After repeatedly entering an incorrect PIN code or pattern, the Honor smartphone blocks access to the system and persistently requires a data reset to prevent unauthorized use of the device.
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to bypass the screen lock without losing data on modern versions of Android. Resetting the settings through the recovery menu (Recovery Mode) remains the most reliable and affordable way to restore the functionality of the device. It is important to understand that this process will lead to a complete clearing of the internal memory, so all unsaved files, contacts and photos will be deleted permanently.
If you are determined to bring your Honor to life, you must strictly follow a certain algorithm of actions. Pressing the wrong buttons or interrupting the process may cause your phone to freeze. In this article, we will analyze in detail all stages of the procedure, from preparation to the initial setup of the system after a successful reset.
Preparation for the reset procedure and possible risks
Before taking radical measures, it is worth assessing the importance of the data in the device’s memory. If you have critical documents or unique photos on your phone that haven't been synced to the cloud, you may want to consider alternative unlocking options if they apply to your model. For example, some older versions of EMUI allowed you to unlock the device through a Huawei or Google account, but on new firmware this function is often disabled.
The main risk when performing a Hard Reset is the complete loss of user data. The system formats the internal memory partitions, returning them to their “out of the box” state. This means apps, Wi-Fi settings, call histories, and messages will be destroyed. However, system files and the operating system itself will remain intact, which guarantees the functionality of the smartphone after turning it on.
⚠️ Attention: If a Google account or Huawei ID with the “Find My Device” function was enabled on the device, after resetting the phone will ask for a password for this account during the first setup. This is anti-theft protection (FRP Lock), which cannot be bypassed by simply resetting the settings.
Recovery menu interfaces may vary slightly depending on the version of the EMUI or Magic UI shell, as well as on the model year. Always follow the visual cues on the screen of your specific device.
Battery charge plays a key role in the success of the operation. If the phone turns off while formatting the memory partitions, this can damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a brick. Make sure that the charge level is at least 50-60% before starting any manipulations with the buttons.
☑️ Preparing to reset Honor
Entering Recovery mode on Honor smartphones
The first and most important step is entering a special service menu called Recovery Mode. In this mode, the Android operating system does not load completely, allowing low-level operations with memory and settings. Key combinations may vary for different Honor models, but there is a universal method that works on most brand devices.
First you need to completely turn off your smartphone. If the screen is locked and you cannot do this through the menu, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds until the display goes out completely. After the device has turned off, wait a couple of seconds to make sure that all processes have stopped. Then you need to simultaneously hold down two buttons: volume up (Volume Up) and the power button (Power).
Hold both buttons until the logo Honor or the recovery menu appears on the screen. Once you see the menu, the buttons can be released. In some cases, especially on older models, you may need to connect the USB cable to your computer or charger before pressing buttons, since the security system blocks entry into Recovery without external power.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
If the standard combination does not work, try holding down the volume down button instead of up. On some models with a physical fingerprint scanner, entry is achieved by holding down the power button and the scanner. Also try connecting the phone to the PC with a cable before turning it on.
Control in the Recovery menu is carried out exclusively by hardware buttons, since the touch screen usually does not work in this mode. The volume buttons move the cursor up and down, and the power button confirms a menu item selection. Be careful when navigating so you don't accidentally select the wrong item.
Navigation and selection of data reset option
After successfully entering recovery mode, you you will see a list of action options. The interface can be made in the form of a simple list on a black background with blue or yellow lines, or in a more modern graphic design. Your goal is to find the item responsible for clearing data. Usually it is called Wipe data/factory reset or simply Clear data.
Use the volume buttons to move the selection to the desired item. If the menu is in English, look for the word "Wipe" (wipe) or "Reset" (reset). In Russian-language versions of firmware (which is rare in Recovery), this may be "Erase data". Move the cursor until the required line is highlighted.
To confirm the choice, press the power button. The system, understanding the criticality of the operation, will almost always ask for additional confirmation. This is done so that the user does not accidentally delete the data by simply pressing the button. often called Yes or Confirm.
| Menu item | Function | Data safe? |
|---|---|---|
Reboot system now |
Normal reboot | Yes |
Wipe data/factory reset |
Full reset | No (deleting all data) |
Wipe cache partition |
Clearing the system cache | Yes (data is saved) |
Apply update from ADB |
Installing firmware via PC | Depends on file |
If you accidentally selected the wrong item, do not panic. Just wait until the action is completed or select reboot if the process has not yet started. However, if you have confirmed the data reset, it will be impossible to cancel this process. Check your actions carefully before clicking the confirmation button.
If the Recovery menu is in Chinese, look for the characters corresponding to clearing the data. Usually this is the second one. or the third item from the top. Focus on the trash can icon or the word “Data”.
The process of formatting and clearing memory
After confirming the command, the technical process of formatting begins. A progress bar or simply running lines of code may be displayed on the screen, informing about the progress of the operation. At this moment, the user memory partitions are physically cleared, encryption keys are deleted and system variables are reset. to default values.
