By the time you think of formatting your phone, three things have likely happened:
- It’s gotten too slow
- Something suspicious keeps popping up
- Or you’re just trying to wipe it clean for resale or a fresh start.
But here’s what shouldn’t happen: losing important items such as work documents, photos, app data, notes, or your team’s PDF files. Whether you’re using an iPhone, Samsung, Tecno, or Google Pixel, formatting your device is no longer the daunting “pray and hope” process it once was. In 2025, you can perform a factory reset on your smartphone without losing any important files—if you follow the correct steps. This guide will show you how to do it the right way.
Step 1: Know What Gets Deleted During a Format
Formatting or factory resetting your phone restores the device to its original settings, similar to when it first left the factory.
What gets deleted:
- App data (e.g., login details, preferences)
- Local files on internal storage (such as photos, documents, music, downloads)
- Call logs, messages, and contacts are stored on the phone
What stays:
- Data on your SD card (unless you manually erase it)
- Files that have already been backed up to the cloud
- Anything synced to your email account (e.g., Gmail or iCloud)
Knowing this helps you act fast and smart.
Step 2: Back Up
There are several good ways to back up your data:
For Android Users:
- Google Backup: Go to Settings > System > Backup, and enable “Back up to Google One.”
- Photos & Videos: Use Google Photos to back up media in high quality.
- Files: Move important docs to Google Drive or a trusted cloud like Dropbox or OneDrive.
- WhatsApp: Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and back up to Google Drive.
For iPhone Users:
- iCloud: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup, and tap “Back Up Now.”
- Photos & Videos: iCloud Photos handles this automatically. Alternatively, offload them to Google Photos.
- WhatsApp: Open WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup, and back up to iCloud.
- Manual: For extra caution, connect to a Mac/PC and back up using iTunes or Finder.
Pro Tip: Use a file manager app to scan your phone for large or hidden files you might forget. Also, check your Downloads and Screenshots folders—those are sneaky memory hoarders.
Step 3: Format
For Android:
- Go to Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset)
- Confirm your device PIN or pattern
- Tap Erase All Data
Your phone will restart as if brand new.
For iPhone:
- Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your Apple ID password when prompted
- Confirm and watch it reboot clean
Simple. Fast. Stress-free. But only if you followed Step 2.
Step 4: Restore
When your phone restarts and asks you to sign in with your Google or Apple ID, that’s your cue to begin restoration. You’ll get the option to:
- Restore from a backup
- Sync apps, settings, contacts, and even wallpapers
- Re-download media or files from cloud storage
This is where everything comes together. You can get back your files, messages, and important information. Everything can be restored!
A Few Don’ts (Learn from Others’ Mistakes)
- Don’t skip backing up WhatsApp if you care about those chats.
- Don’t remove your SD card until formatting is done—unless you want to preserve it from being wiped.
- Don’t ignore two-factor authentication details—you’ll need them after resetting.
- Don’t rush—review your files before hitting erase.
Final Thoughts: A Reset Isn’t Just for Phones
Sometimes we all need a reset. And just like your phone, you can start fresh without losing your story. Formatting doesn’t have to be scary or messy. With the right preparation, it’s just another way of saying: I’m ready for what’s next. So go ahead—clean it up. Back it up. Power it down. And restart smarter.
Bonus Tip:
If you’re planning to sell or give away your phone, be sure to log out of all accounts and disable Find My iPhone or Find My Device to avoid security issues.
Over to You:
Have you ever formatted your phone and regretted not backing up something? What’s your go-to backup method in 2025?
