How to Prepare a Google Pixel Before Selling
Pixels run clean, stock Android, so prepping one to sell is straightforward, as long as you do the steps in the right order. The big trap is Factory Reset Protection (FRP): reset before you remove your Google account and the phone locks itself to your login, which kills its resale value. Here's the safe order to back up, sign out, and wipe your Pixel.
Why the order matters on a Pixel
Pixels use Google's own Factory Reset Protection. The rule is simple but unforgiving: remove your Google account first, reset second.Flip that order and the phone will demand your old Google login after the wipe, leaving the next owner staring at a lock screen they can't pass. A locked Pixel is effectively unsellable, so this one detail is the difference between a smooth payout and a dead deal.
Step 1: Back up what you want to keep
A factory reset erases everything on the device. Save your data first:
- Google One / device backup:Settings → System → Backup → turn on Backup by Google One and tap Back up now. This covers apps, call history, SMS, and settings.
- Google Photos: open Photos, tap your profile picture, and confirm Backup is complete so your pictures and videos are safe in the cloud.
- WhatsApp:open WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat backup → Back up to Google Drive.
- 2FA / authenticator apps: move authenticator codes to your new phone before wiping, or you can get locked out of accounts.
Back up, then verify the backup actually completed, before you touch the reset. For the full walkthrough, see our backup guide.
Step 2: Remove your Google account (turns off FRP)
This is the step that protects the next owner from a locked phone:
- Open Settings
- Tap Passwords & accounts
- Tap your Google account
- Tap Remove account
- Confirm with your PIN or pattern if prompted
If you have more than one Google account signed in, remove all of them.
Step 3: Remove your screen lock and any other accounts
- Go to Settings → Security & privacy → Device lock and set the screen lock to Noneso the buyer isn't blocked by your PIN.
- Sign out of other accounts you don't want left behind, Samsung isn't relevant here, but check email, social, and any banking or e-wallet apps.
- Remove any eSIM or SIM if you're keeping your number: Settings → Network & internet → SIMs → erase the eSIM.
Step 4: Factory reset the Pixel
With accounts removed, you're safe to wipe:
- Open Settings
- Tap System
- Tap Reset options
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
- Tap Erase all data and confirm
The Pixel reboots and wipes itself, usually in a few minutes. When it finishes you'll land on the welcome / language screen.
Step 5: Verify FRP is off
Tap through setup until the phone connects to Wi-Fi. If it lets you continue to "set up as new" without asking for a previously synced Google account, FRP is off and you're done. If it demands a Google login, Step 2 was missed, sign in with your old account to clear it, sign out, then reset once more.
Get your Pixel quote
Once it's wiped and FRP-free, message us the model, storage, and honest condition for a fast, fair number. Start on our sell your Google Pixelpage or WhatsApp us directly. We buy Pixel 6, 7, 8, and 9 series including Pro and Fold, as long as the phone isn't carrier-locked. Inspections typically take 15–30 minutes with instant payout via DuitNow or bank transfer.
Get a Pixel buyback quote
WhatsApp us with your device details, we'll respond with a fair market-based estimated quote.
WhatsApp Berry NiceFrequently asked questions
What is FRP and why does it matter on a Pixel?+
Factory Reset Protection is Google's anti-theft system. If a Google account is still signed in when you factory reset, the phone demands those exact credentials on the next setup, and without them it's locked. Removing your Google account BEFORE the reset switches FRP off for the next owner. This is the single most important step.
Do you buy Pixels locked to a carrier?+
We don't buy telco-locked Android phones, and that includes carrier-locked Pixels (for example a US Google Fi or carrier-financed unit still tied to a network). Your Pixel needs to be fully unlocked and not under any carrier installment lock. If you're unsure, dial your carrier or check Settings before messaging us.
Will a factory reset remove the FRP lock?+
No, that's the common mistake. A factory reset does NOT remove FRP; it triggers it if a Google account is still signed in. You must remove the Google account manually in Settings first, then reset. Do it in that order and the phone boots up clean.
What if I forgot my Google password?+
Reset it before you wipe the phone, not after. Go to accounts.google.com on any browser, choose "Forgot password," and recover access. Doing this while the phone is still set up and signed in is far easier than trying to clear FRP on a freshly reset device.
Does the cycle of Android updates affect my Pixel’s value?+
Somewhat. Newer Pixels with years of guaranteed updates left tend to hold value better, while older models past their update window fetch less. Condition, storage, and whether the screen and battery are healthy still matter most. We give a transparent, condition-based quote either way.
Related guides & pages
Sell your Google Pixel
Main Pixel buyback page, Pixel 6, 7, 8, 9 and Pro/Fold, what we accept and how payout works.
How to remove Google FRP lock
The cross-brand guide to clearing FRP on any Android before selling.
How to back up your phone
Save photos, messages, WhatsApp, and 2FA before you wipe anything.
How to prepare a Xiaomi phone
The same prep flow for Xiaomi, Redmi, and POCO devices.