How Do I Reset My Android Without Losing Data? A Guide to Backing Up Your Android

Written by Mitch Harris | Edited by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: February 22, 2023

Need to reset your Android but worried about losing all of your data in the process? Don't worry—as long as you have a backup, your data will be safe! This wikiHow will show you how to reset your Android and restore your data from Google after resetting your Android.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Creating a Google Drive Backup

1
Open Settings. You can find this gear-shaped icon in the Quick Panel or in your apps drawer.
2
Tap Accounts and backup. Depending on your manufacturer or Android version, this may say something else, like "Backup."^{[1]
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3
Tap Back up data under "Google Drive" (excluding Pixel phones). Skip this step if you're using a Pixel phone since they won't have to take this extra step.
- While you're in the menu, check which email address you're using to create the backup. You'll need to sign in to your factory reset device using that Google email address to restore your data. The account information is located at the top of your screen.
4
Tap the toggle next to "Back up to Google Drive" to toggle it on
. Next to this toggle is also the date and time of your last automatic backup. If none is listed, continue. However, if you note a recent enough backup that you want to use, you can skip creating a new backup and move on to factory resetting your Android.^{[2]
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- If this toggle is already on, note that your Android automatically backs up over Wi-Fi if it's been idle and charging for at least 2 hours.
5
Tap Back up now. You may need to enter your PIN or Android password to encrypt the backup and continue. This extra step ensures that no one who doesn't know the PIN or password can access your backup.
- Information like your contacts, SMS text messages, general settings, and app settings are saved in the backup.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Resetting Your Android

1
Open Settings. You can find this gear-shaped icon in the Quick Panel or in your apps drawer.
2
Tap General management. Depending on your manufacturer or Android version, this may say something else, like "Backup and reset."
3
Tap Reset. Resetting your phone will delete and remove all the data from your phone, including photos, contacts, text messages, and app data.
- This menu item may say "Factory data reset" instead; if you're using Android version 5.0 - 8.0, you can skip the next step.^{[3]
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4
Tap Factory data reset(Android 9+ only). This will direct you to a page that lists all the data that will be reset as well as what accounts are signed into the phone.
5
Tap Reset or Reset device. You may need to tap Erase Everything to confirm your action and continue. Once you confirm the action, your phone will delete all the current data and reset to factory settings.
- If you downloaded an app that may have been causing your phone issues, it will be deleted and your Android should work fine.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Restoring a Backup from Google

1
Power on your Android (if it doesn't turn on automatically). After the factory reset completes, your phone will be an empty slate that you can set up again.
2
Select your language and tap Start. Just as with setting up a new Android, you'll need to select the language you want it to display. Use the drop-down menu under the "Welcome" header to select your language and tap Start to continue.
3
Read and tap to select "I have read and agree to all of the above." Tap Details next to each point to read the document.
4
Tap Next. This is only active once you have selected "I have read and agree to all of the above."
5
Choose a Wi-Fi network. After a moment, the available networks will appear. Tap to select one to log in to.
- Once you have entered the password correctly and have connected to the network, tap Next.
6
Sign in with your Google account. Since this is an Android, you'll need to connect a Google account to continue.
- Once you enter your email or phone number, tap Next to enter your password. When you're done entering your password, tap Next.
- If you have 2-step verification set up, you'll need to complete the on-screen instructions to verify who you are.
7
Tap a backup to restore. Once you're logged in with the Google account that has the backup, you'll be prompted if you want to use it to restore your Android.
- You will need to enter your old screen code to decrypt the backup.
- Restoring your data from a backup may take some time.
8
Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your phone. Depending on your carrier, you may need to follow a few additional steps to set up your Android.