How do you reset a Nexus 6?

To reset a Nexus 6, you can perform a factory data reset, which erases all data and restores the device to its original factory settings. This can be done either through the device's settings menu or, if the device is unresponsive, through recovery mode.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

A factory reset deletes all personal data from your device, so it's crucial to prepare properly.

• Backup Your Data: Before proceeding, ensure all important photos, videos, contacts, app data, and other files are backed up. You can use Google Photos, Google Drive, or transfer files to a computer. For detailed instructions on backing up your Android device, you can refer to Google's official support documentation.
• Charge Your Device: Make sure your Nexus 6 has at least 50% battery charge to prevent it from shutting down during the reset process.
• Remove Google Account: To avoid Factory Reset Protection (FRP) issues, especially if you plan to sell or give away the device, remove your Google account(s) before resetting.
  1. Go to Settings.
  2. Tap Accounts.
  3. Select your Google account.
  4. Tap the three-dot menu (More) in the top right corner.
  5. Tap Remove account. Repeat for all Google accounts.

Method 1: Factory Reset Nexus 6 via Settings (Recommended)

This method is the easiest and most common approach when your device is functional and you can access the user interface.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Open the Settings app on your Nexus 6.
2. Scroll down and tap on Backup & reset.
3. Tap on Factory data reset.
4. Review the information about what will be erased (e.g., your Google account, system and app data, downloaded apps, music, photos, and other user data).
5. Tap Reset phone (or Reset device) at the bottom.
6. If prompted, enter your PIN, pattern, or password for security verification.
7. Finally, tap Erase everything to confirm and initiate the factory reset process.

Your Nexus 6 will restart and begin the reset. This process can take several minutes. Once complete, it will boot up to the initial setup screen, just like a new device.

Method 2: Factory Reset Nexus 6 via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)

Use this method if your Nexus 6 is unresponsive, locked, stuck in a boot loop, or you cannot access the settings menu. This bypasses the Android operating system to perform the reset.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Power off your Nexus 6 completely.
2. Press and hold the Volume Down button and the Power button simultaneously. Keep holding both buttons until you see the "START" screen, which indicates you are in Fastboot Mode.
3. Use the Volume Down button to navigate through the options until you see Recovery mode.
4. Press the Power button to select "Recovery mode." You will then see an Android robot lying down with an exclamation mark, often referred to as the "No Command" screen.
5. While holding down the Power key, press and release the Volume Up key, then release Power. This specific action will bring up the Android Recovery menu.
6. Using the Volume Up or Volume Down keys, scroll to the option Wipe data/factory reset.
7. Press the Power key to select it.
8. Scroll down to Yes - erase all user data using the volume keys.
9. Press the Power key to select it and begin the factory reset process.
10. Once the reset is complete, the Recovery menu will reappear. Select Reboot system now to restart your Nexus 6.

What Happens After a Factory Reset?

After a successful factory reset, your Nexus 6 will be restored to its original state, as if you just took it out of the box. All installed apps, personal data, and custom settings will be erased. You will need to go through the initial setup process again, including connecting to Wi-Fi, signing in with your Google account, and restoring your backed-up data.

Comparing Reset Methods

Here's a quick comparison of the two factory reset methods for your Nexus 6:

Feature / Action	Via Settings (Method 1)	Via Recovery Mode (Method 2)
Accessibility	Requires functional device UI	Works even if UI is unresponsive
Data Erased	All user data, apps, settings	All user data, apps, settings
Google Account	Must be removed manually before reset	Must be removed manually before reset
When to Use	Selling device, minor software glitches	Unresponsive device, boot loops, locked

By following these instructions, you can effectively reset your Nexus 6, whether to resolve performance issues or prepare it for a new owner.