The following instruction will give you all the information you need to remove your personal information from your phone. Before recycling your device please also remember to:
The account for the device has been fully paid and service has been deactivated. Any headsets and chargers for the device are included with your donation. (These accessories also contain recyclable and salvageable materials). The SIM card is removed if there is one. If mailing your used device, be sure that the device and its accessories are packaged in a box or
envelope using protective materials and securely attach a label to the box or envelope with its barcode visible.
Data Erasing Instructions
Before you start a factory reset:
For a successful factory reset, you'll want to take these key steps before you start.
1. Know a Google username and password for the device.
2. Back up your data to your Google Account.
3. Plug your device in to a power source.
4. Make sure you have an Internet connection.
Option 1: Reset device from the Settings app:
To factory data reset ("format") your device in the fewest steps, use the Settings app. (If you can't get to the Settings app, see Option 2 below.)
After following all the Before you start steps above:
1. Open your device's Settings app. 2. Under "Personal," tap Backup & reset.
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3. Tap Factory data reset > Reset phone or Reset tablet. 4. If you have a screen lock, you'll need to enter your pattern, PIN, or password. 5. When prompted, tap Erase everything to erase all data from your device's internal storage. 6. When your device has finished erasing, select the option to reboot your device. 7. When you're done, restore your data.
Option 2: Reset device in Recovery mode If you can't open the Settings app because of device issues, you can use Recovery mode to factory data reset ("format") your device.
Tip: If your device becomes unresponsive at any point, you can restart it by holding down the Power button for several seconds.
After following all the Before you start steps above:
1. If your device is on, turn it off.
2. Press & hold the Volume down button. While holding Volume down, press & hold the Powerbutton until the phone turns on. You'll see the word "Start" with an arrow around it.
3. Press the Volume down button until you highlight "Recovery mode." 4. Press the Power button to start recovery mode. You'll see an image of an Android robot with a red exclamation mark (you may also see "No command"). 5. Press & hold the Power button. While holding Power, press the Volume up button once. Then release the Power button. 6. Press the Volume down button until you highlight "Wipe data/factory reset." Then press thePower button. 7. Press the Volume down button until you highlight "Yes" (or "Yes - delete all user data"). Then press the Power button to select it. 8. After the reset is complete, press the Power button to select "Reboot system now." 9. When you're done, restore your data.
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