The query addresses whether the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card should be extracted from an Android device prior to initiating a factory reset. A factory reset restores a device to its original manufacturer settings, effectively erasing all user data and installed applications. The presence or absence of the SIM card during this process primarily affects access to cellular network services and the phone number associated with the device.
Removing the SIM card prior to a factory reset prevents the unintentional deletion of contacts stored directly on the SIM (though this is less common now with cloud syncing). It also ensures that the cellular service remains active on the account, which can be beneficial if the user intends to transfer service to a new device immediately after the reset. Furthermore, it safeguards against unauthorized access to the phone number associated with the device if the device is being sold or given away.
