How to Reset Your Android Phone Without Losing Data

Edited 9 months ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Resetting your Android phone may be necessary for many reasons, such as improving performance, fixing software errors, or preparing the device for a new user. However, it is important to reset your phone without losing important data such as contacts, messages, photos, and apps. This detailed guide will walk you through the entire process step by step to ensure that you can safely reset your Android phone without losing any data.

Why reset your Android phone?

• Improve performance: Over time, your phone can slow down due to accumulated cache, apps, and files. A reset can help clear the clutter.
• Solving software problems: Sometimes, your phone might have software-related glitches that can be resolved by a reset.
• Preparing for sale or transfer: If you are planning to sell or give away your phone, you must reset it to remove all personal data.
• Cleanup: Reset can help you start fresh by removing unnecessary apps and files.

Steps to reset your Android phone without losing data

To reset your Android phone without losing data, follow these steps:

1. Back up your data

The first and most important step is to back up your data. This can be done in several ways such as using Google services, third-party apps, or manual methods. Here are some common methods:

Using google backup

1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Scroll down and select "System". 
3. Tap "Backup". 
4. Ensure that the "Back up to Google Drive" toggle is turned on. 
5. Tap "Back up now" to create an immediate backup.

Backing up photos and videos

1. Open the Google Photos app. 
2. Tap on the profile icon at the top right corner. 
3. Select "Photo settings". 
4. Tap "Back up & sync". 
5. Ensure that the toggle is turned on.

Backing up contacts

1. Open the Contacts app. 
2. Tap on the menu icon (usually three lines or dots) at the top left or right corner. 
3. Select "Settings". 
4. Tap "Export" to save your contacts to your device storage, or "Import" if you want to move them to your Google account.

2. Back up your SMS and call logs

To back up your SMS messages and call logs, you can use a third-party app like "SMS Backup & Restore". Here's how:

Using the SMS Backup & Restore app

1. Download and install "SMS Backup & Restore" app from the Google Play Store. 
2. Open the app and grant the necessary permissions. 
3. Tap on "Set up a backup". 
4. Choose "Messages" and "Call logs". 
5. Select your preferred backup location (Google Drive, Dropbox, or local storage). 
6. Tap "Back up now".

3. Back up your apps and app data

Google backups usually include app data, but it's always a good idea to check if your important apps have their own backup options.

Using google backup

1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Scroll down and select "System". 
3. Tap "Backup". 
4. Ensure that the "App data" toggle is turned on.

Manual app backup

1. Open the app that you want to backup. 
2. Look for a backup or export option within the app's settings. 
3. Follow the app-specific instructions to back up your data.

4. Perform a factory reset

After making sure that all your data has been backed up, you may proceed to perform a factory reset.

How to do a factory reset

1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Scroll down and select "System". 
3. Tap "Reset options". 
4. Select "Erase all data (factory reset)". 
5. Review the information and tap "Reset phone". 
6. Confirm your selection and enter your PIN or password if prompted. 
7. Tap "Erase everything" to initiate the reset process.

Your phone will restart and the factory reset process will begin. This may take a few minutes. Once complete, your phone will reboot and return to its original state.

5. Restore your data

Now that your phone has been reset, you will need to restore your backed up data.

Restoring data using Google Backup

1. During the initial setup, you'll be prompted to restore data from your Google account. 
2. Sign in with the Google account you used for the backup. 
3. Choose the backup you want to restore from. 
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the restoration.

Restoring photos and videos

1. Open the Google Photos app. 
2. Sign in with your Google account. 
3. Tap on the profile icon and select "Photo settings". 
4. Tap "Back up & sync" to retrieve your photos and videos.

Restoring contacts

1. Open the Contacts app. 
2. Tap on the menu icon. 
3. Select "Settings". 
4. Choose "Import". 
5. Select the location where your contacts were backed up (Google account or device storage).

Restoring SMS and call logs

1. Install the "SMS Backup & Restore" app from the Google Play Store. 
2. Open the app and grant the necessary permissions. 
3. Tap on "Restore". 
4. Choose the backup file from your selected storage location. 
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your messages and call logs.

Reinstalling apps and app data

During the initial setup, Google will automatically restore your apps if you've chosen to restore a backup. For apps that were backed up manually: 
1. Open the app that you want to restore data for. 
2. Look for an import or restore option within the app's settings. 
3. Follow the app-specific instructions to restore your data.

6. Reconfigure your phone

Once the restore process is complete, you'll need to reconfigure your phone's settings, accounts, and preferences. This includes:

• Setting up email accounts.
• Reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network.
• Reconfiguring Bluetooth devices.
• Recustomizing your home screen and app drawer.

Set up email accounts

1. Open the Email app. 
2. Tap on the menu icon and select "Add account". 
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to add your email accounts.

Connecting to a Wi-Fi network

1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Tap on "Network & internet". 
3. Select "Wi-Fi" and choose your network. 
4. Enter the Wi-Fi password if prompted.

Reconfigure Bluetooth devices

1. Open the Settings app. 
2. Tap on "Connected devices". 
3. Select "Pair new device". 
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to reconnect your Bluetooth devices.

Re-customize your home screen

1. Long-press on the home screen. 
2. Select "Home settings" to customize your home screen layout, wallpapers, and widgets. 
3. Re-add your favorite apps and widgets.

Conclusion

Resetting your Android phone without losing data may seem like a daunting task, but with the right preparation and steps it's completely manageable. By carefully backing up your data, performing a factory reset, and then restoring your data, you can enjoy a fresh start without compromising your important information.

Always remember to keep regular backups of your data to avoid any potential loss in the future. With this comprehensive guide, you will be able to reset your Android phone safely and confidently.

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