How to Factory Reset a Google Pixel Phone

To factory reset a Google Pixel that works normally, open Settings and select System, Reset options, and Erase all data (factory reset). If the Pixel will not boot, enter Fastboot mode with the hardware buttons, open Recovery Mode, and select Wipe data/factory reset.

A factory reset is permanent, so confirm that important data is backed up and that you know the Google Account credentials previously used on the phone.

What gets erased when you factory reset a Google Pixel?

A factory reset, sometimes called a hard reset, returns the Google Pixel to its original software settings and removes personal data stored on the phone. It erases installed apps, app data, downloaded files, photos and videos stored only on the device, messages, accounts, saved preferences, and system settings.

Data already synced to a Google Account is not stored only on the Pixel and may be restored after you sign in again. Files that were never backed up or synced cannot normally be recovered after the reset.

Before continuing, make sure you know the phone's screen-lock PIN, pattern, or password. You should also know the email address and password for the Google Account associated with the Pixel. If you recently changed that Google Account password, Google advises waiting 24 hours before resetting the phone.

How do you back up a Google Pixel before a factory reset?

1. Connect the Google Pixel to Wi-Fi.
2. Open Settings, select Google, choose All services, and open Backup.
3. Confirm that backup is turned on. Review the Google Account shown on the screen so you know which account will hold the backup.
4. Check the backup details for device data, messages, call history, settings, and other available categories. Start a backup if the screen offers that option, then wait until it reports that the backup is complete.
5. Open Google Photos and check its backup status. Photos or videos shown as waiting to back up may be lost if they exist only on the phone.
6. Open the Contacts app and confirm that important contacts belong to the Google Account rather than only the device or another account.
7. Review the Files app for documents and downloads. Copy anything important to synced storage or another device.

Some apps keep data separately and may require their own backup or transfer process. Verify important app data before wiping the Pixel.

How do you factory reset a Google Pixel from Settings?

Use the Settings method when the Pixel turns on and you can unlock and operate the screen.

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Select System.
3. Select Reset options.
4. Select Erase all data (factory reset).
5. Review the warning and select Erase all data.
6. Enter the Pixel's PIN, pattern, or password if requested. If a Google security prompt asks for the associated Google Account password, enter that account's password.
7. Confirm Erase all data again.
8. When the reset finishes, choose the option to restart the phone if it does not restart automatically.

Keep the Pixel connected to power during the reset. Do not force a restart merely because the screen remains unchanged for a while.

How do you factory reset a Google Pixel with hardware buttons?

Use Fastboot mode when the Pixel cannot open Settings, will not boot normally, or has an unresponsive screen. The hardware-button method still erases all personal data.

1. Turn the phone off. If it keeps restarting, wait until the screen goes dark before trying the button combination.
2. On Pixel 6 and later phones, hold Volume Down and Power together until Fastboot mode appears. On earlier Pixel phones, hold Volume Up and Power together. Release the buttons when the Fastboot screen appears; holding them too long may restart the phone.
3. Press a volume button until Recovery Mode is displayed, then press Power to select it.
4. When the screen shows No command, hold Power, press Volume Up once, and quickly release both buttons.
5. In Android Recovery, use the volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset. Press Power to select it.
6. Highlight Factory data reset and press Power to confirm.
7. After Data wipe complete appears, select Reboot system now with the Power button.

The volume buttons move through recovery choices, while the Power button selects the highlighted choice. Read each selection carefully because recovery mode does not provide access to files before erasing them.

How do you avoid Factory Reset Protection locking the Pixel?

Factory Reset Protection, or FRP, is an Android security feature that can require a Google Account previously synced to the phone after an untrusted reset. It helps prevent someone from erasing a lost or stolen Pixel and setting it up as their own.

If you can open Settings and are transferring control of the phone to someone else, remove your Google Account before resetting it:

1. Open Settings and select Passwords & accounts.
2. Select the Google Account connected to the Pixel.
3. Select Remove account and confirm with the screen lock if asked.
4. After the account is removed, perform the factory reset through Settings.

If you reset with the hardware buttons without first removing the account, be prepared to sign in with a Google Account that was previously synced to that Pixel. A previous owner's credentials cannot be replaced by creating a new account.

What happens when you set up a Google Pixel after a reset?

After restarting, the Pixel displays its initial welcome screen. Select Start, connect to Wi-Fi or a mobile network, and follow the on-screen instructions.

Sign in with the Google Account that holds your backup. If FRP verification appears, use an account that was previously synced to the Pixel. During setup, choose the available backup and select what you want to restore. Apps and other backed-up items may continue restoring after the main setup screens are complete.

Check Google Photos, Contacts, messages, downloaded files, and important apps after reaching the Home screen. Being signed in does not guarantee that data stored only on the phone before the reset was backed up.

What should you do if the Google Pixel factory reset does not work?

• If Fastboot mode does not appear, turn the Pixel fully off and try the correct button combination again. Remove a case or accessory that may hold a button down.
• If the phone restarts instead of opening Fastboot mode, release the buttons sooner on the next attempt.
• If No command remains on the screen, hold Power, press Volume Up once, and release both buttons quickly.
• If the phone has insufficient charge, connect it to a charger before trying again.
• If the reset freezes, keep the phone connected to power and avoid repeatedly interrupting it.
• If the buttons, display, or charging connection do not work, the phone may need hardware service rather than another reset attempt.

For official troubleshooting, open {site} and look for Google Pixel Help, factory-reset guidance, the Pixel Help Community, or the option to contact a support agent. Do not use bootloader-unlocking or rooting instructions as a substitute for the supported factory-reset procedure.