Situations when the smartphone operating system begins to become unstable occur quite often. The screen may go dark, applications may crash, and the battery charge may disappear before your eyes for no apparent reason. In such cases restoring factory settings becomes the only effective solution for bringing the device back to life.
The process, which users often call "recovery", is technically an entrance to a special recovery menu Recovery Mode and subsequent data reset Wipe Data/Factory Reset. This action deletes all user information, returning the software to its original state.
In this guide, we will look in detail at all the existing ways to perform this procedure. You will learn how to prepare for the process, what risks exist, and how to properly perform a reset through the settings menu or using hardware buttons if the phone has stopped responding to touches.
Preparing the device before resetting
Before starting any manipulations with system files, it is critical to ensure the safety of your personal data. Reset to factory settings permanently deletes photos, contacts, correspondence and installed applications. If you skip this step, it will be almost impossible to restore the information.
Create a backup via your Google account or use cloud storage. You can also connect your smartphone to your computer and copy important files manually. Make sure that the battery level is at least 50-60% so that the device does not turn off at the most inopportune moment.
⚠️ Attention: All data in the internal memory must be deleted. Information on the SD memory card is usually saved, but for complete security it is better to remove it before starting the procedure.
Don't forget to know your Google account and password. After the reset, the protection system FRP (Factory Reset Protection) will require authorization into the account that was the main account on the device before the reset.
- 📸 Back up photos and videos to Google Photos or to your computer.
- 📞 Synchronize contacts with your Google account.
- 🔋 Charge your smartphone to at least 60%.
- 🔑 Remember or write down the password for your main Google account.
☑️ Check before resetting
Method 1: Reset via Android settings
The simplest and safest method is available if the operating system is stable and you can get to the menu. This method does not require memorizing complex key combinations and minimizes the risk of accidental errors.
You need to go to section Settings. Depending on the version of the operating system and the manufacturer's shell, the path may differ slightly. Usually the desired item is located in the category System or General settings.
Find the section Reset settings or Restore and reset. The system will warn you that all data will be deleted. After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin, which will take several minutes, after which the phone will reboot as new.
Why may the reset path be different?
Android manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei) often change the location of menu items in their shells. If you do not find the reset item, use the search in settings by entering the word “reset” or “reset”.
After the reboot, the device will offer to configure it again. This is an ideal option for selling a gadget or transferring it to another user, as it guarantees complete removal of personal data using software methods.
- 📱 Open the "Settings" menu on the main screen.
- ⚙️ Go to the "System" or "General Settings" section.
- 🔄 Select "Reset" or "Recovery and reset".
- ✅ Confirm the action and wait until the reboot.
Method 2: Entering Recovery through the buttons (Hard Reset)
If the smartphone freezes, does not turn on, or the screen does not respond to touches, you will have to use hardware buttons. This method is called Hard Reset and allows you to enter recovery mode even when the system is not working.
First, turn off the device completely. If the phone does not respond to the power button, try holding it together with the volume down button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot, and then immediately proceed to the next step.
The key combination to enter Recovery Mode depends on the manufacturer. Most often this is by simultaneously pressing the power button and the volume up button. Hold them until the logo or vibration appears.
⚠️ Attention: On some Samsung models with physical Home and Bixby buttons, the combination may include three buttons at the same time. Carefully check the instructions for your specific model.
When you see a logo or menu with English text, release the buttons. If the Android logo with the inscription "No command" appears, hold down the power button and briefly press the volume up button once.
- 📴 Turn off the smartphone completely.
- 🔘 Press the combination of buttons (usually Volume Up + Power).
- ⏳ Hold until the logo or menu.
- 🖱️ If necessary, press "Volume Up" for the Recovery menu.
Control in the Recovery menu is carried out with the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection of the item is confirmed by briefly pressing the power button. The touch screen does not work in this mode.
Navigation and execution of Wipe Data in Recovery
Once in the menu Android Recovery, you will see a list of technical options. The interface may look intimidating, but the principle of operation is the same for most devices. You need to find the item Wipe data/factory reset.
Use the volume buttons to move the cursor up or down. The selected item is usually highlighted or indicated in color. Having found the desired line, press the power button to confirm the selection.
The system will ask for final confirmation, since this action is irreversible. You will need to select Factory data reset or Yes and press the power button again. The process of formatting the data partition will begin.
| Menu item | Function | Security |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot system now | Normal reboot | Safe |
| Apply update from ADB | Update via computer | For advanced |
| Wipe data/factory reset | Full data reset | Deletes everything |
| Wipe cache partition | Clearing the system cache | Safe |
After completing the process, which will take from 10 seconds to a couple of minutes, you will return to the main menu. Now you need to select Reboot system nowto start Android in normal mode.
In the Recovery menu, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed only by the physical volume and power buttons.
Alternative method: Reset via ADB
For users who prefer to work with a computer, there is a reset method via USB debugging. This method requires the driver to be installed ADB (Android Debug Bridge) on the PC and debugging enabled in the developer menu on the phone.
Connect the smartphone to the computer via a USB cable. Open a command line or terminal in the folder with ADB and enter a command to test the connection.
adb devicesIf the device is detected, run the command to reboot into recovery mode:
adb reboot recoveryThe phone will go to the Recovery menu, where you can reset using the buttons as described above. Some manufacturers also support a direct reset command, but it does not work on all devices for security reasons.
- 💻 Connect your phone to a PC with ADB installed.
- 🔌 Make sure USB debugging is enabled.
- 💻 Enter the command
adb reboot recoveryin the terminal. - 📱 Reset through the Recovery menu.
Common problems and solutions after a reset
After completing the procedure Factory Reset the device may behave unusually. The first boot usually takes significantly longer than usual - from 5 to 15 minutes. Don't panic if you see the manufacturer's logo for longer than usual.
One of the common problems is blocking by Google account (FRP). If you reset your phone but did not sign out of your account first, the system will require you to enter the password for the last synchronized Google account. This is protection against theft.
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and location of items may change with Android updates. If the steps described do not match your screen, check the official documentation of the manufacturer of your smartphone.
If the phone is in a cyclic reboot (bootloop), the system files or firmware may be damaged. In this case, a simple reset may not be enough, and you will need to reflash the device via a computer.
What to do if the phone asks for a password from the old account?
You need to enter the login and password for the Google account that was the main one on this device before the reset. If you have forgotten your password, restore access through the Google website on another device. It is impossible to bypass this protection using legal methods.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset process?
It is strictly not recommended to turn off the phone or remove the battery during formatting. This can lead to damage to the file system and turn the smartphone into a “brick” that will have to be restored in the service.
How long does a full reset take?
The data clearing procedure itself usually takes from 1 to 5 minutes, depending on the amount of memory and the speed of the drive. However, the first boot and setup of the system may take up to 15-20 minutes.
Will information be deleted from the SIM card?
Resetting Android settings does not affect the data on the SIM card (contacts, if they are saved on it, and tariff settings). However, contacts saved in the phone memory or account will be deleted if a backup is not made.