How to Factory Reset an Android Before Selling
Updated June 2026 · 5 min read
Android phones have a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock tied to your Google account. If you reset without removing your accounts first, the phone gets stuck on account verification — and becomes unsellable. Do these steps in order.
1. Back up
Back up to Google (Settings → Google → Backup) and/or your manufacturer's cloud, plus photos to Google Photos.
2. Remove the screen lock and your accounts
Turn off your PIN/biometrics, then go to Settings → Passwords & accounts and remove every Google account (and your Samsung account on Galaxy devices). This is what clears FRP.
3. Remove SIM and SD card
Eject the SIM and any microSD card so they don't ship with the phone.
4. Factory reset
Go to Settings → System → Reset → Erase all data (factory reset). After it reboots, confirm it does not ask you to verify a previous Google account.
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