The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →A factory reset erases data stored on your Pixel. Before you erase it, verify your Google Account backup and make sure you can sign in to the account afterward. For a normal reset, use Settings; if you cannot open Settings, use Fastboot and Android Recovery. Then restore what was backed up during setup—or, on Pixel 9 and later, use Android Switch after setup.
Choose the right reset or repair option
| Option | Use it when | Important condition |
|---|---|---|
| Settings reset | You can use the phone and want to erase it, including for a trade-in. | Use Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Google recommends this route for trade-in preparation. Google Pixel Phone Help |
| Fastboot and Recovery | You cannot reach Settings. | The button combination depends on whether the Pixel is Pixel 6 or later. Google Pixel Phone Help |
| Remote erase | You cannot use the phone but can erase it from another device. | The Pixel must be powered, online, signed in to a Google Account, visible on Google Play, and have Find Hub enabled. Google Account Help |
| Repair Mode | You are sending an eligible phone for service and want to avoid a factory reset. | Eligibility requires Android 14 with the December 2023 update or later and at least 2 GB of free space. Check Google’s current instructions. Google Pixel Phone Help |
Before you reset: check your backup and account
Google warns that “A factory data reset erases all your data from the phone.” Confirm the Google Account on the Pixel, and test its password on another device before erasing. You may also need the phone’s screen-lock PIN, pattern, or password to restore. If you recently changed your Google Account password, wait 24 hours before resetting. Google Pixel Phone Help
Inspect what is backed up
- On the Pixel, open Settings > Google services > Backup > Backup details and review the listed data and most recent backup.
- Alternatively, check the last device-backup date in Google Drive under Storage > Backups.
- If photos, videos, or contacts matter, check Google Photos and Contacts separately. Their sync may be separate from the device backup.
- Timeline backup is a separate opt-in, and Google says changes can take a few days to appear in its backup.
Google’s general Android backup can include apps and app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS/MMS. Some other items depend on particular Google apps. Backup and restore support varies by app, so a listed category does not mean every app’s settings or private data will return. Google Android Help
Prepare the phone
- Charge it to at least 70% and connect it to Wi-Fi or a mobile network.
- Allow up to an hour for the reset. You will need an internet connection after it resets to sign in.
- If you are resetting to fix a problem, try other troubleshooting steps first. For Pixel 4a and later, including Fold, Google’s Update & Software Repair tool may install an Android update without resetting the phone, which can address some software problems while preserving data. Google Pixel Phone Help
Factory reset a Pixel from Settings
Use this route if Settings is available. Google also identifies it as the reset method for preparing a phone for trade-in. Google Pixel Phone Help
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#1 Best Overall
- Attention-grabbing design meets the latest evolution of the Google Pixel Camera on the new Google Pixel 11 Pro; Gemini Intelligence helps manage details so you can live in the moment[1]; and the phone is available in two sizes
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan: Works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers[2]
- Stay informed without looking at your screen: When your phone is face down, Pixel HiLight gently alerts you with subtle glowing lights when your favorite contacts are calling or you’re talking with Gemini; exclusive to Google Pixel 11 Pro phones
- Magic Capture catches the moment as you live it: With just one tap, Pixel 11 Pro captures video and photos, and automatically edits, crops, and unblurs a curated collection, ready to share – and you get the memory of how it felt to be in the moment
- Two new cameras for more brilliant photos: A larger telephoto sensor captures 30% more light for clear, beautiful photos and videos, even in the dark[3]; Pixel’s longest zoom ever helps you capture details from impressive distances[4]
- Open Settings.
- Tap System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset).
- Tap Erase all data. Enter your PIN if requested, then confirm.
- When the reset finishes, choose the restart option and continue through initial setup.
Reset when you cannot open Settings
Use the buttons to enter Fastboot and Android Recovery. Turn the phone off first. Google documents different entry buttons for Pixel 6 and later versus earlier Pixel phones. Google Pixel Phone Help
- Open Fastboot. On Pixel 6 and later, hold Volume down and Power for up to 30 seconds, until Fastboot appears. On earlier Pixel devices, hold Volume up and Power. Holding too long may restart the phone; if that happens, turn it off and try again.
- Select Recovery Mode. Use the volume buttons to highlight Recovery Mode, then press Power.
