The Google Pixel 9 Pro runs stock Android, so the reset menus are simpler and more standard than what you’ll find on Samsung or Xiaomi devices. There are three reliable paths: a force restart for an unresponsive screen (no data loss), a factory reset from Settings when the phone is functional, and a recovery-mode reset for a phone that’s locked out or won’t boot. After any factory reset, the phone enforces Factory Reset Protection (FRP) and requires the previously signed-in Google account to complete setup — make sure you remember those credentials.
Watch the procedure (video tutorial)
Method 1: Force restart (no data loss)
Use this for an unresponsive screen, frozen app, or stuck-on-boot situation. It does not erase any data.
- Press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds.
- The phone will vibrate and the Google boot logo appears. Release the Power button.
If 30 seconds isn’t long enough, try the longer combo: hold Power + Volume Up together for 10-15 seconds.
Method 2: Factory reset from Settings (when the phone works normally)
Standard factory reset path. Use it before selling, when troubleshooting persistent software issues, or just to clear out years of accumulated cruft.
- Open Settings.
- Tap System.
- Tap Reset options.
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset).
- Review the summary of accounts and apps that will be erased. Tap Erase all data.
- Enter your PIN, password, or pattern if prompted, then tap Erase all data on the final confirmation. The phone restarts and begins the wipe — typically 5-10 minutes.
Method 3: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (when locked out or won’t boot)
Use this when the phone is stuck at a lock screen you can’t get past, won’t boot to Android, or the Settings menu is unreachable. Note: after this reset, the phone requires the previously-signed-in Google account (FRP). Recover that account first if you don’t remember it.
- Power off the phone completely. Hold the Power button, tap “Power off.” If unresponsive, hold Power + Volume Up for 30+ seconds until it shuts down.
- Press and hold Power + Volume Down simultaneously.
- Keep holding until the bootloader / Fastboot Mode screen appears (the screen with the Android lying on its back). Release the buttons.
- Use the Volume Down button to scroll the menu options at the top of the screen until Recovery mode is highlighted.
- Press the Power button to select Recovery mode. The phone will boot into a screen showing “No command” with a small Android.
- While the “No command” screen is showing, press and hold the Power button, then briefly press Volume Up, then release Power. The Android Recovery menu will appear.
- Use Volume Down to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset. Press Power to select.
- Confirm by selecting Factory data reset on the next screen.
- When the wipe completes, select Reboot system now.
After the reset
The phone boots to the “Welcome” setup screen — same as a brand-new Pixel. You’ll need to sign in with the Google account that was previously signed in (FRP requirement). After that, choose to restore from a Google backup (apps, settings, call history), transfer from another Pixel/Android device via cable, or set up as new. Photos restore through the Google Photos app once you sign in — they’re not part of the device backup itself.
Troubleshooting
Recovery mode shows “No command” and seems frozen
This is normal — the No command screen needs a specific gesture to advance: hold Power, briefly tap Volume Up, release Power. If that doesn’t work, hold Power + Volume Up together for 1-2 seconds. The Android Recovery text menu will appear.
FRP lock after reset — can’t get past Google account screen
This is by design and Google won’t bypass it. Recover the Google account at accounts.google.com/signin/recovery using your recovery email or phone. If you bought the Pixel used and the seller didn’t remove the account, only they can clear it from their Google account settings.
The phone is stuck in a boot loop after the reset
Boot back into Recovery (Method 3, steps 1-6) and try Wipe cache partition first, then Factory data reset a second time. If it still loops, sideload the latest factory image from developers.google.com/android/images using a computer — this fully reflashes the OS.
