Are you tired of a protracted passage or want to start the game again, but don’t know how to reset progress on Android? This problem is familiar to many gamers. Unlike PCs or consoles, where saves are often stored in separate files, on mobile devices game data can be hidden in system folders, cloud services, or even tied to a developer account. In this article we will look at all possible methods - from simple cache deletion to complex manipulations with root access and backups.

It is important to understand that not all games support official progress reset. Some developers (for example, Supercell v Clash of Clans or Niantic v Pokémon GO) specifically block this function to prevent cheating or duplicate accounts. In such cases, you will have to use workarounds - create a new profile in Google Play Games or even reset the phone to factory settings. But don’t worry: we will tell you in detail how to act in each situation.

1. The easiest way: deleting the cache and game data

If the game is not synchronized with the cloud, its progress is stored locally on the device. In this case, you can reset everything to zero through the settings Android. This method works for most offline games (for example Subway Surfers, Temple Run 2 or Angry Birds).

Instructions:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Applications (or Settings → All applications on some firmware).
  • 🔍 Find the game in the list and tap on its name.
  • 🗑️ Press Storage → Clear cache (this will delete temporary files, but not progress).
  • 🚫 Then select Clear data (or Delete data) - this will reset all saves.
⚠️ Attention: After clearing the data, the game will start as after the first installation. If you had purchases (for example, in Candy Crush Saga), they can be restored the next time you log into your account, but the progress will be reset.

Some games (for example Genshin Impact or Honkai: Star Rail) store saves on the developer's servers. In this case, local clearing will not help - you will have to use other methods.

Make sure that the game is not linked to your account

Do this screenshots of important points (if you need to save information)

Check if the game has cloud saves

Close the game before clearing data-->

2. Reset via Google Play Games (for games with cloud synchronization)

Many modern games (for example, Clash Royale, Asphalt 9 or Call of Duty: Mobile) use the service Google Play Games to save progress If the game is linked to your account Google, simply deleting local data will not help - the next time you start, progress will be restored from the cloud. In this case, there are two options:

  1. Create a new account in Google Play Games:
    • 🎮 Open the application Google Play Games (if it doesn’t exist, download from Play Market).
    • 👤 Tap on the avatar in the upper right corner → Settings → Account management.
    • ➕ Add a new account Google (or log into an existing spare one).
    • 🔄 Launch the game and select a new account when logging in.
  • Delete saves from the cloud (if the game supports this function):
    • 🖥️ Go to the website Google Play Games (via a browser on your PC or phone).
    • 📋 Find the game in the list of saved games and delete its data.
      • ⚠️ Attention: Some games (for example, Pokémon GO) block progress reset via Google Play Games. In this case, you will have to contact support or use root access.

      If you do not want to create a new one account, you can try to unlink the game from the current profile. To do this:

      1. Open Google Play Games → select the game → Settings → Disable synchronization.
      2. Delete game data through settings Android (as in the first method).
      3. Launch the game and refuse synchronization when prompted.

    Locally on the phone

    Via Google Play Games

    Via developer account (Facebook, Supercell ID and etc.)

    I don’t save, I play without reference

    Another option is-->

    3. Using backups (for experienced users)

    If you made backups through adb backup or third-party utilities (for example, Titanium Backup), you can restore the state of the game at the time the backup was created. This method is suitable for games that do not synchronize with the cloud, but require root access or unlocked bootloader.

    Instructions for Titanium Backup:

    • 📲 Install Titanium Backup (required root).
    • 🔍 Find the game in the list of applications and tap on it.
    • 🗃️ Select Restore data and specify the desired backup.
    • 🔄 Restart game.

    For users without root you can use adb (Android Debug Bridge). For example, to make a backup of the game data com.example.game, run on the command line:

    adb backup -f game_backup.ab -apk -obb -shared com.example.game

    And to restore:

    adb restore game_backup.ab
    ⚠️ Attention: Restoring backups via adb may not work on new versions Android (starting from Android 11) due to restrictions on access to application data.
    What to do if the backup is not restored?

    If adb restore gives an error, try:

    1. Delete the game and install it again.

    2. Use alternative utilities like Swift Backup (requires root).

    3. Manually copy the save files from the backup to the game folder (the path usually looks like /data/data/com.example.game/).

    4. Check if your antivirus is blocking or Android access to the files.

    4. Reset through the game settings (if there is a built-in function)

    Some games provide the ability to reset progress directly in the settings menu. Usually this option is hidden deep and is called differently: "Reset data", "New game" or "Delete profile". Examples of games with this function:

    • 🎮 Minecraft (in the world settings there is an option "Delete").
    • 🏎️ Real Racing 3 (you can reset progress through Settings → Account).
    • 🧩 Monument Valley (reinstalling or clearing data resets the levels).

      • How to find this option:

      1. Start the game and open the main menu.
      2. Look for sections "Settings", "Profile" or "Data management".
      3. Sometimes the reset is hidden behind a combination of buttons (for example, in Terraria you need to hold down "Settings" + "Inventory").

