Selling Your Android? Here's How to Make Sure All Your Data Is Securely Removed

Selling Your Android? Here's How to Make Sure All Your Data Is Securely Removed

Whether you are sending your phone in for repairs or finally selling it to upgrade to a new flagship, you are going to need to make sure all of your personal data is removed from your device.

Deleting your messages and pictures manually is a good to protect yourself from average users, but in the hands of someone with the right set of skills, they are all easily recoverable. While there is no definite way to securely and permanently remove all of your data other than throwing the thing in a microwave (don't do that!), there are some measures you can take to make sure a majority of your data is wiped clean from your device.

Stock vs. Rooted Devices

How you go about doing this depends on if you have a stock or rooted Android. If you have a stock device, you can simply encrypt it, then erase your data through your Settings app. But if you have a rooted device with TWRP loaded as your recovery image, then you can use its Wipe menu to factory reset your Android. Both methods provide the same level of protection from intruders, so stick with whatever process is easier for you.

If you are doing this just to send your device in for repairs and plan on using it again once it is returned to you, then you may consider creating a nandroid to return your rooted device back to its current settings, but if you are going to switch devices, you can simply use ADB to back up your data.