Can You Track a Phone After a Factory Reset? Understand the Risks
Learn if a phone can be tracked post-factory reset and the conditions that affect location tracking.
140 views
A phone generally cannot be tracked after a factory reset because the reset wipes all data and settings including location tracking. However, if anti-theft apps or services like Google’s Find My Device were set up prior, it's possible to track it if the device’s SIM card or firmware wasn't changed.
FAQs & Answers
- Can a factory reset protect your privacy? Yes, a factory reset deletes all personal data, but risks remain if tracking apps were installed before the reset.
- What to do if I lose my phone after a reset? If you had enabled tracking services like Google's Find My Device before the reset, you may still be able to locate it.
- Do anti-theft apps work after a factory reset? Most anti-theft apps will stop functioning after a factory reset unless specified otherwise in their settings.
- How can I ensure my phone cannot be tracked? To minimize tracking, turn off location services and factory reset your device, while keeping anti-theft apps disabled.