WARNING! Master resetting your smartphone will result in the deletion of all personal data stored on the internal memory, including downloaded content, visual voicemail, contacts, apps, images, ringtones etc. The process does NOT remove data stored on the SIM card.

NOTE: Before proceeding with the factory reset, you may want to visit this thread for a guide on how you can back up and restore data on the Nexus 6.

Master Resetting via Settings Menu:

  1. While viewing the home screen, tap "Apps"
  2. Go to "Settings"
  3. Scroll to "Personal" and tap "Backup & reset"
  4. Tap "Factory data reset"
  5. Assuming that your phone is protected by a password or PIN / pattern, enter the necessary data in order to proceed
  6. Tap "Reset Phone"

Master Reset using Hardware Keys (Recovery Menu):

NOTE: In case your smartphone crashes, freezes etc. and you are unable to master reset it via the settings menu, then you can use a combination of button presses to access the recovery menu and apply the factory reset from there. Use this method in case the one described above fails.

  1. Turn off the smartphone
  2. Press and hold the "Volume down" button, and then press the and hold the "Power" key until the phone turns on
  3. From the menu, press "Volume down" to navigate to and highlight "Recovery mode"
  4. Press the "Power" key to select the highlighted option and enter recovery mode. An Android with a red exclamation mark will appear
  5. While holding the "Power" button pressed, press and release the "Volume Up" button
  6. Use the volume keys to navigate to and highlight "Wipe data / factory reset"
  7. Press "Power" to select the option
  8. Highlight "yes -- erase all user data" and press "Power"
  9. Wait for your smartphone to apply the reset and reboot. Should the device become unresponsive at any point during the steps above, restart it by holding the "Power" key for a few seconds

Updating the Android OS:

NOTE: Sometimes after a factory reset, certain software updates that have been previously applied may be removed. As such, you should check for updates as soon as you finish with the master reset. To check for updates:

  1. Tap "Apps" while viewing the home screen
  2. Go to "Settings" and tap "About device"
  3. Tap "Software update" and ensure that your smartphone is connected to a Wi-Fi network
  4. If any software updates are available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and apply them


› See More: Nexus 6: Master Reset and Update the OS