Android Factory Reset

Android Factory Reset is a feature that erases all device settings, user data, third-party applications, and associated application data from an Android device’s internal flash storage to return the device to the condition it was in when shipped from the factory. The feature is supported by all mobile devices that run the Android operating system.

Depending on the Android device’s make and model, factory reset usually does not erase data or applications stored on removable storage. Nor does factory reset over-write flash storage to prevent subsequent forensic analysis and data recovery. However, if part or all of an Android device was encrypted prior to factory reset, keys erased during factory reset render encrypted contents cryptographically inaccessible.

Android factory reset may be invoked by a local or remote wipe. During a remote wipe, the device receives a wipe command from a remote server and invokes the standard Android Device Administration API reset function.