- Open Android Recovery. At the No command screen, hold Power, press Volume up, then quickly release both.
- Erase the phone. In Android Recovery, select Wipe data/factory reset, confirm Factory data reset, then select Reboot system now.
Erase a locked Pixel remotely
If you cannot operate the phone, Google documents erasing it from another device through its lost-device service. The Pixel must have power, an internet connection, a signed-in Google Account, Find Hub enabled, and visibility on Google Play. If those conditions are not met, use the button-based Recovery method instead. Restoring the Google Account backup may require the PIN or pattern that was in use when the backup was made. Google Account Help
Rank #2
- Google Pixel 10a is a durable, everyday phone with more[1]; snap brilliant photography on a simple, powerful camera, get 30+ hours out of a full charge[2], and do more with helpful AI like Gemini[3]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan; it works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel 10a is sleek and durable, with a super smooth finish, scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass 7i display, and IP68 water and dust protection[4]
- The Actua display with 3,000-nit peak brightness shows up clear as day, even in direct sunlight[5]
- Plan, create, and get more done with help from Gemini, your built-in AI assistant[3]; have it screen spam calls while you focus[6]; chat with Gemini to brainstorm your meal plan[7], or bring your ideas to life with Nano Banana[8]
Restore data after the reset
Restore during initial setup
- After the phone restarts, follow setup and connect to Wi-Fi.
- Sign in to the same Google Account that holds the backup.
- When prompted, choose the previous device or backup, select the data categories to restore, and follow the prompts. You may be asked to confirm the old Pixel’s screen lock. Google Pixel Phone Help
Restore after setup on Pixel 9 and later
Pixel 9 and later support post-setup restoration through Android Switch. Open Settings > Accounts & backup > Android Switch > Start, choose a previous device or scan its QR code, select the data, and copy it. This method supports only one previous device; to restore from a different one, reset the Pixel again. Google Pixel Phone Help
Understand what may not return
Restoring can take up to 24 hours to complete fully. Android version matters: a backup made on a newer Android version cannot be restored onto a phone running an older version, and the transfer to that lower-version phone may be incomplete. App support also varies, so some apps or app data may not be restored. Google Android Help
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Google’s Update & Software Repair tool is a separate option for Pixel 4a and later, including Fold. It can manually update Android without resetting, or reset the phone to the latest Android version. Choosing the reset still deletes data, so back up first and restore afterward. This tool requires a computer and a USB cord that connects to the phone; that requirement does not apply to a Settings reset or the button-based Recovery reset. Google does not specify a particular cable model or connector on the tool’s instructions page. Google Pixel Update and Software Repair
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Google Pixel 7 is powered by Google Tensor G2; it’s faster, more efficient, and more secure, with the best photo and video quality yet on Pixel[1].Other camera description:Front,Rear.Bluetooth Version 5.2 with dual antennas for enhanced quality and connection.
- Unlocked Android 5G phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; works with Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Pixel’s Adaptive Battery can last over 24 hours; when Extreme Battery Saver is turned on, it can last up to 72 hours[3]
- The 6.3-inch Pixel 7 display is super sharp, with rich, vivid colors; it’s fast and responsive for smoother gaming, scrolling, and moving between apps[4]
- Google Pixel 7 has wide and ultrawide lenses with up to 8x Super Res Zoom[5]; and Cinematic Blur brings more drama to your videos
Rank #4
- Google Pixel 10 Pro is the ultimate Pixel experience, featuring advanced AI with Gemini, unbelievable camera quality, impeccable design in two sizes, and the next-gen Google Tensor G5 chip[1]
- Unlocked Android phone gives you the flexibility to change carriers and choose your own data plan[2]; it works - Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T, and other major carriers
- Get a head start on syncing your data before it even arrives: After you purchase your new Pixel, look for an email that explains how to transfer your photos, videos, passwords, and more in just a few quick steps[11]
- Pixel’s pro camera system makes everything look amazing, even in low light; capture more of the scene with advanced Google AI models, and bring out incredible details with 100x Pro Res Zoom, stunning 50 MP images, and super steady videos in 8K[10]
- Pixel 10 Pro is built with durable aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for scratch and drop resistance; the 6.3-inch Super Actua display with 3,300-nit peak brightness is easy on the eyes, even in direct sunlight[3,13,18]
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