How to Erase Internal Storage on Android

Erasing your Android device's storage is a great way to get a performance boost from an older device. It is also essential if you are planning on selling or donating your phone in order to protect your data. You can also use your Android device to erase the data on any SD card that is inserted.

EditSteps

EditFactory Resetting (Settings App)

1. Encrypt your disk before resetting. If you intend to give away or sell your phone, you'll want to encrypt the disk before resetting it. This will prevent anyone from being able to recover your sensitive data. This isn't really required if you're not worried about your device ending up in unknown hands.^[1]
   
   • Open the Settings app and tap "Security".
   • Tap "Encrypt phone." You'll need to have either a full charge or have the device plugged into a charger.
   • Wait for the device to encrypt. This can take about an hour to complete.
2. Back up any important data. Performing a factory reset will delete all of the data on your phone. Make sure that you have your contacts backed up, and any important files are transferred off the device. Your apps will be deleted, but any apps downloaded from the Play Store will be quickly restored after the reset.
   
   • See How to Back Up Your Contacts with an Android for instructions on exporting your contacts file or syncing your contacts with your Google account.
   • See How to Transfer Data Between a Cell Phone and Computer for detailed instructions on getting your important files off your device.
3. Open the Settings app. You can use the Factory Reset option in your Android's Settings app to delete all of the data and reset the phone to the state it was in when it left the factory. Tap the Settings app to open it.
   
   • If you can't start your Android device, you may need to perform a factory reset using the Recovery menu.
4. Select "Backup & reset" from the "Personal" section. This will display you various system backup and reset options.
   
5. Tap "Factory data reset." A list of the data to be deleted will be displayed on the screen.
   
6. Tap "Reset Phone." You will be asked to confirm one last time that you want to perform the reset. After confirming, the device will reboot and begin the wipe and reinstallation process. This may take 20 minutes or so to complete.
   
7. Setup the phone as new. Once the reset is complete, you will be taken through the device's initial setup process. If you log in with your same Google account, most of your old settings should remain intact. In newer Android versions, you'll also be prompted to select which of your apps you want to restore.
   

EditFactory Resetting (Recovery Menu)

1. Power your device off if it is not already. In order to access Recovery mode, your device will need to be turned off. If the device is frozen, you can force it to turn off by holding the Power button for about 20 seconds.
   
   • Like performing a factory reset through the Settings menu, this process will delete all of the data on your device. Try to back up any important files that you want to keep.^[2]
2. Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons. Hold the buttons for a few seconds until the device turns on and you see the Android Recovery icon appear on the screen. This is the same button combination for most devices, though some manufacturers may have a different button configuration. For example, the Galaxy devices require you to hold Power, Volume Up, and Home.^[3]
3. Use the Volume Down button to highlight "Recovery mode." You may have to scroll a little bit to find it.
4. Press Power to select "Recovery mode." Your device will reboot again and a different recovery menu will appear.
5. Use the Volume buttons to select "wipe data / factory reset" and press Power. This will open another menu.
6. Scroll down and select "Yes" to confirm that you want to perform the reset. Press Power again to select it.
7. Wait for your device to reset. Your Android device will begin erasing the data and reinstalling the Android operating system. Once it is complete, you'll be taken through the phone's setup process. You'll be able to login with your Google account and restore your settings, or donate or sell the device without worrying about your data.^[4]

EditFormatting an SD Card

1. Back up any important data on the card. Formatting the SD card will erase all of the data on it, so make sure that you've backed up everything that you want to save. The easiest way to do this is to plug the Android device into your computer, or the SD card into a card reader, and then copy the important files to the computer's hard drive.
   
2. Open the Settings app on your Android. If you have an SD card inserted in the Android device, you can erase the data on it through the Settings app.
   
3. Tap "Storage" in the "System" section. This will display a breakdown of your device's storage.
   
4. Tap "Erase SD Card" underneath the storage breakdown. You will be prompted to confirm that you want to delete all of the data on the SD card. Once you confirm, the card will be wiped clean.
   

EditSources and Citations

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