- You should wipe your
Android phone if you plan on getting rid of it. - If someone else will use the phone after it's wiped, be sure to remove your
Google account before you wipe it so the next owner will be able to set it up as new. - You can find the command to reset your phone in Settings; this will wipe it of all data.
If you're planning to sell, give away, or recycle an old $4 phone, you will likely need to completely "wipe" it of all personal data it might hold.
To do that, you'll want to perform a
How to wipe an $4 device
The specific location within the Settings app might vary depending upon which version of the Android operating system you are using. For most phones:
1. Start the Settings app and then tap "System."
2. Tap "Reset," then tap "Reset phone" and confirm you want to do this.
- On some phones, you might need to tap "Advanced" to get to reset options.
- On a Samsung phone, the steps are slightly different: Start Settings and then tap "General Management," which is where you'll find "Reset."
3. The phone will reset, and you will have a factory-fresh phone.
How to disable Factory Reset Protection on an Android
If you plan to give or sell the phone to someone else, you should start by removing
1. Disable your phone's lock screen, which you can learn to do using $4.
2. Start the "Settings" app and then tap "Accounts and backup."
3. Tap "Accounts."
4. Tap your Google account and then tap "Remove account." Confirm you want to do this.