The duration of the process depends on the amount of internal memory of the smartphone and the speed of the flash drive. Usually the entire procedure takes from 2 to 5 minutes. During this time, it is strictly forbidden to turn off the device, remove the battery (if it is non-removable) or press any buttons.
⚠️ Attention: If the process is frozen. in one place for more than 10-15 minutes, a memory error may have occurred. In this case, the only solution is to force a reboot by pressing the power button, but this may require repeating the reset procedure.
When the cleaning is completed, the system will return you to the main Recovery menu. Data wipe complete (Data clearing is completed) or returning the cursor to the main list of items. Now the most important thing is to correctly exit the recovery mode so that the smartphone starts loading a clean system.
Some users make the mistake of trying to turn off the phone with the power button immediately after resetting. The correct algorithm is to select the item Reboot system now (This will ensure a correct start). operating system with new parameters.
The main sign of a successful reset is the appearance of a message indicating that the data has been cleared and the ability to select the option to reboot the system.
Initial setup and bypassing FRP protection
After selecting a reboot, the smartphone will begin the long procedure of first turning on Logo. data-i="93">may hang on the screen longer than usual, as the system optimizes applications and configures internal services. This stage may take from 5 to 15 minutes, be patient and do not touch the device. Honor may hang on the screen longer than usual, as the system optimizes applications and configures internal services. This step may take from 5 to 15 minutes, be patient and do not touch the device.
When the download is complete, you will see a welcome screen, just like on a new phone. You will have to go through the standard setup procedure: select the language, connect to the Wi-Fi network and accept the terms of the license agreement. It is at the connection stage. FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection may be activated to the Internet.
If a Google account was entered on the phone before the reset, the system will require you to enter the login and password for this account. This is done so that an attacker who steals the phone and resets its settings cannot use it. You need to enter exactly the account that was synchronized with the device earlier.
- 🔑 Enter the email and password from the Google account that was used on the phone before the reset.
- 📶 Make sure that the Internet connection is stable, otherwise Google servers will not be able to check the data.
- 🛡️ If you do not remember the data account, restoring access is only possible through the password recovery procedure on another device.
- 📱 After successful authorization, you will be able to set a new PIN code or pattern.
In the case of Honor devices released for the Chinese market or with the EMUI shell of older versions, you may be required to enter a password for your Huawei ID account. The principle is the same: the system checks the owner of the device before allowing full use.
What is FRP Lock?
FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is an Android security mechanism. It locks the device after a reset, requiring confirmation of the owner's identity through a Google account. It is impossible to bypass it in a legal way without a password.
Data recovery and problem solving
After you have successfully passed the welcome screen and got to the desktop, the phone is considered unlocked and ready for use. Now you can begin to recover lost information. If you have previously backed up to Google Drive or Huawei Cloud, the data will start loading automatically when you connect to the network.
Contacts, calendar and notes are usually synchronized first. Applications will start downloading from the Play Market or AppGallery in the background. This process can significantly load the processor and consume battery power, so in the first hours after the reset it is better to keep the phone on charge.
If after the reset the phone behaves unstable, heats up or discharges quickly, file system errors may have occurred during the formatting process. In this case, it is recommended to repeat the reset procedure again, making sure that the buttons are working properly and the battery has sufficient charge. Sometimes completely discharging the device before turning it off and then charging it to 100% before resetting again helps.
⚠️ Attention: If the phone constantly reboots (bootloop) even after resetting, this may indicate a hardware memory failure or damage to the system firmware partition. In this case, you will need to flash the firmware via your computer.
Don't forget to install a reliable screen lock method to prevent the situation from happening again. It is recommended to use a combination of methods: for example, a fingerprint for quick access and a complex PIN as a backup option. Write the code in a safe place or use a password manager.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will information be deleted from the SD memory card when resetting the settings?
Usually, when selecting Wipe data/factory reset only the internal memory of the device is cleared. The memory card remains untouched. However, if you select the option to format the SD card separately (if it is in the menu), then the data on it will be deleted. For complete security, it is better to remove the memory card before starting the procedure.
Is it possible to reset a password without losing photos and contacts?
Unfortunately, on modern versions of Android (starting from 6.0 and above), resetting a forgotten password, PIN code or pattern is impossible without completely deleting user data. This is a fundamental feature of a security system. The only way to save data is to remember the password or restore access through your Google account, if this function was activated in advance.
The phone is asking for an account password that I don’t remember. What to do?
This is FRP protection. You need to regain access to your Google account or Huawei ID through a computer or another smartphone using the “Forgot password” function. After changing the password, wait about an hour for the servers to update the data, and then try to enter new data on a locked Honor.
Why after resetting the phone does not turn on or hangs on the logo?
This may be a consequence of an interrupted formatting process, damage to system files or hardware failure. Try resetting again strictly according to the instructions. If the problem persists, you will need to flash the device using a computer and special software (for example, HiSuite or SP Flash Tool).