How to Hard Reset Google Pixel 9a: Wipe Data & Remove Screen Lock

Performing a Hard Reset on Google Pixel 9a

• 💡 This guide demonstrates how to perform a hard reset on a Google Pixel 9a, which is useful for removing a forgotten screen lock, fixing persistent issues, or preparing the device for a new user.
• ⚠️ If prompted to confirm your screen lock during the process, use an alternative method: hold the power button and volume down simultaneously for 5-10 seconds until the device powers off, then continue holding these buttons to enter the bootloader.

Entering Bootloader and Recovery Mode

• 🔌 To begin, power off the Google Pixel 9a. If not using the alternative method, hold the power button and volume up simultaneously to access boot options, then select 'power off'.
• 🚀 Once the device is off, hold the power button and volume down for 5-10 seconds until the bootloader screen appears.
• ➡️ Use the volume buttons to navigate to 'Recovery Mode' and confirm with the power button.

Wiping Data and Factory Reset

• 🤖 Upon seeing 'Android with no command', hold the power button and press volume up once to enter recovery mode.
• 🗄️ In recovery mode, use the volume buttons to select 'wipe data/factory reset' and confirm with the power button.
• ✅ Select 'back to data reset' to initiate the wipe. The device will display 'formatting data' and 'data wipe complete'.

Rebooting and Setup

• 🔄 With 'reboot system now' selected by default, press the power button to restart the device.
• ⏳ The phone will take longer than usual to boot up as the reset process completes in the background.
• ✨ Once finished, you will be presented with the standard Android setup screen, indicating the hard reset was successful.