In that case, you'll want to follow the steps in that same area to encrypt it and make sure your data is properly protected. The only reason to worry is if you find an encryption setting and see that the device isn't already encrypted. Head to the Security section of Android's system settings and look for the option labeled 'Encryption' or 'Encryption & credentials' - or just use the search function within your settings to look for the word 'encrypt.' The exact wording and placement may vary depending on your device's manufacturer and Android version, and some recent phones, such as those made by Samsung, may not even show the option at all (simply because it's considered a given that encryption is in place, and there's nothing you can do to change that). Either way, it's worth double-checking to make sure. But if you're getting rid of an older Android phone, it might not be. If your phone is reasonably recent, it should almost certainly be encrypted by default. That way, even if your phone makes its way into the hands of a shady character - and even if said scoundrel is able to recover the data you've erased - your sensitive info will remain virtually unreadable. That's why the first and most important step in securely erasing your Android device is to make sure its local storage is encrypted. The biggest fear with wiping an Android device is the improbable but not impossible prospect of someone later using data recovery tools to find and assemble lingering bits of data.

Make sure your Android device is encrypted

Before you do so, though, you'll want to be sure you've securely erased it and removed any traces of your past - because the last thing you'd want is for your phone's new owner to resurface your personal or corporate data.įollow the four steps below and you can let your Android device go without worry.

Wipe android phone