How to Factory Reset Any Smartphone Without Losing Data – Safe & Easy Methods

So, your phone is acting up—lagging, freezing, or just not working right? A factory reset might be the best fix. But the real problem? Losing all your data—photos, contacts, messages, and more.

Good news! You can reset your phone without losing data if you do it the right way. In this guide, I’ll walk you through safe reset methods for both Android and iPhone so you can give your phone a fresh start without wiping everything out. Let’s get into it! 🚀

🤔 What Happens When You Factory Reset a Phone?

A factory reset basically wipes everything and makes your phone like new. It removes:

✔️ All apps you installed

✔️ Your photos, videos, and documents

✔️ Saved passwords and settings

But if you use the right reset method, you can keep all your important stuff while still fixing issues like:

✅ Slow performance

✅ Software glitches

✅ Random crashes

Now, let’s see how to reset safely! 🔧

📲 Resetting an Android Phone Without Losing Data

Step 1: Back Up Your Data First! 🛡️

Before you reset, make sure everything is backed up properly. Here’s how:

🔹 Backup to Google Account

1️⃣ Open Settings

2️⃣ Tap Google > Backup

3️⃣ Turn on Backup to Google Drive

4️⃣ Tap Back up now

🔹 Backup Photos & Videos

1️⃣ Open Google Photos

2️⃣ Tap your profile picture > Photos settings

3️⃣ Turn on Backup & Sync

🔹 Backup Contacts & Messages

✔️ Contacts: Go to Settings > Google > Settings for Google Apps > Google Contacts Sync

✔️ Messages: Use an app like SMS Backup & Restore to save texts

Once everything is backed up, you can reset your phone safely.

Step 2: Try Resetting Settings Only ⚙️

If you just want to fix software issues, you don’t need a full factory reset. Instead, reset just the settings.

📌 How to do it:

1️⃣ Go to Settings > System > Reset options

2️⃣ Tap Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth OR Reset all settings

3️⃣ Confirm the reset

This keeps your apps, photos, and files intact but resets system settings to default.

Step 3: Factory Reset Without Losing Data

Some Android phones let you reset the system while keeping your data, especially if you’re signed into your Google account.

📌 Steps:

1️⃣ Go to Settings

2️⃣ Tap General Management > Reset

3️⃣ Select Factory Data Reset

4️⃣ If you see an option like Keep my data, choose it

5️⃣ Sign in with your Google account after reset

After this, your phone will restore everything from your Google backup. No data loss! 🎉

📱 Resetting an iPhone Without Losing Data

Step 1: Backup Your iPhone 📤

Before resetting, back up everything to iCloud or a computer.

🔹 Backup to iCloud

1️⃣ Open Settings

2️⃣ Tap your name > iCloud

3️⃣ Go to iCloud Backup

4️⃣ Tap Back Up Now

🔹 Backup Using a Computer (Mac or PC)

1️⃣ Connect your iPhone to a computer

2️⃣ Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)

3️⃣ Click Back Up Now

Step 2: Reset All Settings (Without Deleting Data)

Instead of doing a full factory reset, you can just reset system settings. This fixes issues without erasing photos, messages, or apps.

📌 How to do it:

1️⃣ Open Settings

2️⃣ Go to General > Transfer or Reset iPhone

3️⃣ Tap Reset > Reset All Settings

4️⃣ Enter your passcode and confirm

This resets Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and other settings but keeps your files safe.

Step 3: Factory Reset & Restore Data from iCloud

If you must factory reset, make sure to restore your backup afterward.

📌 How to do it:

1️⃣ After the reset, turn on your iPhone

2️⃣ Select Restore from iCloud Backup

3️⃣ Sign in with your Apple ID

4️⃣ Pick the most recent backup

Your phone will reinstall everything just the way it was! ✅

⚠️ Things to Do Before Resetting Your Phone

Before you reset, take these precautions:

🔹 Check your backup! Make sure it’s done properly.

🔹 Remove external SD cards. Prevents accidental formatting.

🔹 Log out of Google/Apple ID. Avoids FRP (Factory Reset Protection) issues.

🔹 Charge your phone! At least 50% battery is recommended.

🚨 When Should You AVOID a Factory Reset?

🚫 If your phone has a hardware problem (like a bad battery or broken screen) – resetting won’t fix it.

🚫 If you don’t have a backup – you’ll lose everything.

🚫 If your phone is rooted/jailbroken – resetting might mess up your system.