      If you can’t find it, check FAQ games on the official website or in Google Play. Developers often indicate whether resetting progress is supported.

      💡

      In some games (for example, Stardew Valley) you can create a new save file without deleting the old one. This way you can return to your previous progress if you change your mind.

      5. phone to factory settings

      If no other methods help, the last resort is hard reset (full reset of the phone). This will delete all data from the device, including games, photos and settings. Use this method only if:

      • 🔄 The game is linked to the device account (for example, through Samsung Account or Xiaomi Account).
      • 📱 You are ready to lose all local data (if there is no backup).
      • 🔒 Other reset methods are blocked by the developer.

      Instructions for resetting (using example Android 13):

      1. Back up important data (photos, contacts, messages).
      2. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
      3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
      4. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
      Manufacturer Path to reset in settings Alternative method (via Recovery)
      Samsung Settings → General management → Reset → Reset data Turn off the phone → Press Power + Volume Up + Bixby → Select Wipe data/factory reset
      Xiaomi Settings → About phone → Reset settings Hold Power + Volume Up → Wipe & Reset
      Google Pixel Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data Hold Power + Volume Down → Recovery Mode → Factory Reset
      Huawei Settings → System and updates → Reset Hold Power + Volume Up → Wipe data
      ⚠️ Attention: On some phones (for example, OnePlus or Oppo) after resetting, you may be required to enter the old password Google (FRP protection). Make sure you remember it!

      6. Workarounds for games with anti-reset protection

      Some games (for example, Clash of Clans, Pokémon GO or Genshin Impact) actively combat progress resetting to prevent multi-accounting or cheating. In such cases, standard methods do not work, but there are workarounds:

      • 🆔 Creating a new account in the game:
        • In Clash of Clans you can log in through another Supercell ID.
        • In Pokémon GO - use another account Google or Facebook.
        • B Genshin Impact — register a new account miHoYo.
      • 📱 Using a second device or emulator:
        • Install the game on another phone or emulator (BlueStacks, LDPlayer).
        • Register a new account and play from scratch.
      • 🔧 Editing save files (requires root):
        • Using Root Explorer find the save folder (usually /data/data/com.game.package/).
        • Delete or edit files (for example, shared_prefs or databases).

      B Clash of Clans and Brawl Stars linking to Supercell ID allows you to restore progress on any device. To start over, you need to create a new one Supercell ID from another email.

      For Pokémon GO there is a nuance: if you have linked your account to Google or Facebook, simply deleting the game will not help - the next time you log in, progress will be restored. The only thing that will help here is:

      1. Creating a new one. account Google/Facebook.
      2. Use the function "Forgot your password" for an old account (sometimes this allows you to create a new profile).
      3. Contact support with a reset request (unlikely, but some users have had success).
      💡

      If the game is synchronized with the developer's servers (like Genshin Impact or Honkai Impact), the only reliable way to start again is to register a new account. Local manipulation of the files will not help.

      7. What to do if nothing works?

      If you have tried all the methods, but the game stubbornly restores progress, the last options remain:

      • 📧 Write in support of the game:
        • Explain the situation (for example, that you want to start over because of bugs or for personal reasons).
        • Some developers (for example, miHoYo or Ubisoft) can reset the account upon request.
      • 🔄 Use mods or cheats (risky!):
        • Some mods (for example, for Subway Surfers or Candy Crush) allow you to reset your progress.
        • ⚠️ Risk of account blocking or device banning!
      • 📦 Buy a new device or use an emulator:
        • For example, install BlueStacks on PC and play with new account.

      If the game is tied to Google Play Games and does not allow you to reset progress, try:

      1. Delete the game and unlink it from your account Google Play Games.
      2. Create a new account Google and log in to it phone.
      3. Install the game again and refuse synchronization.
      ⚠️ Attention: In games with anti-cheat (for example, Call of Duty: Mobile or PUBG Mobile) any manipulations with files or the use of mods can lead to permanent ban account or devices.

      FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting progress in games

      Is it possible to reset progress in Clash of Clans without loss account?

      No. In Clash of Clans progress is strictly tied to Supercell ID. To start over, you need to create a new Supercell ID from a different email. The old account will remain untouched - you can return to it at any time.

      Why does the game still restore progress after clearing the data?

      Most likely, the game is synchronized with the cloud (for example, through Google Play Games or the developer’s servers). In this case, you need to either disable synchronization in the game settings or create a new account.

      How to reset progress in Genshin Impact?

      In Genshin Impact progress is tied to your account miHoYo. The only way to start over is to register a new account with a different email. Local manipulations (deleting data, reinstalling) will not help.

      Is it possible to return old progress after a reset?

      If you made a backup (for example, via Titanium Backup or Google Play Games), then yes. Otherwise, only if the game is synchronized with the cloud and you have not deleted your account.

      Will I be banned if I reset progress in an online game?

      In most cases, no, if you do not use cheats or mods. However, in some games (for example Pokémon GO), frequent account resets may arouse suspicion among anti-cheat and lead to temporary blocking.