> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://chale.tech/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# How to factory reset an Android phone (even when locked)
- URL: https://chale.tech/factory-reset-locked-android-phone/
- Published: 2026-10-24T19:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-24T19:00:00.000Z
- Description: Forgot your Tecno, Infinix or Samsung screen lock? A factory reset wipes the phone, and you will need your Google account afterwards. The safe ways to reset, and why “FRP bypass” services are a bad idea.
- Author: Isaac Nana Yaw Annor
- Tags: How-To, Phones

A factory reset returns your phone to how it left the factory. It can fix serious problems or remove a forgotten screen lock, but it **erases everything** on the phone. Read this first.

## Before you reset

- **Back up** if you can still use the phone: Settings → Google → Backup, Google Photos, and WhatsApp chat backup.
- **Know your Google account and password.** After a reset you must sign in with the Google account that was on the phone (Factory Reset Protection).
- **Charge to at least 70%** and connect to Wi-Fi or mobile data, as Google recommends.

Google advises trying other fixes before a factory reset if you are resetting to fix a problem. See [make your Android phone faster](https://chale.tech/make-android-phone-faster/) and [fix apps that keep crashing](https://chale.tech/fix-apps-crashing-android/).

## Option 1: from Settings (phone unlocked)

Settings → System → Reset options → **Erase all data (factory reset)**. Brands label this differently (Samsung: General management → Reset; Tecno and Infinix: Settings → System → Reset options).

## Option 2: remotely with Find Hub (phone locked)

If you are locked out but the phone is online, go to **google.com/android/find** on another device, sign in with the phone’s Google account, select the phone and choose **Factory reset device**.

## Option 3: recovery mode (phone locked, offline)

1. Turn the phone off.
2. Hold the button combination for your brand to enter recovery mode (commonly power + volume up; check your maker’s support page).
3. Use the volume buttons to choose **Wipe data/factory reset** and the power button to confirm.
4. Choose **Reboot system now**.

## After the reset

Set up the phone and sign in with the **same Google account**. Then restore your backup.

## Forgot your Google password too?

Recover your Google account first: [how to recover a Gmail account](https://chale.tech/recover-gmail-account/).

**Avoid “FRP bypass” shops and tools.** They are often scams or malware, and Factory Reset Protection exists to stop stolen phones being reused. If you bought a used phone that is locked to someone else’s account, return it to the seller. See [what to check before buying a used phone](https://chale.tech/what-to-check-before-buying-a-used-phone/).

*This guide was checked in October 2026\. Menus and services change, so if something looks different on your phone, check with your provider.*

## Common questions

### Will a factory reset delete everything?

Yes. Google says a factory reset erases all your data from the phone. Back up first if you can.

### Why does my phone ask for a Google account after reset?

That is Factory Reset Protection. After a reset, you must sign in with the Google account that was on the phone, which stops thieves using stolen phones.

### I forgot my Google password. What now?

Recover it at Google’s account recovery page before or after the reset. See our guide to recovering a Gmail account.

### Should I pay for FRP bypass?

No. Bypass tools and services are often scams or malware, and are used to unlock stolen phones. Recover your Google account instead.

## Sources

- [Android Help: Reset your Android device to factory settings](https://support.google.com/android/answer/6088915?hl=en&ref=chale.tech)
- [Android Help: Back up or restore data on your Android device](https://support.google.com/android/answer/2819582?hl=en&ref=chale.tech)
- [Google Account Help: Find, secure or erase a lost Android device](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/6160491?hl=en&ref=chale.tech)