When you reset your phone to factory settings, all data stored directly on the device is erased. This essentially returns the phone to its original state as it was when you first purchased it.
Here's a breakdown of what gets reset:
- Apps and App Data: All apps you've downloaded and installed, along with their associated data (settings, saved games, etc.), are uninstalled.
- Accounts: All accounts you've added to your phone (Google, email, social media, etc.) will be removed. You'll need to re-enter your credentials to access them again.
- Photos and Videos: Pictures and videos stored in your phone's internal storage will be deleted.
- Music and Other Media: Any music, documents, or other media files saved on your phone will be erased.
- Settings: All of your customized settings, such as Wi-Fi passwords, display preferences, and accessibility options, will be reverted to their default values.
- Call Logs and SMS Messages: Your call history and text message conversations will be deleted.
What doesn't reset:
- Data Synced to the Cloud: Information backed up to your Google Account (like contacts, calendar events, and some app data, if you have backup enabled) can be restored after the reset.
- Data on your SIM card: Contacts or SMS messages stored directly on your SIM card are typically not affected.
- Data on an SD Card (if applicable): If you have an external SD card and choose not to erase it during the reset process, the data on it will remain intact.
Before Resetting Your Phone:
It's crucial to back up any important data before performing a factory reset. You can do this through your Google Account or by transferring files to a computer or external storage device.
Here's a quick checklist before performing a reset:
- Back up your Google Account data: Go to Settings > Accounts > Google and ensure that all relevant data is syncing.
- Back up photos and videos: Use Google Photos, or transfer them to your computer or an external storage device.
- Back up other important files: Transfer any documents, music, or other files to a safe location.
- Note down important passwords: You'll need to re-enter your passwords for all your accounts after the reset.
Performing a factory reset is a significant action, so be sure to understand the consequences and take the necessary precautions to protect your data.
