How to reset your phone without losing everything

Rejuvenate Your Smartphone: A Guide to Factory Resets

Remember that initial thrill of powering on your new phone? That pristine interface, lightning-fast speed, and boundless potential? You can recapture that feeling anytime with a factory reset of your iPhone or Android device.

A factory reset is more than just a fresh start; it's a powerful tool for resolving persistent software glitches, removing unwanted apps and malicious software, and reclaiming valuable storage space.

Worried about data loss? Don't be! With proper preparation and a pre-reset backup, you can reset your phone without losing any precious information. Let's explore the process.

Pre-Reset Planning: Essential Steps

A factory reset completely erases your phone's data, returning it to its initial setup state. Therefore, backing up your crucial data is paramount. While detailed backup instructions are readily available elsewhere, here are some key reminders:

Consider all the data stored on your phone and ensure you have secure copies saved on a separate device, external hard drive, or cloud storage before initiating the reset.

A Crucial Note on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

If you rely on your phone for 2FA, be aware that this authentication method may be temporarily disrupted after a reset. Proactively ensure you can access your online accounts without 2FA, even if only temporarily.

Your approach will depend on the specific accounts and 2FA methods used. Thorough research is key. Many accounts provide backup codes; if you have them, store them securely. Alternatively, consider temporarily disabling 2FA until your phone is fully restored.

Apple and Google offer SMS codes as a 2FA backup, assuming you retain your SIM card. Alternatively, some authenticator apps allow cloud backups, or you could transfer your authenticator app and codes to another device.

[Related: Mastering Two-Factor Authentication]

After deciding on a reset, spend a few days reviewing your phone usage patterns to anticipate any potential reconfiguration challenges. Most software developers account for device resets, but proactive planning is always beneficial. Remember that backup times can vary depending on your internet speed.

Resetting Your Android Phone

Google's cloud-centric design means much of your data (Gmail, Google Photos, etc.) already resides online. However, verify that all necessary data is in the cloud and that you don't rely on locally stored files (e.g., downloaded documents).

Ensure your password manager is syncing all app credentials. Navigate to Settings, Passwords & Accounts, and confirm that Automatically sync app data is enabled. This simplifies the re-login process, requiring only your Google account credentials. Previously purchased apps will be automatically restored upon login.

Android's backup system is accessible via Settings, System, Backup. Review the backup items (contacts, messages, settings, etc.) and customize as needed. For comprehensive guidance, consult Google's official support documentation for resetting Pixel phones.

Before resetting, ensure your phone is plugged in and charging to prevent interruptions. Go to Settings, System, Reset options, and select Erase all data (factory reset). Review the data to be erased, enter your lock screen PIN, and confirm the reset. Upon completion, you'll return to the Android setup process.

Resetting Your iPhone

While iCloud's capabilities have expanded, offering robust cloud storage for various data types, it's still prudent to confirm your backup strategy. Access Settings, tap your Apple ID, select iCloud, and review the apps syncing data to the cloud. Utilize iCloud Backup to ensure a recent backup exists before resetting.

[Related: Best Cloud Photo Backup Solutions]

Consult Apple's comprehensive support documentation on resetting iPhones to ensure complete preparedness. This document also provides detailed backup instructions if needed (iOS prompts for a backup if one hasn't been performed recently).

With your phone plugged in and charging, navigate to Settings, General, Transfer or Reset iPhone, and choose either Reset or Erase All Content and Settings. You'll need to enter your passcode and potentially your Apple ID password. After the reset, your iPhone will reboot to the setup screen.

This article has been updated. Originally published in 2021.

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