[Q] is it safe to delete everything on a 2nd hand phone - including system folders

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temp4285

New member
Mar 10, 2014
3
0
Hi - i bought a 2nd hand phone and in case there is any spyware on it, i want to delete everything on it, including all the system folders using clockwork mod. is this safe?

i am wondering, will the imei numbers be preserved ? (ie, are they actually written on a chip that is read only, or are they in the system folders too?) i am wondering this with a few model phones --- galaxy nexus (which i believe does get the imei reset), sony xperia t, nexus 4, etc
 

Kobro

Senior Member
Nov 21, 2013
581
95
Hi - i bought a 2nd hand phone and in case there is any spyware on it, i want to delete everything on it, including all the system folders using clockwork mod. is this safe?

i am wondering, will the imei numbers be preserved ? (ie, are they actually written on a chip that is read only, or are they in the system folders too?) i am wondering this with a few model phones --- galaxy nexus (which i believe does get the imei reset), sony xperia t, nexus 4, etc

just boot into recovery, and do format, wipe data, etc.
 

temp4285

New member
Mar 10, 2014
3
0
Never Try to delete system folders on your phone you will surely get a brick and no one would be able to fix it....

Just Go to setting and find Factory Reset Option that would be the solution to your question...

Hit thanks if i helped......


yes, but surely someone can leave a virus or eavesdropping tool in the system folder ?

i plan to put a custom rom on after that anyway - so is it safe to remove the system folder ?

the only thing i can see that may cause problems is the IMEI number ?
 

Kobro

Senior Member
Nov 21, 2013
581
95
yes, but surely someone can leave a virus or eavesdropping tool in the system folder ?

i plan to put a custom rom on after that anyway - so is it safe to remove the system folder ?

the only thing i can see that may cause problems is the IMEI number ?

if you wipe with cwm it will erase everything that can be safely erased.