steps.

Step 1. Open your phone, drag down the 'Options' menu and select the 'Settings' menu. Look for the little cog in the top right of your screen.

Step 2. Find the option for 'Back up and Restore' (please note - using Google to back up your account is a good idea, but it won't save your music, documents, or pictures.)

Step 3. Press the button for 'Factory Data Reset' (please note - this is irreversible)

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Step 4. If you have done this correctly a little Android robot will appear on your screen as the device resets itself.

Method 2. Resetting Your Phone in Recovery Mode.

If your phone is misbehaving it might be easier to reset it via Recovery Mode. To do this you must turn your device off first.

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume up button and the Power button at the same time. The phone will now boot in Recovery Mode.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Step 2. Use the Volume down button to choose Recovery Mode. To navigate use the Volume up button to move the arrow and the Volume down button to select.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Step 3. If done correctly. You'll find an image of an Android robot alongside a red exclamation mark and the words 'No command'.

Step 4. Hold down the Power button and press the Volume up button then release it.

Step 5. Using the volume buttons scroll to 'wipe data/factory reset' and then press the Power button.

Step 6. Scroll to 'Yes - erase all user data' and to complete the process press the Power button.

Please note: Devices running Android 5.1 or above, will still require you to enter your Google Password to complete this reset.

Method 3. Resetting Your Phone Remotely With Android Device Manager

You can also perform a factory reset by using the Android Device manager App. Obviously, you'll need to have Android Device Manager installed on your phone for which you'll need a Google Account.

Step 1. Sign in to the App and locate your device on whatever medium you are currently using. With Android Device Manager it is possible to Factory Reset a device remotely by using a PC or other device, but your phone must be logged into your Google account and have an active internet connection.

Step 2. Select erase all data. This is particularly effective if you have lost or had your phone stolen and your device is running Android 5.1 or higher as whoever has your phone will still need your Google Password to be able to reset the Phone.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Please note: this reset will also delete Android Device Manager and you will therefore be unable to locate or track your device.

Once you have successfully reset your Android device to its factory settings, all you need to do is restore your original data. After you've completed this step your device should be just like new.

Part 4: Restoring Your Phone After a Reset.

It can be quick and scary seeing your phone return to its original state. But don't panic. Your data is still safely tucked away on your computer. To restore your contacts and Apps just connect your device to the Internet and login into your Google account when prompted.

Once you have restarted your mobile, connect it to your PC and open Dr.Fone on your computer. Select Phone Backup, and click on the Restore button to start restoring the data to your phone.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Dr.Fone will display all the backup files. Select the backup file you would like to restore and click View.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Then you will be able to select what files you want to restore. You can click Restore to Device to restore them all to your phone or just select individual data to restore.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

Once you've successfully completed your first reset, you'll realize how simple the whole process is and the next time you need to perform one, you'll be able to do it with your eyes closed.

safe & secure

Bonus Tip: Are You Preparing to Exchange Your Phone?

After factory resetting your Android Phone, your phone should work smoothly. But what should we do if your phone is still not working as before? The App still crashes or your phone is still running slow, which may be caused by an old operating system or the phone is too old. It is time to change to a new phone. In this case, you may want to switch the data from the old phone to the new phone. How do achieve that? Dr.Fone - Phone Transfer is here. It is a dedicated tool to transfer everything from one old device to the new one! You can transfer data without any hassle because of user-friendly instructions.

How can i reset my android phone without losing everything

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We hope our tutorial helps. We've all lost data at some point and there is nothing worse than losing treasured memories like family pictures, your favorite albums, and other important documents and we hope it will never happen to you again. Thank you for reading and if we've been of some help please take the time to bookmark our page.

What will I lose if I reset my Android phone?

By definition of a reset, you lose all the data on your phone when you reset it. However, you can restore that data as long as you have a backup. This wikiHow will show you how to reset your Android and restore your data from Google after resetting your Android.

How can I refresh my phone without restarting it?

Open Settings and then choose System, Reset options, and Erase all data (factory reset). Android will then show you an overview of the data you're about to wipe. Tap Erase all data, enter the lock screen PIN code, then tap Erase all data again to start the reset process.

How do I reset my Android password without losing data?

Booting your locked phone into safe mode is the last solution for users to unlock Android phone without losing data. If you are using the third-party lock screen software, then you can definitely try this way. Turning on and turning off safe mode can solve the problems caused by the third-party app.

How do I factory reset my Samsung without losing data?

You can still perform a factory reset without losing data, by syncing contacts to Gmail first..
Navigate to Settings, Accounts and then Google..
Toggle the switch next to Contacts to the on position..
Wait for the syncing process to complete. ... .
Log into Gmail and make sure everything is there..