Can a factory reset remove tracking?
Asked by: Madyson Tillman | Last update: February 11, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (30 votes)
A factory reset removes most tracking by wiping user data and settings, but it might not eliminate sophisticated malware that's deeply embedded in the system partition or hardware-level tracking via the device's unique IMEI number, which remains tied to network carriers. For iPhones, Activation Lock (linked to the Apple ID) prevents new use after a reset unless unlocked, while Androids are generally less secure against deep malware but offer better protection with newer OS versions.
Does factory reset remove location?
A factory restore erases all the information and settings on your device. This includes removing any apps that were installed without your knowledge and resetting your privacy settings so you aren't sharing location with any people or apps.
Can a stolen phone be tracked after a factory reset?
After the device is erased, its location won't be available in Find Hub. You can use Find Hub on the web, an Android device, or a friend's Android device in guest mode: On the device, open the Find Hub app . Select the device or accessory you want to reset or remove.
How to get rid of phone tracking?
To block phone tracking, disable Location Services, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth; manage app permissions to restrict access; use a VPN; keep your OS updated; and consider using Airplane Mode or a Faraday bag for complete disconnection, while also removing suspicious apps and protecting your Google/Apple accounts with strong passwords and 2FA.
Is it possible to track the places on a reset phone?
Generally, a phone that is powered off can't be actively tracked as it stops communicating with cell towers and Wi-Fi networks. However, its last known location is often recorded by your carrier or services such as Google Maps.
How To Reset AirPods So They Can't Be Tracked
What does *#21 do to your phone?
Dialing *#21# on your phone checks your unconditional call forwarding status, showing if all your calls and messages are being redirected to another number, but it does not confirm if your phone is hacked or tapped, just reveals the forwarding setting. This USSD code, part of GSM codes, lets you see if a service or malicious party has set your calls to go elsewhere, potentially intercepting sensitive data like 2FA codes, though it's usually just a feature you can manage in your phone's settings or disable with ##002# on GSM networks.
Can a wiped iPhone be traced?
If you erase a device that's running iOS 15 or later, or iPadOS 15 or later, you can still use Find My to locate the device. Otherwise, you won't be able to find your device after you've erased it.
How to make a phone not trackable?
Turn on Airplane Mode
You can put your phone in airplane mode if you suspect that someone is using your online activity to track your device. This disconnects your phone from cellular networks and prevents some online services from accessing your location.
What does ##002 do to your phone?
What Does ##002# Really Do? 🔐📞 ##002# instantly cancels all call forwarding on your phone — busy, unreachable, or no-answer. It's a simple way to reset settings and protect your privacy.
How do I check if my phone is being tracked?
To know if someone is tracking your phone, watch for signs like rapid battery drain, high data usage, unusual sounds during calls (clicks, echoes), unexpected pop-ups, slow performance, unfamiliar apps, or the camera/mic indicator lighting up when not in use; check for hidden device management profiles and suspicious location access in settings, and consider performing a factory reset if signs persist.
What does *#9900 do to your phone Samsung?
The Samsung code *#9900# opens the SysDump menu, a diagnostic tool to manage system logs, clear temporary files, and troubleshoot issues like battery drain or slow performance, primarily by deleting dumpstate/logcat files to free up space and reset battery stats, though it's for advanced users to generate logs or fix minor system hiccups, not a general speed boost.
Can police recover data after factory reset iPhone?
A factory reset eliminates both: it clears the file system structure and destroys the keys needed to unlock encrypted storage. Even if low-level forensic tools could theoretically access residual data on the storage medium, the lack of context (file system metadata) and encryption renders it unusable.
Can a phone be tracked with an IMEI number when switched off?
Is it possible to track a phone if it is turned off? No, IMEI tracking requires the phone to be turned on and connected to a cellular network. Can I track my phone using GPS instead of IMEI? If your phone has GPS tracking enabled and a tracking app installed, you may be able to use GPS for tracking.
Can IMEI be tracked after factory reset?
Q: Will factory resetting my phone prevent IMEI tracking? A: No, factory reset does not change your IMEI number. However, it will disable Google Find My Device and remove your Google account. Network providers can still track the device using cell tower data.
Does factory reset actually erase everything?
Conclusion. Factory resets can remove visible data from devices, but they do not guarantee complete deletion. For businesses handling sensitive information, relying solely on factory resets is insufficient and potentially risky.
Does factory reset remove trackers?
Factory reset your phone
If all else fails and you still believe your phone is being tracked, a factory reset is the most effective way to ensure that any malicious software is completely removed. A factory reset will erase all data on your phone, including apps, settings, and personal files.
What does *72 do on a cell phone?
Call forwarding is often enabled by dialing *72 followed by the telephone number to which calls should be forwarded. Once someone answers, call forwarding is in effect. If no one answers or the line is busy, the dialing sequence must be repeated to effect call forwarding. Call forwarding is disabled by dialing *73.
What is the code to check if someone is monitoring your phone?
You can use special dialer codes (USSD codes) like \*#21# or \*#62# to check for call forwarding, indicating potential monitoring, and ##002# to disable it, but no single code guarantees detecting all spyware; scanning for malware and checking device settings are also crucial steps for identifying if your phone is truly monitored.
What happens when you dial *#35?
Call *#35#
This will display a status screen that will tell you whether call barring is enabled.
How to disable phone being tracked?
How to stop someone from tracking your phone. You can stop someone from tracking your phone by turning on airplane mode, configuring settings like location services, clearing cookies, using a private browser, and using a VPN.
How to make an iPhone untrackable?
To block tracking on your iPhone, you need to manage Location Services, App Tracking Permissions, and Find My settings, as well as secure your Apple ID; turn off Location Services entirely or per-app in Settings > Privacy & Security, disable "Allow Apps to Request to Track," and review devices in Find My to stop location sharing and potential AirTag tracking by changing passwords and checking for unknown devices.
Can someone track my phone if my location is off?
Yes, someone can still track your phone even if location services (GPS/Location) are off, using methods like cell tower triangulation (carrier tracking), Wi-Fi/Bluetooth signals, network protocols (SS7), IMEI tracking by authorities, or even spyware, as modern phones can use other sensors and networks for approximate location or communicate even when seemingly "off".
What is the 3 finger trick on iPhone?
iPhone 3-finger gestures are powerful accessibility and productivity tools for Zoom, copy/paste, undo/redo, and navigation, involving actions like double-tapping for zoom, pinching to copy/paste, and swiping to undo or move pages, often activated in Settings > Accessibility for Zoom or by tapping the screen with three fingers for clipboard management.
Do thieves factory reset phones?
If thieves want to run a factory reset or turn off any theft protection features on your device, they won't be able to do that without your biometrics. You can also extend this protection to all Google Accounts signed in on the same device.
Can police recover a wiped iPhone?
Yes, police can often retrieve deleted data from phones.