Reset and unlock an Android phone before selling it

3 min read · Updated on June 16, 2026

On Android, it's the Google account that can lock a device after a reset (Factory Reset Protection). Remove it first and your phone is guaranteed eligible for buyback.

1. Back up, then remove your Google account

First, check your backup: Settings › Google › Backup. Then go to Settings › Accounts › your Google account › Remove account.

Removing the account BEFORE the reset stops the anti-theft protection from locking the device on restart.

2. Turn off the screen lock

Delete your PIN, pattern or fingerprint under Settings › Security. A device with no lock is easier for us to check.

3. Factory reset

Settings › System › Reset options › Erase all data. Depending on the brand (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google…), the path may vary slightly.

Finally, take out your SIM card and your microSD memory card if there's one.