Performing a factory reset is essential when selling, recycling, or trading in your phone to ensure personal data is completely erased. Here's how to back up your data and reset your device, whether you're using an Android phone or an iPhone.

Before You Start

Back Up Your Data: Ensure important files, photos, texts, and app data are saved to the cloud or a computer.

Transfer to Your New Device: Move the data to your new phone and confirm it works.

Check Multifactor Authentication Apps: If you use apps like Google Authenticator, transfer them to your new phone first.

For Android Phones

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

• To Google Account:
• Go to Settings > Google > Backup.

• Tap Back Up Now and wait up to 24 hours for completion.

• For Samsung Galaxy Phones:

• Use the Smart Switch app to transfer data.
• For manual backup: Settings > [Your Account Name] > Samsung Cloud > Back up now.

Step 2: Perform a Factory Reset

• Samsung Galaxy Phones:

• Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.

• Other Android Phones:

• Try Settings > System > Reset Options > Factory Reset.

• If that doesn't work, search for "factory reset" in Settings.

• Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the reset.

For iPhones

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

• To iCloud (Recommended):
• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.

• Click Get Started and follow the prompts.

• Manual Backups:

• iCloud:
  • Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now.
• Mac:
  • Connect your iPhone to a Mac.
  • Open Finder > Select your iPhone in the sidebar > General > Back up all data to this Mac > Back Up Now.
• Windows PC:
  • Connect your iPhone to a PC.
  • Open iTunes > Click the iPhone button > Summary > Back Up Now.

Step 2: Perform a Factory Reset

• Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone.
• Select Erase All Content and Settings and follow the prompts.

Final Tips

• Double-Check Backups: Ensure all important data is accessible on your new device or backup storage.
• Log Out: Remove accounts like Google, iCloud, or Samsung accounts before resetting to avoid issues for the next user.
• Recycle or Donate: Consider environmentally friendly options for old phones.

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