Have you ever thought that all the data on your phone is really gone after doing a factory reset ? For those of you who have sold or thrown away your old phone with a sense of relief because you have done a factory reset, get ready to get goosebumps. Because in fact, a factory reset does not mean that your data is completely gone without a trace!
In this article, we will discuss thoroughly from the perspective of an ordinary user to the level of world-class intelligence such as the CIA and FBI. Don't be surprised if at the end of the article you think twice before throwing away your old cellphone.
What is a Factory Reset? (And Why We Are Often Fooled by It)
Factory reset is the process of returning the phone to its original condition as if it had just come out of the factory. It is usually done to:
- Resolve system bugs or errors
- Erase data before sale
- Clean your phone from viruses or malware
When the reset is complete , the phone will be empty: no photos, chats, apps, or contacts. But... does that mean all data is really gone?
From the Public User's Side: Feeling Safe Even Though It's Still Dangerous
Most of us believe that factory reset = clean data. Unfortunately, that is a misconception. In fact, data can still be recovered with special tools that you can even download for free on the internet.
Tools That Can Restore Data After Factory Reset
Some applications or software that are known to be able to recover data from a cellphone that has been reset :
- Dr.Fone – Data Recovery (Android)
- EaseUS MobiSaver
- iMyFone D-Back for Android
- Tenorshare UltData
The way these tools work is simple: they read the “trace” of data that hasn’t been overwritten by the new system. Even though a file has been visibly deleted, the Android system doesn’t physically erase it—it just marks the space as “available for re-filling.” As long as it hasn’t been overwritten, the data can still be read back.
So, How Far Can Data Be Recovered?
- Photos and Videos: Almost 80% can be recovered, especially if the phone has not been used much after the reset.
- WhatsApp messages and SMS: Most can reappear, especially if not using encryption.
- Location and Email History: Can be traced back through Google account sync.
- Documents, notes and personal files: Traces can still be found in the memory sector.
In short, if you only rely on factory reset , don't be too sure that your data is completely safe.
From Intelligence Side: CIA and FBI Level Can Reconstruct Your Entire Life
If you think just ordinary software can recover data, imagine the capabilities of intelligence agencies like the CIA or FBI. They have access to much more advanced technology.
How CIA and FBI Track Data from Reset Phones?
Chip-Level Recovery:
They can extract data directly from NAND flash memory using chip-off forensic tools , even if the phone is completely dead.JTAG (Joint Test Action Group) Debugging:
This technique allows direct reading of memory by opening the HP and soldering special lines to the circuit board.Cloud-Based Tracking:
If your phone has ever been connected to a Google account, Apple ID, or other cloud service, data can be accessed without touching the physical device.AI-Based Data Reconstruction:
With AI, small pieces of incomplete files can be “reassembled” to reveal hidden images, text, or metadata.
They don't just recover data, but can read your behavioral patterns, frequently visited locations, and even your chatting habits.
So, Can Phone Data Be Recovered After Factory Reset?
The answer is: Yes. And sometimes, it's very easy.
Here is a summary of the facts:
- Factory reset only deletes the external appearance of the data, not the physical data.
- Data can be recovered with free software if it has not been overwritten.
- Intelligence agencies can read data even from completely damaged cell phones.
- Cloud accounts and syncing can be a gateway for tracking.
How to Really Erase Data?
If you want the data to be completely gone without a trace, do the following steps:
Safe Steps to Erase Data Before Selling or Throwing Away a Cellphone
- Encrypt all data on your phone before factory reset
(Settings > Security > Encrypt device) - Factory reset as usual
- Refill the memory with random files (e.g. large videos) and then reset it.
- Repeat 2-3 times if your data is very sensitive.
This step is called “data overwriting” and makes the old data extremely difficult to recover, even with forensic techniques.
So Don't Underestimate Your Digital Footprint
Many people think their data is safe after a factory reset , but it only makes it invisible. For those who know how, digital footprints can still be tracked and collected. Therefore, be careful when selling or throwing away your old cellphone. Don't let your personal data become someone else's property.
If you want more information about technology and other useful tips, visit ajakteman.com and get other interesting insights that can make you more alert and digitally literate.
If this article makes you a little worried, it means you are starting to realize the importance of protecting your personal data. Share it with your friends who often change phones, who knows they also need to know this before it's too late.