The operating system Android 6.0 Marshmallow, released several years ago, is still found on budget devices or smartphones that have not received further updates. Over time, any software accumulates errors, cache files and remnants of uninstalled applications, which leads to a noticeable slowdown. If your gadget begins to slow down, freeze, or consume battery power faster than usual, a radical solution would be a complete return to its original state.
The reset procedure, known as Hard Reset or Factory Reset, completely deletes all user data from the device’s internal memory. This includes contacts, messages, photos, installed apps and accounts. Before starting the procedure, it is critical to create a backup copy of information, since it will be impossible to recover deleted files without specialized software.
In this guide, we will examine in detail the two main methods of performing this operation: through the standard settings menu and through recovery mode Recovery Mode. The first method is suitable for devices that turn on and respond to screen touches. The second method is indispensable in situations where the system does not load correctly or the screen does not respond to input.
Preparing the device for the reset procedure
Before taking active steps, it is necessary to perform a number of preparatory measures. Ignoring this step may result in the loss of important data or your device being blocked by Google's security features. Make sure the battery charge level is at least 60-70%. The process of formatting internal memory is energy-consuming, and suddenly turning off the smartphone in the middle of the procedure can damage the system partitions.
Be sure to synchronize your data with cloud storage or copy it to your computer. Pay special attention to contacts and photos, as they are most often the most valuable to the user. It is also worth checking whether a Google account is linked to the device.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting the settings on Android 6, FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection will work. If you do not remember the login and password for your main Google account, the device will ask for them when you first boot. Without this data, the phone will turn into a “brick.”
It is recommended to remove the memory card microSD and SIM card before starting the process. Although modern versions of Android usually ask whether to format the external card, physically removing it ensures that your files on it are safe. In addition, this will prevent accidental erasure of data if you accidentally select the wrong option in the recovery menu.
☑️ Preparing to reset Android 6
Method 1: Reset through the system settings menu
The most secure and simplest method is available directly from a running operating system. The interface Android 6.0 may differ slightly depending on the manufacturer's shell (for example, MIUI, EMUI or TouchWiz), but the logic of actions remains the same. You will need to find the section responsible for restoring factory settings.
Open the main menu and go to section Settings. Scroll down the list to item Restore and reset or Backup and reset. In some firmware, this item may be located inside the System or General settingssection. Inside you will see the option Reset data.
Click on the appropriate button. The system will display a warning that all data will be deleted. It is important here to carefully read the list of what is to be deleted. Usually the “Clear internal memory” checkbox is checked. If you want to save data on a memory card, make sure that the corresponding option is not activated, although removing the card would be safer.
If the phone asks you to enter a PIN code, pattern or password before resetting, this is a normal security measure. Enter the data you use to unlock the screen.
After confirming the action, the device will reboot and begin the cleaning process. The screen may go blank or display the Android logo with a progress bar. Do not try to interrupt this process by pressing buttons.
Resetting through the settings menu automatically deletes all accounts and decrypts the internal memory, making the device completely clean for the new owner.
Method 2: Reset through Recovery mode (Hard Reset)
If the smartphone does not turn on, is stuck on the screensaver or the screen does not respond when pressed, the only way out is to use the Recoverymode. This is a special diagnostic mode built into the device’s memory, regardless of the main operating system. You can enter it using a combination of physical buttons when the device is turned off.
Turn off the smartphone completely. If the battery is non-removable and the phone is frozen, hold down the power button for about 10-15 seconds until the screen turns off completely. Then you need to hold down a specific key combination. For most Android 6 devices, this is a combination of the Volume Up button and Power.
Hold both buttons at the same time. As soon as the manufacturer's logo appears, release the Power button, but continue to hold the Volume key until a menu appears with text in English. On some models, for example from HTC or Sony, the combinations may differ (for example, Volume Down + Power).
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. Navigation through the menu is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection of an item is confirmed with the power button.
In the menu that opens, find the item wipe data/factory reset. Use the volume rocker to move the cursor. Confirm your selection with the Power button. Next, the system will ask for final confirmation, usually this is item Yes -- delete all user data. Select it.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not appear?
