What is lost when resetting phone to factory

[Brock297]

My phone is actually an LG Escape 3. I've had it for over a year now and really like it, but it's slowing down and freezing on occasion. I figure it's time to reset it, but I'm concerned about what I'll lose. Will I lose all my contacts and texts? Is there a way to back them up? Anything else I should be aware of?

Thanks,

Lou

 

[Hadron]

A reset will erase all user-installed apps, all app data and put all settings to their default values. It won't undo any system updates.

So yes, contacts, messages, photos, everything in the internal storage will need to be backed up.

Contacts will be backed up already if they are synced with Google. Otherwise you can "export" them from the contacts app (look in its settings) and copy the backup file to somewhere safe. There are many message backup apps. Some apps (e.g. WhatsApp) can do their own backups. You can set to save app data to Google servers, but I'd always prefer an additional backup. Helium (from the Play Store) is probably as good as you can do without root. And remember that any backup must be copied to a different device to be safe.

 

[kblanco]

Don't forget to remove the SD card if you have one installed and are doing a Factory Reset. There's a reset function buried in the Settings menu that won't wipe the SD card, but if you attempt a Factory Reset by way of the Settings menu (it'll give you a choice of which you want to attempt) or you hold down Volume Down and Power to enter the diagnostics mode, then yes it'll wipe your SD card. Best to back up you stuff from the SD card like pictures and music or just remove the SD card entirely. If you think the junk data might be on the SD card, back up your pictures and music, leave the SD card in and it'll wipe as part of the procedure.

 

[Hadron]

You can also download all your recent applications on the base of your previous gmail account

Provided you have that backup option enabled.

Important to check rather than assume this is done. Also in my experience it's not 100% reliable for all apps, so I personally would make other backups too.

 

[Brock297]

Thank you all for the replies. They are very helpful.

 

[Milo Willamson]

I have everything to the cloud, all my music on my hard drive as well as photos : )