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How to factory reset your Google Pixel 7a
Are you having problems with your Google Pixel 7a? While it’s a very capable device, it’s prone to issues, and a clean start will often get everything back in working order. It’s easy to do, and we’re here to show you the process from start to finish. Read on to learn exactly how to factory reset your Google Pixel 7a.
QUICK ANSWER
You can factory reset your Google Pixel 7a by launching the Settings app and going to System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). Then tap on Erase all data, enter your PIN, and tap on Erase all data again. Let the phone run the process. It will eventually reboot and take you through the initial setup.
There are other ways to perform a factory data reset, so keep reading if this method isn't sufficient.
JUMP TO KEY SECTIONS
Warning: Back up everything first!
Performing a factory data reset is not to be taken as something trivial. Factory data resets will delete all your files, photos, videos, music, apps, settings, and everything else you may store on your Pixel 7a. It’s essential that you make sure you back up everything first.
If you need some help figuring out how to do this, we have a complete guide on backing up all your important files on Android devices. There are plenty of great tools in there.
How to factory reset your Pixel 7a from the Settings
If you still want to factory reset your Google Pixel 7a, we’re here to help. The process is pretty simple; you just need to know where to find the option.
- Launch the Settings app.
- Go into System.
- Select Reset options.
- Tap on Erase all data (factory reset).
- Pick Erase all data.
- Enter your PIN.
- Confirm by hitting Erase all data again.
How to factory reset a Pixel 7a using Recovery Mode
Sometimes using software settings to factory reset your Google Pixel 7a won’t be an option. This is likely the case if the phone is malfunctioning. Thankfully, there is a way to perform a factory reset using only hardware buttons. Let’s walk you through the process.
- Make sure you’ve turned off your Google Pixel 7a. If you don’t know how to do this, we have a dedicated guide for it.
- Press and hold the power and volume down buttons simultaneously.
- Keep holding until the screen turns on.
- You’ll see a screen with the word “Start” pointing at the power button. Press the power button.
- Navigate using the volume down button until Recovery mode shows up. Press the power button to select.
- The phone will restart and show an Android robot in distress. When this screen shows up, press and hold the power button. While you continue to hold the power button, press the volume up button.
- Using the volume down button, highlight Wipe data/Factory reset. Select it by pressing the power button.
- Use the volume down button to highlight Factory data reset, then press the power button.
- Wait for the process to finish. When done, make sure Reboot system now is highlighted, and press the power button to select the action.
You can use Find My Device to factory reset the phone remotely
Did you lose your phone? There is actually a way to factory reset your Google Pixel 7a remotely. The only bad news is that you’ll need to set up Find My Device proactively. If you never configured it, you’re out of luck. You can learn more about how to do it in our dedicated article on Find My Device.
If you’ve set it up and want to factory reset your Google Pixel 7a remotely, follow the instructions below.
- Launch any browser and go to the Find My Device website.
- Log in, if necessary.
- Select the device you want to factory reset.
- Click on the Erase Device option.
- Select the Erase Device button.
- Confirm by hitting Erase.
Losing your phone is never fun, but we’ve also put together a guide with all the steps you should take when you lose your phone. Check it out for extra tips.
FAQs
A factory data reset is a method that deletes everything in your device. This includes photos, apps, settings, videos, and files. It will do a clean install of the operating system and bring everything back to factory settings. This means you will have to set it up again, like the first time you used it.
A hard reset is essentially a forced restart. You can do it using certain button combinations that trigger a reboot. A factory data reset is a way to bring your device to factory settings. A factory reset will delete all your files, apps, settings, and more. And you’ll have to set up the phone again, as if it was new.
A factory reset is a common troubleshooting fix for malfunctioning devices. This makes sense because the solution will delete all files and return the phone to factory settings. This means any corrupted files or settings will be cleaned. A factory data reset can’t fix all problems, though, and it won’t do anything if you have hardware issues.
A factory data reset doesn’t get rid of updates, so your phone will have the same software version you were using before the reset. There’s no need to update again, unless there are updates you didn’t grab before, or a new one showed up.
A factory data reset will most times clean malicious software. There are some exceptions, though. For example, if you rooted your device, there is software that can use root access to save its files deep within the system files. This type of malicious software can sometimes survive a full wipe.
Yes! You can use Find My Device to factory reset your Google Pixel 7a. You need to have set up this feature first, though.
By the way, you should also check out our review of the Pixel 7a if you want to know our thoughts on the device. Additionally, if you just got the device (which may be why you’re trying to perform a factory reset), you may want to accessorize. You can look at our lists of the best Pixel 7a accessories, cases, screen protectors, chargers, and wireless chargers.
By the way, we also got to take a deep look into the Google Pixel Fold, which was announced right alongside the Pixel 7a. It might be a good alternative to the Pixel 7a, if you’re not entirely convinced by the budget phone.