Smartphones based on the operating system Android 6 Marshmallow are still actively used, despite the release of new software versions. Over time, the device may become unstable, slow down, or require cleaning before sale. In such situations, the most effective solution is a full return to factory condition. This procedure deletes all user data, but returns the system to its original speed and stability.
The process of returning to the original parameters can be performed in two main ways: through the settings menu of the device itself or using a special mode Recovery Mode. The method you choose depends on whether the phone has access to the system or is locked. It is important to understand that any form of reset irreversibly destroys information stored in the internal memory of the device.
Before taking active steps, you need to critically evaluate the current state of the gadget and the presence of important files. If the screen turns on and responds to touches, it is preferable to use the software method through the interface. If the device freezes, does not boot, or you have forgotten the pattern key, you will have to resort to the hardware method using physical buttons.
Preparing the device for the cleaning procedure
The initial stage is the most important for saving your personal data. Before you begin the reset, you must back up all important information. This applies to contacts, photos, videos and documents. Android 6.0 has a built-in account synchronization mechanism Googlethat allows you to save contacts and calendar in the cloud automatically.
However, synchronization does not always save all multimedia files. For a complete backup of photos and videos, it is recommended to use a computer or cloud services, such as Google Photos or Yandex.Disk. Connect your smartphone to your PC via a USB cable and copy the folders DCIM, Download and Pictures to your computer’s hard drive.
⚠️ Attention: Removing the memory card microSD before starting the procedure is a mandatory step if you do not want to accidentally format its contents along with the phone’s internal memory.
Another critical point is the battery level. The process of overwriting system partitions requires stable power. If the device turns off while the data is being formatted, this may damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a “brick.” Make sure that the charge is at least 60-70%.
☑️ Preparing to reset
Reset through the system settings menu
The most secure and understandable way to return the phone to its original state is available directly from the operating system interface. This method is suitable for devices that turn on normally and respond to user commands. Android 6 Marshmallow the path to the desired function may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell, but the logic remains the same.
First, open the main application menu and find the icon Settings. In the list of options that opens, you need to scroll down to the section related to the system. In pure Android this item is usually called “Restore and reset”, while in shells like MIUI or TouchWiz it may be hidden in the "Advanced settings" or "General settings" section.
- 📱 Find the "Restore and reset" or "Backup and reset" item.
- 🔄 Select the "Reset settings" or "Reset data" option.
- 🗑️ Click the "Reset phone settings" or "Delete everything" button.
- 🔒 Confirm the action by entering a PIN code, pattern or password.
After confirmation, the system will warn you that all data will be deleted. If you agree, click the confirm button again. The screen will go dark and the reboot process will begin. A logo Android with a progress indicator may appear on the screen. Do not touch the device at this moment, the process may take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of internal memory.
If the phone asks you to confirm your Google account password before resetting, this is an FRP protection feature. Make sure that you remember the login details, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to activate the phone after the reset.
Hard Reset via Recovery mode
If the smartphone does not turn on, is stuck on the screen saver, or you cannot unlock the screen due to a forgotten password, the standard method will not work. In such cases, a recovery mode is used, known as Recovery Mode. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device’s memory, regardless of the main operating system.
This mode is entered by using a combination of physical buttons when the device is turned off. For most smartphones based Android 6 you need to hold down the volume up button and the power button at the same time. On some models from Samsung or HTC the combination may also include the “Home” button. Hold the buttons until the manufacturer's logo or the recovery menu appears.
Control in the menu Recovery is carried out exclusively by the volume buttons (up/down to move the cursor) and the power button (to confirm the selection). The touch screen does not work in this mode. You need to find the item containing the words wipe data/factory reset. Move the cursor to this item and confirm the selection with the power button.
⚠️ Attention: There is no undo function in the Recovery menu. Selecting the data reset item leads to an immediate start of the formatting process without additional warnings in Russian.
The system may request additional confirmation by asking you to select an option Yes -- delete all user data. Agree with this action. After cleaning is completed, when the process reaches the end, select reboot system now. The device will reboot and start as new, requiring initial setup.
What to do if Recovery does not open?
If standard button combinations do not work, try connecting the phone to the computer via a USB cable and try logging in again. On some models, this changes the click recognition logic. You can also use the ADB command: enter the code “adb reboot recovery” in the PC command line, having previously enabled USB debugging.
Deleting a Google account before resetting
One of the most serious problems that users face after a reset is blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection). This security system was introduced in version Android 5.1 and is actively used in Android 6. It links the device to the last Google account you entered.
If you perform a reset without deleting the account from the settings first, the phone will require you to enter the password for that specific email address when you first activate it. Without this data, it will be impossible to use your smartphone. This is protection against theft, but it often creates problems for owners who simply forgot their credentials.
To avoid blocking, before resetting the settings, go to the section Settings → Accounts. Select your Google profile and click the "Delete Account" button. Repeat this procedure for all added accounts. Only after completely clearing the list of accounts can you safely reset the data.
| Action | Risk of FRP blocking | Requirement to enter a password |
|---|---|---|
| Reset via settings from deleted account | No | Not required |
| Reset via settings with an active account | High | Required |
| Hard Reset via Recovery | Maximum | Required |
| Flashing via computer | Depends on the method | Often required |
The most reliable A way to avoid activation problems is to manually delete your Google account in the settings menu before any type of device reset.
Possible problems after recovery
After successfully completing the procedure and the first boot, you may encounter a number of unusual situations. Sometimes the system may freeze during initial setup or require a Wi-Fi connection that does not establish. This may be due to residual errors in the system cache or incorrect operation of the radio module after the reset.
In rare cases, on devices with modified software (for example, after receiving root access), a reset may lead to loss of access to some functions or errors in the operation of applications. If the phone boots but is unstable, you may need to re-flash it using official utilities from the manufacturer.
It is also worth considering that old applications installed before updating to Android 6may conflict with a clean system. It is recommended to reinstall apps from the store Google Playrather than restoring them from a backup immediately. This will avoid transferring potential errors and junk files to the new system.
Frequently asked questions about resetting Android 6
Will information be deleted from the memory card when resetting?
By default, the factory reset function affects only the internal memory of the device. The memory card microSD remains untouched. However, some menus may have a “Empty SD card” checkbox. Carefully check the confirmation screen before pressing the reset button so as not to accidentally lose files from the flash drive.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset process if it is stuck?
Interrupting the formatting process is highly undesirable, as this may damage the file system. If the progress indication does not change for more than 30 minutes, you can try a forced reboot by holding down the power button for 10-15 seconds. In the worst case, you will need to enter Recovery mode again and try to reset again.
Does a reset remove Android system updates?
No, a factory reset does not roll back the operating system version. If your phone was updated to Android 6.0.1, it will remain on this version. Only user data, settings and installed applications are deleted, but the system partition with the firmware is preserved in its current state.
What to do if the phone asks for a password from the old account after resetting?
This is FRP protection. You need to enter the login and password for the Google account that was synchronized with the phone before the reset. If you don't remember the data, you can restore access through the Google account recovery form on another device. Third-party methods for bypassing this protection are often unstable and depend on the specific model.
How long does a full reset take?
The process usually takes from 5 to 10 minutes. The time depends on the speed of the device's flash memory and the amount of data that needs to be erased. The first startup after a reset may last longer than usual - up to 15 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files.