Will I lose my data when I perform a factory reset? (2024)

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IMPORTANT: Make sure you know the credentials of your Google™ account before performing a factory data reset. Depending on your security settings, you may need to enter them to restart your device after the factory data reset. If you don't remember your account name and password, you can recover them at the Google Account Recovery website. If you still can't reactivate your device, contact Product Support.

WARNING! A factory data reset will overwrite data in the internal storage of your device. Back up any data you want to keep.

The following are examples of data that gets overwritten:

  • Your Google account and other accounts
  • Contacts
  • Calendar items
  • Notes
  • Messages (SMS, MMS, and email)
  • Applications and application data including game-high scores
  • Photos, videos, and music
  • Settings
  • Bookmarks

Photos, videos, music, and documents stored on a memory card are noterased during a factory data reset.

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    Will I lose my data when I perform a factory reset? (2024)

    FAQs

    Will I lose my data when I perform a 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. To restore your data after you reset your phone, you must enter security info.

    Will I lose everything if I do a factory reset? ›

    A factory reset is a setting that allows a device's software to restore the device's original system state by erasing all data, settings, and applications. This includes any contacts, photos, and installed apps on a smartphone, so be sure to back up an data that you want to keep before performing a factory reset.

    Does factory data reset delete everything? ›

    Factory reset for Android devices

    Within the Reset window, there should be an option for Factory data reset. Clicking on this option and following the prompts will result in removing all user-installed apps and data from the device.

    How to factory reset without losing data? ›

    Do a Google backup before you reset an android device Your Google account enables you to save and sync your settings, documents, contacts, photos and more. Sync all your important stuff with Google then you won't lose it when you do a factory reset.

    Will I lose data after factory reset? ›

    A factory data reset will overwrite data in the internal storage of your device. Back up any data you want to keep. The following are examples of data that gets overwritten: Your Google account and other accounts.

    Is it a good idea to factory reset? ›

    It is recommended to only perform a factory reset when it is necessary and to make a backup of your data beforehand to avoid losing important information. Should you do factory reset at home or at a professional repair store? You can perform a factory reset on your smartphone at home or at a professional repair store.

    Can anything survive a factory reset? ›

    Some viruses are especially resilient and will remain even after you implement a factory reset or follow many of the steps above. Here are some of the reasons why a factory reset may not be working for you: Your data backup is infected.

    What are the disadvantages of factory reset? ›

    Disadvantages of Android Factory Reset:

    It will remove all the application and their data which might cause a problem in the future. All of your login credentials will be lost and you have to sign-in all of your accounts again. Your personal contact list will also be erased from your phone during the factory reset.

    Can police recover data after factory reset? ›

    With law enforcement quality software available, can data be extracted from a factory reset Android mobile phone? My understanding is If the device is encrypted - unlikely to extract any usable data. If not encrypted - yes, fairly easily.

    Will I lose my pictures if I do a factory reset? ›

    A factory reset will delete your pictures and all the data such as contacts, text messages, videos, etc. Can data be recovered after a factory reset? If I have not backed up my phone, can I recover photos after reset without backup? The answer is an absolute yes.

    How to save data before factory reset? ›

    Add a backup account
    1. Open your phone's Settings app.
    2. Tap System. Backup. ...
    3. Tap Backup account. Add account.
    4. If needed, enter your phone's PIN, pattern, or password.
    5. Sign in to the account that you want to add.

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