A factory reset is a process that clears all data and settings from a device and returns it to its default settings, meaning that the device is reset to the point where it is in the same state it was in when it was first taken out of the box. This includes deleting all the data, apps, and settings the user changed on the device. Factory resets are also called “formatting” or “hard resets”. Performing a factory reset on a phone can be helpful in various situations, such as fixing a problem with the device, preparing it for sale or giving it away, or just starting over with a clean slate.

To perform a factory reset on an Android phone, you need to go to the "Settings" app on your smartphone, scroll down and tap on "System," tap on "Reset," and then tap on "Factory data reset". The process of factory resetting a smartphone may vary slightly depending on the make and model of the device, but it is generally a straightforward process. It is important to note that a factory reset will erase all data, settings, and personal information from the device, so it is important to back up any important data before performing the reset.