If standard combinations do not work, try connecting the switched off phone to the computer with a USB cable, and then hold down the buttons. On some devices (for example, Huawei) you need to press Volume Up + Power + Connect to PC.
After the cleaning process is completed, which will take a few seconds, the item in the menu will become active again reboot system now. Select it to reboot your device. The first startup after a reset may last longer than usual, sometimes up to 5-10 minutes.
Reset features on different brands
Various manufacturers make their own changes to the stock version of Android 6, which affects the reset process. Device owners Samsung should take into account the presence of a Home button. To enter Recovery on such models, you often need to hold down three buttons at the same time: Volume Up + Home + Power.
Devices from Xiaomi and Redmi s MIUI shell may have an additional confirmation menu before entering Recovery, where you need to select a language (often only English and Chinese are available). Also, on some models of Chinese brands, resetting data may require confirmation through your Mi account if the “Find Device” function was active.
Smartphones Meizu with the Flyme OS shell have a unique feature: in Recovery mode there may be a separate option Clear Datawhere you need to check the box Wipe Data and press Start. The interface can be partially translated into Russian, which simplifies the task for untrained users.
The table below shows the most common key combinations for entering recovery mode for popular manufacturers. period:
| Brand | Key combination | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Volume Up + Home + Power | Release Power at the logo, hold the rest |
| Xiaomi / Redmi | Volume Up + Power | Menu in English/Chinese |
| Huawei / Honor | Volume Up + Power | Sometimes you need to connect a USB cable |
| Sony | Volume Down + Power | The notification indicator flashes pink |
| LG | Volume Down + Power | You need to release and press Power again at the logo |
Solving problems after resetting the settings
After the procedure has been successfully completed and the first boot, you will see a screen greetings, just like when buying a new phone. However, some difficulties may arise. The most common problem is the Google account verification request (FRP Lock). The security system requires you to enter the password for the last synchronized account to confirm ownership.
If you have forgotten your password, it will be extremely difficult to restore access without contacting a service center or using specific workarounds that are constantly changing. Therefore, it is a strong recommendation to always remember your credentials. It is also possible that the date and time will be lost.
Check the date and time settings immediately after connecting to Wi-Fi. An incorrect time may cause errors when trying to access the Google Play Store or synchronize messages in instant messengers. Check the “Use network time” checkbox for automatic correction.
⚠️ Attention: If after a reset the phone endlessly reboots (bootloop) or freezes at the logo, the system partition may be damaged. In this case, you may need to flash the device via a computer using utilities like Odin or SP Flash Tool.
Another nuance concerns memory cards. If you did not remove the microSD before resetting and enabled formatting, you will not be able to recover data from it using standard means. In this case, only specialized apps for data recovery on a PC can help, but success is not guaranteed.
Endless reboot after a reset most often indicates a problem with the power button (it is stuck) or damage to system files that requires flashing.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the Android operating system be removed during a reset?
No, the operating system is not removed. A factory reset returns the software to the state it was in when you first turned on the phone. The Android version will remain the same (6.0 Marshmallow), all system updates installed earlier will also be saved if they were integrated into the system section.
Is it possible to reset the phone if the screen is broken and does not show an image?
Yes, this is possible using Recovery mode. Since this mode is controlled by physical buttons, you don't need a working sensor. The main thing is to know the exact key combination for your model and be able to navigate blindly (for example, press Volume Down 3 times, then Power to select reset) if the screen is completely black.
How long does the data reset process take?
The formatting procedure itself usually takes from 2 to 5 minutes. However, the first system startup after a reset may take much longer - from 5 to 15 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and creates new configuration files. Do not turn off the phone during this period.
What should I do if the phone asks for a password for an account that I deleted before the reset?
FRP protection is tied to the account that was synchronized with the device the last time it was turned on. If you deleted your account from your phone settings before by performing a reset, you will not be prompted for a password. If you made a reset without deleting the account from the settings menu, the system will require you to enter the data of this particular account.
Will contacts be restored if they were saved on the SIM card?
Yes, contacts stored on the SIM card are not deleted when resetting the phone, since they are written on the chip of the card itself. After the system boots, you will need to go to the “Contacts” application, open the menu and select the “Import from SIM card” option to transfer them to the phone’s memory.