A factory reset is crucial before selling, recycling, or donating your Android phone or tablet. It can also be a last-ditch attempt at troubleshooting persistent issues with your device.

If your phone freezes or runs slowly, a reset often clears up your problems. First, though, you need to protect your data by backing it up. Here’s how.

You can control your Android phone from your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer using this free application.