Smartphones of the line Honor have earned a reputation as reliable devices, but even they may encounter software glitches over time. If your device starts to slow down, freeze, or you have forgotten the pattern key, the only correct solution is often a complete return to its original state. For the model Honor 9A the procedure for returning to factory settings looks standard, but has its own nuances, especially in the absence of Google services out of the box.
In this article we will examine in detail the two main recovery methods: through the standard settings menu and using hardware buttons (Hard Reset). You will learn how to properly prepare your device so as not to lose important contacts and photos, as well as what to do in emergency cases of blocking.
Preparing the device for the reset procedure
Before starting the process, it is critical to take care of the safety of your personal data. Resetting the settings completely erases all information from the phone's internal memory. This applies to photos, videos, installed applications, notes and messenger settings. Backup —this is a mandatory step, ignoring which will lead to irretrievable loss of files.
For the model Honor 9Athat runs on EMUI without built-in Google Play services, the best solution would be to use the Huawei Cloud cloud service or transfer data to a computer via a USB cable. You can also use the Phone Book application to synchronize contacts with your SIM card or Huawei account.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery level is at least 50-60%. If the phone turns off while formatting the memory, there is a high risk of damaging system files and turning the device into a “brick.”
Another important point is unlinking accounts. Although modern versions of Android have FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection, logging out of your Huawei ID account first will simplify the initial setup after a reboot. This will save you from having to enter your login and password immediately after turning on the welcome screen.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (Soft Reset)
This is the safest and easiest a method that is suitable for working devices that you have access to. The EMUI shell interface is intuitive, so the procedure will not take much time. You don't need additional tools or a computer.
Go to the main menu and find the gear icon. Go to section System and updates. In some firmware versions, this item may simply be called “System”. Next, select item Reset. Here the system will offer several options, but we are specifically interested in Data reset.
A detailed warning will appear on the screen about what data will be deleted. The system will automatically scan the memory and show a list of applications and files to be destroyed. Please read the list carefully. If you are confident in your decision, press the button Reset phone.
- 📱 The device will ask you to enter your PIN code, password or pattern to confirm the owner's identity.
- 🔄 After confirmation, the data deletion process will begin, which may take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the volume information.
- 🏁 Upon completion, the smartphone will automatically reboot and start as new, requiring initial language and Wi-Fi settings.
If you have a microSD memory card inserted, the reset menu often has a checkbox “Clear internal memory and memory card.” Remove it if you want to save files on a flash card.
Sometimes the system may request a password for the Huawei ID account associated with the device. This is a security measure to prevent unauthorized persons from resetting a stolen phone. Enter the correct data to continue the procedure.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
This method is necessary in situations where the phone does not turn on, is stuck on the logo when loading, or you have forgotten the screen unlock password. Recovery Mode is a special diagnostic mode built into the firmware, which allows you to control the system in bypassing the main Android interface.
To enter recovery mode on Honor 9A you must completely turn off the device. If the phone freezes and does not respond to a normal shutdown, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds until a forced reboot and immediately proceed to the next step.
Press: Volume up button (+) + Power buttonHold both buttons at the same time. As soon as the Honorlogo appears on the screen, release the Power button, but continue to hold the Volume key until a white menu with blue or black letters appears. This is the Recovery menu.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. Control is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down to select) and the power button (to confirm the selection).
In the menu that opens, select the item Wipe data/factory reset. Confirm the action by selecting Yes or Factory data reset. The system will begin formatting the memory partitions. After the process is complete, select Reboot system now to reboot.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not appear?
On some versions of EMUI firmware, entry into Recovery is blocked if there is a password on the screen. Try connecting your phone with a cable to a switched off computer, hold down the volume and power buttons, and do not release them until the Huawei/Honor logo appears. Sometimes you need to hold the buttons longer than usual (up to 20 seconds).
Comparison of reset methods and their features
Both methods lead to the same result - a clean system state. However, they have technical differences that may affect the choice of method in a particular situation. Understanding these differences will help you avoid mistakes.
Soft reset through settings is “softer”. It correctly closes all applications, disables services and encryption before deleting data. A hard reset via Recovery is more aggressive, forcing formatting of partitions, which can sometimes lead to errors in the file system if the process was interrupted.
| Characteristics | Through Settings (Soft) | Through Buttons (Hard) |
|---|---|---|
| Menu access required | Yes | No |
| Risk of software damage | Minimum | Medium (if interrupted) |
| Deleting a Google/Huawei account | Automatically (on exit) | Requires entering a password after reset |
| Difficulty of execution | Low | Average |
If you plan to sell the phone or give it to another person, using the method through settings with prior logging out of accounts is more ethical and convenient for the new owner. Hard Reset is best left for emergency repair cases.
The problem of blocking FRP and accounts
The modern Android security system, known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection), is closely related to accounts. If you did a hard reset without first logging out of your Google account or Huawei ID, the phone will require you to enter the password for this account when you first boot.
This is done to protect against theft. Even if an attacker erases all data, he will not be able to use the phone without access to the cloud account of the previous owner. For Honor 9A this is especially true, since the device may require both a Huawei ID and a Google account (if it was installed manually via Gspace or other methods).
In the event of a forgotten account password, the only legal way to unlock it is to restore access through the manufacturer's official website or Google. Third-party FRP bypass apps often contain malware or stop working after a security update.
⚠️ Note: Interfaces and security requirements may change with firmware updates. Always check the latest unlocking requirements with Honor's official help center or support site.
Initial setup after reset
After a successful restart, you will see the welcome screen. Select the interface language and connect to the Wi-Fi network. At this point, the system can check for security updates before completing the setup.
You will be prompted to restore your data from the backup. If you've been using Huawei Cloud or transferring data to your computer, now is the time to get your contacts and photos back. For users Honor 9A the Phone Clone tool is also available to transfer data from another phone via Wi-Fi.
Don't forget to re-configure your fingerprint and facial recognition in the section Security and privacy. It is also recommended to immediately go to Settings → System and updates → Software update and check for the latest firmware version, since the reset could roll back some system patches.
After The first time you turn on the phone, it may work slower than usual for 10-20 minutes. This is normal: the system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background. Don't panic and let the device work.
Frequently asked questions and troubleshooting
What to do if the phone is stuck on the Honor logo after a reset?
If the boot takes more than 20 minutes, try performing a forced reboot by holding the power button for 15 seconds. If this does not help, you will have to enter Recovery mode again and repeat the Wipe data procedure. In the worst case, you may need to flash it via a computer (eRecovery or Dload app).
Will my phone number and contacts be deleted from the SIM card?
No, resetting the settings only affects the internal memory of the smartphone and installed applications. Contacts stored directly on the SIM card, as well as the SIM card itself, will remain intact. However, contacts saved in the phone's memory without synchronization will be deleted.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset process if it takes too long?
It is strictly not recommended to interrupt the formatting process by pressing buttons or removing the battery (if it is non-removable). This may damage the memory partition table and the phone will not turn on. Wait for the process to complete, even if it seems long.
Will unlocking the bootloader disappear after a reset?
No, the Unlock Bootloader status is retained even after a complete data reset. However, all installed custom recovery or root access can be reset to stock state depending on the type of firmware.
How to reset network settings without deleting personal data?
If the problem is only in the Internet or Bluetooth, a full reset is not necessary. Go to Settings → System and updates → Reset and select item Resetting network settings. This will delete saved Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth settings, but will keep your photos and applications.