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Resetting your smartphone can fix performance issues, clear viruses, or prepare it for resale. But many Nigerians fear losing valuable information like contacts, WhatsApp chats, photos, and banking apps during the process. The truth is, you can safely reset your phone without wiping critical data—if you take the right steps.
TJ News Nigeria reports that most users lose important files simply because they didn’t back up or misunderstood what a reset does.
This guide outlines how to reset your phone the right way—without losing important data—for both Android and iPhone users.
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What Does a Phone Reset Actually Do?
A factory reset restores your device to its original software state, clearing user data, installed apps, settings, and cache. However, there are two main types:
- Soft Reset: A simple reboot. No data is erased.
- Hard/Factory Reset: Wipes internal storage unless data is backed up.
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Before performing a factory reset, you must ensure your critical data is synced or backed up to avoid irreversible loss.
Step-by-Step: How to Prepare Before Resetting
✅ 1. Back Up Your Contacts and Call Logs
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- Android: Go to
Settings > Google > Backupand enable “Back up to Google Drive.” - iPhone: Use iCloud or sync contacts with your Apple ID.
Ensure your SIM and phone contacts are saved to your Google or iCloud account. You can also export contacts manually to an SD card or external storage.
💡 If you’re planning to sell or replace your phone after reset, first read What to Check Before Buying a Used Phone in Nigeria.
✅ 2. Backup Your Photos, Videos, and Files
Use the following options:
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- Google Photos or OneDrive for media
- WhatsApp Backup to Google Drive or iCloud
- Copy files manually to an external SD card or computer
On Android, navigate to:
Settings > Google > Backup > Back up now
On iPhone:
Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup > Back Up Now
✅ 3. Secure Your Apps and Chat Histories
- Go to
Settings > Chats > Chat Backup - Select your preferred Google/iCloud account
- Tap “Back Up Now”
Other Apps
- Check if each app has a built-in backup feature or links to a cloud service.
📌 If you’re unsure whether to reset or replace your device entirely, you might consider this guide on iPhone vs Android in Nigeria: Which Is Better? to help you decide.
How to Reset Your Phone (Without Losing Data)
🔄 For Android Phones
Option A: Reset Without Deleting Data (Only Cache & Settings)
Some Android devices (e.g., Samsung) offer reset options that do not delete media files.
- Go to
Settings > General Management > Reset > Reset Settings - This keeps photos and files intact but resets preferences.
Option B: Full Factory Reset (With Backup)
- Ensure backup is complete
- Go to
Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase All Data (Factory Reset) - Follow prompts and restart the device
After reset:
- Log into your Google Account
- Restore backed-up data, apps, and contacts
🔄 For iPhones (iOS Devices)
- Go to
Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone - Tap “Erase All Content and Settings”
- Enter Apple ID password to confirm
Upon restart:
- Log into your Apple ID
- Choose “Restore from iCloud Backup” or “Restore from Mac/PC”
If you’ve linked your SIM or NIN to your device, ensure your credentials are saved or accessible. Learn how in How to Link NIN to Your SIM Card (MTN, Glo, Airtel)
Here are quick steps to factory reset a Samsung phone without losing data:
✅ Before Reset: Backup Your Data
- Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup.
- Tap Backup data under Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
- Select what you want to back up (contacts, messages, apps, etc.).
- Tap Back up now.
For Samsung phones, a true factory reset will always erase your data—but there are Samsung-specific tools that allow you to back up everything before performing the reset, so you can restore it afterward almost seamlessly.
Here’s how to perform a factory reset on a Samsung phone without losing your data, using Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch:
✅ How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone Without Losing Data
🔹 Step 1: Back Up Your Data Using Samsung Cloud (Built-in)
- Go to
Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud > Back up data - Select what to back up:
- Contacts
- Messages
- Call logs
- Apps
- Settings
- Home screen layout
- Photos (if enabled)
- Tap “Back up now”
📌 Ensure you’re connected to Wi-Fi and logged in with your Samsung account.
🔹 Step 2: Use Smart Switch (Optional for Full PC Backup)
For a complete backup—including media, documents, and app data—use Samsung Smart Switch:
- Download Smart Switch on your PC or Mac from Samsung’s official site
- Connect your phone via USB cable
- Click Backup, then wait for the full backup to complete
- After reset, use Restore to recover everything
🔹 Step 3: Perform the Factory Reset
Once the backup is complete:
- Go to
Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset - Scroll down and tap Reset
- Enter your PIN or password
- Tap Delete All
🔹 Step 4: Restore Your Data After Reset
- After setup, sign in with your Samsung account
- Go to
Settings > Accounts and Backup > Restore data - Choose the latest backup
- Select what you want to restore and tap Restore
✅ Your apps, settings, contacts, messages, and even home screen layout will return just as before.
🔄 Reset Without Data Loss (Soft Reset or Settings Reset)
This method resets settings without deleting personal files:
- Go to Settings > General Management.
- Tap Reset.
- Select Reset all settings (Not Factory Data Reset).
- Confirm and proceed.
🔹 This will not erase photos, apps, or files—only system settings like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth will reset.
💡 Optional: Use Smart Switch for Backup
Download Samsung Smart Switch to transfer or restore data from PC or another device after a full reset.
Things You Should NEVER Forget Before Resetting
- Disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP)
- For Android: Remove your Google account before resetting
- For iPhone: Sign out of Apple ID to avoid iCloud lock
- Backup 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) Apps
- Reconfigure Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator after reset
- Take Screenshots of Settings or Passwords
- Useful for quick setup afterward
- Check SIM Registration and BVN Status
- If resetting a device tied to banking or national ID apps, review your linked information:
How to Check BVN, NIN & SIM Registration Status
- If resetting a device tied to banking or national ID apps, review your linked information:
Final Word
Resetting your phone doesn’t have to mean losing everything. With proper backups, secure cloud settings, and a few simple steps, you can reset your Android or iPhone without losing vital data.
Whether you’re fixing a bug, selling your device, or just starting fresh, follow this guide to do it safely and smartly.
For more mobile device tips and verified tech updates, visit TJ News Nigeria.
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