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When selling or giving away our old Android device, we all know that we need to factory reset the device to ensure all our personal data is erased from it. However, simply deleting information from your Android device does not mean that it is permanently removed. Data that has been removed can still be recovered by someone who knows what they are doing, and this could put your privacy at severe risk.
Fortunately, there are a few ways to make sure that your personal data is erased permanently from your Android device, and in this article, we will explore some of the best and most effective methods for doing so. Whether you are selling your Android device or just want to wipe the slate clean, this article will make sure your personal data is gone forever.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenges of Safely Wiping Data from Android
Getting rid of data from an Android device is not an easy task, as deleting files normally doesn’t completely delete them from the device. Even if you erase them, it will still leave behind traces of data that may be recovered using certain tools or techniques. This means that if you don’t correctly erase your data, your private information could still be recovered by hackers, stalkers, or anyone else who has access to your device.
The Requirements
Before getting started, you’ll need a few things:
– Backup all important data you want to keep. This will help to avoid any data loss due to erasing.
– Fully charge your Android device, or connect it to a charger during the process of erasing the data.
– Use wifi or data plan to download certain applications or tools.
Four Methods for Safely Wiping Data from Android Devices
Method 1: Encrypt and Factory Reset Your Android Device
Encrypting and factory resetting your Android device is one of the best methods for permanently wiping your data. It creates a new key for your data on your device, making all your previous encrypted data inaccessible.
Steps:
1. Simply go to the Settings app on your Android device.
2. Click on Security & Lock Screen.
3. Tap on Encrypt phone or Encrypt tablet and allow the process to complete.
4. Once the encryption is completed, go back to the Settings app and select Backup & Reset.
5. Now click on Factory data reset and confirm the action.
6. Wait till the device gets restored by the system, and you’re done.
Method 2: Use Data Eraser Applications
Data Eraser applications are considered the easiest method for erasing all data from your Android device. These applications automatically detect all available information on your device and securely delete them, making them unrecoverable.
Steps:
1. First download a data eraser app such as iShredder 6.
2. Install the application and open it.
3. Select the option to erase or wipe data.
4. Select the "wipe all data" or "Factory Reset" option.
5. Wait for the process to complete, and you’re done.
Method 3: Wipe Device with Google’s Find My Device
This method is used to factory reset the device, permanently wiping data from it using Google’s Find My Device.
Steps:
1. Go to the Find My Device website and sign in.
2. Select your device from the left-hand panel of your screen.
3. Click on the "Erase Device" option.
4. Follow the steps provided to confirm the erasing action.
5. Wait for the process to complete, and you’re done.
Method 4: Use Recovery Mode to Wipe Your Android Device
This method involves using the recovery mode on your Android device, and it’s very effective as there is no way data can be recovered after this process.
Steps:
1. Press and hold the Power button and then volume up or down button depending on your device model.
2. When the Android logo appears on your screen, release the Power button and press the volume button a few times until the Recovery mode is visible.
3. Once Recovery mode appears, select the Wipe data option.
4. Confirm the action on the next screen, and the device will start erasing.
5. Wait for the process to complete, and you’re done.
Why Can’t I Just Reset My Device?
There are various reasons why simply resetting your device may not fully erase your data:
1. Data recovery tools can be used to retrieve information from your device.
2. There may be unencrypted data left behind that could be accessible to prying eyes.
3. Even when encrypted, some data can still be technically accessed and hacked.
Fixes
All of the above methods will ensure that your data is wiped off permanently, with no chance of recovery.
Suggestions
– Always remember to make a backup of your files before wiping anything out.
– Keep your device updated and secure.
– Make sure you use a strong password or PIN to lock your device.
– Be cautious before downloading an unknown app to your device.
Five FAQs About Safely Wiping Data from Android Devices
Q: How do I backup my files before wiping my Android Device?
A: You can use external storage such as USBs, cloud storage system, or memory cards to backup your files. You can also use apps like Google Drive to backup your data.
Q: Can I use recovery mode to back up my data?
A: No, recovery mode is only used for wiping data. You must back up your files first before wiping out data.
Q: Can data recovery tools recover data from an encrypted device?
A: No, it is not possible to recover data from an encrypted device, even with data recovery tools.
Q: Are all apps capable of wiping out data from an Android device?
A: No, only certified apps that are created to erase data from an Android device can guarantee wipeout success. Some apps may not be able to wipe out data.
Q: Is it safe to restore factory settings?
A: Yes, it is safe to restore factory settings if you don’t have any confidential data you are worried about losing.
Conclusion
Wiping data from our Android devices is important to ensure our personal data is not at risk of being exploited by hackers or misusers. The methods of encrypting and factory resetting, using data eraser apps, using the recovery mode, or wiping data with Google’s Find My Device are all incredibly effective when it comes to wiping data. Follow the instructions carefully, and your personal data will disappear without a trace, ensuring your device can be sold or passed on to others securely.