How to Factory Reset a Motorola Phone from Settings

A factory reset erases everything on your Motorola phone and returns it to how it was out of the box. Use it before selling or giving away the phone, or as a last resort for serious software problems. Back up your data first.

Quick steps: Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset) → Erase all data.

Before you reset

  • Back up your phone — photos, contacts, chats and files will be erased.
  • Make sure you know your Google account email and password. After the reset, the phone asks for them (Factory Reset Protection).
  • Charge the phone to at least 30% or keep it plugged in.
  • Selling the phone? Also remove your Google account (Settings > Passwords, passkeys & accounts) and take out the SIM and SD card.
  1. Motorola Home screen
    Step 1

    Open the app drawer

    Go to the Home screen and swipe up to open all apps.

  2. App drawer with Settings highlighted
    Step 2

    Open Settings

    Tap Settings.

  3. Settings list with System highlighted
    Step 3

    Tap System

    Scroll down and tap System.

  4. System settings with Reset options highlighted
    Step 4

    Tap Reset options

    Tap Reset options. (Tap Backup first if you still need to back up.)

  5. Reset options with Erase all data (factory reset) highlighted
    Step 5

    Tap Erase all data (factory reset)

    Tap Erase all data (factory reset).

  6. Erase all data (factory reset) screen listing what will be erased
    Step 6

    Review and tap Erase all data

    The screen lists what will be erased: your Google account, system and app data, downloaded apps, music, photos and other user data. Tap Erase all data. Enter your PIN, pattern or password if asked.

  7. Erase all data confirmation dialog
    Step 7

    Confirm

    Tap Erase all data again to confirm. The phone erases everything, restarts automatically and opens the setup screen.

Frequently asked questions

Can I factory reset my Motorola phone if it won’t turn on or I forgot the PIN?

Yes — use recovery mode with the Power and Volume buttons instead. See our guide for when you forgot your unlock PIN, pattern or password.

Does a factory reset remove the Android update?

No. A factory reset erases your data and apps, but the phone keeps the latest Android version and security updates that were installed.

How long does a factory reset take?

Usually 5–15 minutes, depending on the phone and how much data was stored.

Still having problems? It may be a hardware fault. Check the Motorola spare part prices for your model, or compare battery and display replacement costs.

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Steps and screenshots based on Motorola's official Reset the phone tutorial. Steps can vary slightly by model and Android version.