Whether you want to sell your old device, pass it to someone else or make some space, formatting a phone is the most thorough way to clear it out. It wipes everything, from installed apps, photos, accounts, and settings, and the process is irreversible, which is why it is important to learn the correct steps. So, I will help you learn how to format your phone, be it Android or iPhone, and also discuss a step-by-step process to back up your data so you don't lose anything.
Before Formatting Your Phone, Back Up Data
Formatting or resetting your device deletes all data on your phone that you cannot restore later. This is why you need to proceed with caution and secure important data first. Start by moving files to a Mac or a Windows PC, and iPhone users need to cancel subscriptions on the Apple App Store.
In case you are moving from an Android to an iPhone or vice versa, then swap your SIM cards and log out of your signed-in accounts. Once that is sorted, we can move on to the backup steps.
Back Up Your iPhone
On iPhones, you can create a backup and upload it to iCloud, making it easier for you to restore your data from anywhere. Before moving forward, make sure to turn off Find My on your iPhone.
- Launch the Settings app on your iPhone and tap your name at the top.
- Then go to iCloud > iCloud Backup.
- Tap on Back Up Now and keep the screen on until the backup completes.
If you prefer a local copy, connect your iPhone to a Mac and use Finder > select Back Up Now from the device screen. This is a better alternative if you have limited iCloud storage or a large amount of data.
Back Up Data on Android
The steps to back up data on Android differ depending on the manufacturer. We have a dedicated guide for that. Here, I will demonstrate the steps to create a backup on Pixel phones, which is also common on several other devices.
- Open the Settings app on your Android phone, scroll down and select System.
- Here, tap on Backup and hit Back Up Now.
This backs up app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and messages to Google One cloud storage. For photos and videos, open Google Photos and make sure Backup is enabled under your profile icon so everything in your camera roll is safe.
How to Format Phone (Android & iPhone)
Now that we have discussed how to back up your phone, let us take a look at how to format a phone. Here are the steps for both iPhones and Android devices.
Format an iPhone
The steps to reset an iPhone are pretty straightforward. Simply follow the process below:
- Open the Settings app on your iPhone and hit General.
- Here, navigate to Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
- Tap on Continue and select Erase iPhone in the confirmation prompt.
- Enter your iPhone password to disable Find My and remove the device from your account.
- The iPhone will restart and display the setup screen once the wipe is complete.
With this method, you can format almost all Apple iPhones across different generations.
Format an Android Phone
Similar to the iPhone, the steps to format an Android device are also pretty simple. Here's what you need to do:
- Launch the Settings app on your Android phone and select System.
- Then, tap on Reset Options and hit Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
- Review the list of accounts that will be removed, then tap on Erase All Data.
- Enter your password to confirm, then tap Erase All Data once more.
The phone will restart and run through the wipe, which usually takes a few minutes. Once done, it will boot into the Android setup screen.
What to Do After Formatting Your Phone
Now that you have successfully formatted your phone, here's what you need to do next:
- Sign back in to your account: Use your Apple ID on your iPhone or your Google account on Android to sign in again. Make sure you know the password before formatting, since it is required to restore from backup and access your purchased apps.
- Restore from backup: On iPhone, select Restore from iCloud Backup during setup. On Android, sign in to your Google account during setup, and the restore prompt will appear automatically.
- Re-download apps: Apps need to be re-downloaded after a format, even with a backup restored. On iPhone, go to the App Store and tap your profile icon to find your purchased and previously downloaded apps. On Android, head to Google Play Store > Profile icon > Manage apps and devices > Manage > Not Installed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What happens when you format a phone?
Formatting a phone wipes all apps, photos, messages, accounts, and settings from the device. The only way to recover data after a format is from a backup made before it. This is why backing up before formatting is the most important step in the process.
Q. Can formatting fix my slow phone?
Yes. Slowdowns caused by junk files, cluttered storage, or a misbehaving app can be fixed by formatting your phone. However, if the slowness is caused by an ageing processor or degraded battery, formatting will not fix it, though it may improve things slightly in the short term.
Q. How do I format a locked phone?
On a locked iPhone, use the Forgot Passcode option that appears after multiple failed attempts, or you can erase it remotely via iCloud.com. On a locked Android phone, enter Recovery Mode by holding Power and Volume Down, then select Wipe Data/Factory Reset. Note that both platforms will ask for the original Apple ID or Google account credentials during setup after the reset.
Q. How long does it take to format a phone?
Most phones complete the wipe within 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the model and how much data is stored on the device. The restore process afterwards takes longer, especially if a large iCloud or Google One backup needs to be downloaded.
Q. Should I remove the SIM card before formatting?
A factory reset does not affect the SIM card, but removing it before handing the phone to someone else is good practice. If you have an eSIM, then it would be better to transfer it to another device to avoid erasing the eSIM during the formatting process.
That is all we have for you on how to format a phone and what you need to do before and after the process. It is a good habit, especially if you are passing your current phone down to someone else or have decided to sell it, as it ensures that you hand over a completely fresh device and your data does not get compromised.
