Reset an Android phone or tablet before donating

Why the order matters

Android phones and tablets have Factory Reset Protection. After a reset, the device asks for the last Google account that was signed in. If you reset first and remove the account later, the next owner can't get past that screen. Removing the account before the reset turns the protection off.

Steps

1. 1

   Back up

   Settings, then Google, then Backup.

2. 2

   Remove your Google account

   Settings, then Passwords and accounts, then your Google account, then Remove account.

3. 3

   Remove other accounts

   Remove Samsung or other maker accounts too.

4. 4

   Factory reset

   Settings, then System, then Reset options, then Erase all data. Samsung: General management, then Reset.

5. 5

   Remove cards

   Take out the SIM and any SD card.

Samsung devices

1. 1

   Remove your Samsung account

   Settings, then Accounts and backup, then Manage accounts, then your Samsung account, then Remove account.

2. 2

   Turn off Find My Mobile

   Settings, then Security and privacy, then Lost device protection.

3. 3

   Reset

   Settings, then General management, then Reset, then Factory data reset.

Other things to remove

• Screen lock PIN or pattern (turn it off before reset if asked)
• Payment cards in Google Wallet
• Paired smartwatches and earbuds
• SIM card and microSD card
• Any case or screen protector you want to keep

Your checklist

• Photos and contacts backed up
• Google account removed
• Maker account removed
• Factory reset complete
• SIM and SD cards removed
• Shows the welcome screen