How to Permanently Erase All Data from Your Android Phone: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Simply deleting files or performing a factory reset does not truly remove data from a phone; the system only marks the space as reusable, leaving the original data recoverable.

Consequently, an old phone may expose photos, videos, messages, contacts, payment credentials, social‑media accounts, and email contents, which can be exploited for fraud or espionage.

How to Completely Remove Personal Data

Step 1: Revoke login devices in social apps (e.g., WeChat)

Open the app → Me → Settings → Account & Security → Login Device Management → select a device → View Device Info → Delete the unused login device.

Step 2: Log out of all apps on the old phone

For example, in WeChat: Me → Settings → Log out of the current account.

Step 3: Erase all data and format the device

Android: Settings → More Settings → Backup & Reset → Erase all data → check “Format phone storage after” → Execute.

Step 4: Overwrite residual data and repeat factory reset

Use a data‑wiping app from the Play Store, or record high‑quality video continuously until storage is full, then perform another factory reset. This ensures any recoverable fragments are replaced with meaningless data.

For thorough physical destruction, consider water immersion or dismantling the device.

Recommended Android data eraser: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cbinnovations.androideraser