Learn how to format all data from your smartphone or PC with this step-by-step guide. Safely erase all data and start fresh with these expert tips.Do you need to sell your device or just want to give it a good clean? Then let’s see together how to erase all the data.
There comes a time for everyone when they decide to sell their smartphone or notebook , or in general any mobile device. The reasons can be different, from non-use to wanting to move to a more performing model, but in any case, before proceeding with the delivery of the device to the new owner, it is a good idea to format the data , in order to restore the device to its factory conditions , as if it were new.
This allows us to leave our cell phone, whether it is an Android smartphone like the Pixel 9 Pro XL or the Galaxy S24 Ultra , an Apple device , such as the iPhone 16 or 16 Pro , or a laptop with Windows , such as a Galaxy Book 4 , or with macOS , such as a Macbook Air M3 .
For each of these devices, the effect of the procedure is exactly the same, that is, the deletion of all your data, accounts, applications and files, but the procedure itself can undergo some variations. In this guide, we will analyze how to do a hard reset on Android, iOS, Windows and macOS devices , which can be useful not only in the event of selling the terminal, but also in the case in which you want to resolve some excessive slowdowns due to age.
How to Format an Android Device
There are two ways, both valid and both very simple. The first is through the settings , for the second you will have to rely on a combination of keys , but it turns out to be more effective, as it will deeply delete any data.
On your Android smartphone, such as a Pixel 9 Pro , go to the Settings app . Then, tap on System , then on Reset options and finally on Erase all data (factory reset) . Next, press the Erase all data button located at the bottom right, enter the PIN that protects your smartphone and complete the reset procedure. The smartphone will restart and after a few minutes you can set it up again, as if it were new.
However, some smartphones cannot completely delete all files. To be absolutely sure, you can proceed as follows:
- Turn off your smartphone.
- Press the Power and Volume Up buttons at the same time and hold until the green Android robot appears. Then release the Power button and hold the Volume Up button until the recovery menu appears.
- In recovery you can move between the different items with the volume keys (in some cases also via touch screen) and confirm with the power button.
- Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset and confirm your selection.
- Once this is done, the device will format itself in a few seconds and you can then restart it by selecting the Reboot system now option .
How to Format an iOS Device
On iOS the procedure is much simpler. The operating system installed on all iPhones from the Cupertino company is in fact designed for ease of use and allows you to initialize and format the various smartphones and tablets in just a few steps.
To do this, you can go to the Settings app , select General , and then tap on Transfer or erase iPhone . Next, tap on Erase All Content and Settings , then tap Continue , and finally Erase iPhone .
Confirm your choice and possibly enter your ID and password to proceed correctly. This procedure is used to confirm your identity, so as to avoid that someone can play a bad joke on you.
Depending on the device, the formatting time may be more or less long, but in any case in the order of a few minutes.
How to Format Windows
In this guide we will see how to format Windows 11 , which is the operating system installed by default on most notebooks and PCs on the market for a few years now. Formatting a PC generally takes longer than formatting a smartphone, as the memories are generally much larger, as is the data generated.
So make sure you don’t rush this and give your computer enough time to complete the process without interruption.
Once this is done, go to Windows Settings , select the System item from the side menu and immediately after on Recovery . At this point you can click on the Reset your PC button located next to the wording Reset your PC to factory settings .
On PC, we may need to format for purposes other than selling. In this case, the system gives us the option to delete accounts and programs, while keeping all files (videos, photos, documents) unchanged by clicking on “ Keep my files ”, or to delete everything by clicking on “ Remove everything ”.
Then click on “ Remove everything ” if you want to sell your notebook or PC and confirm. At this point, choose how to proceed with the reinstallation of Windows, choosing between downloading from the cloud or local reinstallation. Next, click on Change settings and set the switch located under the Clean data item to Yes and click on the Confirm button . Finally, click on Next and then on Restore .
The computer may shut down and restart several times , which is completely normal during this phase. It will then proceed to completely format and reinstall Windows and the drivers necessary for operation. Once this is done, the computer will be as good as new, and you will be taken back to the initial configuration screen.
How to format macOS
Finally, let’s see how to format macOS, the operating system present on all Apple-branded notebooks and PCs, such as MacBook Air , MacBook Pro and Mac Mini .
To proceed with the reset, all you have to do is open the System Settings , click on the General item in the side menu and then click on the Transfer or erase item . Next, click on the Erase Content and Settings button , enter your Mac password and proceed with creating a backup with Time Machine . Once this is done, all you have to do is follow the on-screen instructions to restore the Mac to factory settings and remove all the data on it.