If you’re experiencing software issues or wanting a phone refresh, a factory reset is the ideal tool to make this happen. However, it’s important to understand the process and see how your data can be backed up. When combined with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you are able to protect your data and even online presence.
In this article, we will explore how to perform a factory reset, why you may need this, and how to safely secure your data with a VPN.
Why Do You Need a Factory Reset?
There are three main reasons why you may need a factory reset:
Software Issues
Devices may experience software problems such as apps crashing, slow progression or glitches due to new systems and apps available on devices. A factory reset will help sort out any device issues by restoring the device to its original setting.
Selling or Donating
Before selling or donating your phone, performing a factory reset will help to erase any personal data, which will prevent anybody from accessing sensitive information.
Fresh Restart
A factory reset will help restart your device and remove any junk files.
Backing up Your Data Before A Factory Reset
Backing up your data is extremely important in ensuring you don’t lose any essential files, photos or documents. You can back up your data by:
- Cloud Storage: This will ensure your data is backed up by services like Apple iCloud, Google Drive, or OneDrive. Your files, photos, contracts, and documents will be backed up, ensuring you don’t lose any important information.
- Hard Drive: For larger backups and documents, you can use an external hard drive to do this. You’ll need to connect your device to the drive and transfer all the files; Macs and Time Machines have a built-in backup feature.
- Manual: You can manually back up your files from one device to another and save them on storage.
Five Steps to Performing a Factory Reset
After you’ve backed up all your data and files, you can now perform a factory reset. Here is a general guide on how to do so for smartphones, tablets and laptops:
Smartphones and Tablets
- Backup data: Ensure all your information is backed up or transferred to a drive
- Sign out: Make sure to sign out of all your accounts, such as Google, emails, and iCloud, to avoid any personal information being left on the device.
- Settings: Go to the settings menu on your device
- Factory Reset Option: Look for the “Factory Reset” or “Erase All Data” buttons.
- Confirm: Confirm your reset on your factory settings. This process will take a few minutes.
Laptops (Mac and PC)
- Backup data: Ensure all your information is backed up or transferred to a drive
- Sign out: Make sure to sign out of all your accounts, such as Google, emails, and iCloud, to avoid any personal information being left on the device.
- Restart: On your Mac, you can restart by selecting Command + R. On a PC, you can use the recovery boot from a recovery USB.
- Erase: Erase any information on the laptops; Macs use the Disk Utility, and the PC is used for system recovery.
- Reinstall: After erasing, reinstall the system and your device will be brand new.
Securing Your Device
After a factory reset, ensure you secure your device. One effective way is by using a VPN. A VPN will ensure your safeguarding your online activities from jackets and encrypts your internet connection.
Why Should You Use A VPN?
A VPN system will ensure that your IP address and online activities are hidden, making it more difficult for third parties to track your online behaviour. VPN systems are also a security benefit for businesses and online users, as they will be able to use online systems and websites without having to risk hackers or their data being accessed.
VPNs also allow individuals to access content from different regions around the world. Some websites may be blocked due to locations, but VPN systems ensure you can access all websites online.
Conclusion
A factory reset is an important step in ensuring you deal with any device issues, whether you want to sell your device or even if you want a fresh reset. However it’s important to follow the different steps to ensure your factory reset is conducted correctly and you’re securing your device after your reset. By backing up your device with a secured VPN, you will ensure your device will be protected, and there will be a reduced risk of hackers online.
