Have you ever encountered a situation where your smartphone is on Android starts to slow down, produce errors, or just behave “strangely”? In such cases, it is often recommended to do factory data reset a reset to factory settings. But what does this really mean? Why is this method considered a radical, but sometimes the only solution? And most importantly, how to do it correctly so as not to lose important data?

In this article we will look at what it is factory data reset (or hard reset), in which cases it is really necessary, and when you can get by with more gentle methods. You will learn how to prepare the device for a reset, what data will be permanently deleted, and how to restore the phone to functionality after the procedure. We will also look at the nuances for different versions Android (from Android 10 to Android 14) and popular brands - Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and others.

If you have never reset your settings or are afraid of ruining something, don’t worry. We will explain each step in detail, warn against common mistakes and provide a checklist for performing the procedure safely. And at the end of the article we will answer the most frequently asked questions from users.

What is Factory Data Reset and how does it work

Factory Data Reset (resetting to factory settings) is a procedure that returns the smartphone to its “out of the box” state. In this case:

  • 📱 The following are deleted all user data: applications, photos, videos, music, documents, contacts (if not synchronized with the account Google).
  • ⚙️ Reset all system settings: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen brightness, sound profiles, application permissions.
  • 🔄 Restored original firmware (if there was no manual update via fastboot or ODIN).
  • 🔒 Removed all locks (pattern key, PIN, fingerprint), if they were installed.

It is important to understand that factory reset does not affect:

  • 📲 Data on SD card (if it was not encrypted as part of the internal memory).
  • ☁️ Files synchronized with cloud services (Google Drive, Mi Cloud, iCloud for some devices).
  • 🔐 Account data Google (if the device was not reset via recovery with deletion FRP).

Technically, the reset works like this: the system formats the partition /datawhere user files and settings are stored, and then reboots the device with clean parameters. On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI), the cache partition can also be cleared. complete cleaning requires formatting via /cache.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 9 and newer, resetting through the settings menu may not delete data from the folder Android/data (where files for some games and applications are stored). For complete cleaning, formatting via recovery.

When you need a reset to factory settings: 7 good reasons

Despite the radicality of the method, there are situations when factory data reset here are the most common cases:

  1. The smartphone slows down a lot or freezes. If clearing the cache, removing unnecessary applications and optimizing through Settings → Device maintenance do not help, a reset can restore performance.
  2. Viruses or malware. Some Trojans (for example, xHelper or Shamoon) are embedded so deeply into the system that they cannot be removed without a full reset.
  3. Errors after updating the OS. If after upgrading to a new version Android bugs appear (for example, the camera or mobile network does not work), a reset often solves the problem.
  4. Preparation for selling or transferring the phone. To prevent new owners from gaining access to your data, you need to perform full wipe.
  5. The screen lock is forgotten. If you do not remember the pattern key or PIN, and Find My Device does not help, resetting via recovery is the last chance to unlock the device.
  6. Cyclic reboot (bootloop). When the phone constantly reboots and does not log into the system, reset via fastboot or recovery can save the situation.
  7. Resetting the network settings. If the mobile data or Wi-Fi stops working for no apparent reason, sometimes only a full reset helps.

However, before you resort to to this method, try more gentle alternatives:

  • 🧹 Clearing the cache via Settings → Storage → Cache data.
  • 🔄 Reboot to Safe Mode (hold the power off button → “Reboot in safe mode”)
  • 🛠️ Restore via Google Find My Device (if the device is linked to an account).
📊 How often do you reset your smartphone?
Never
Once a year for prevention
Only before sale
When the phone starts to slow down
I don’t know what it is

What will be deleted when resetting: complete list of data

Many users are afraid to do factory data resetbecause they do not understand what data will be erased. Below is an exhaustive list of what will be lost from the phone irretrievably if you do not make a backup copy:

Data type Will they be deleted? How to save
Photos and videos (internal memory) ✅ Yes Copy to PC or to Google Photos
Contacts (not synchronized) ✅ Yes Export to .vcf or synchronize with Google Contacts
SMS/MMS messages ✅ Yes Use SMS Backup & Restore or Google Messages (cloud)
Installed applications and their data ✅ Yes The list of applications will be saved in the account Google, but settings and progress in games will not
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, VPN settings ✅ Yes Write down passwords manually or use Google Password Manager
Files in the folder Download ✅ Yes Transfer to a memory card or to the cloud

And now the good news: some data will not deleted (or they can be easily recovered):

  • ☁️ Files in Google Drive, Mi Cloud, Dropbox and other cloud storages.
  • 🎵 Music and playlists in YouTube Music, Spotify (if an account is linked).
  • 📅 Calendar and tasks (if synchronized with Google Account).
  • 📱 Data on SD card (if it was not formatted as internal memory).
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ and function Scoped Storage (for example, Samsung Galaxy S21, Google Pixel 6), some applications can save data in protected folders that are not deleted during a standard reset. Full cleaning requires formatting via recovery.

Step-by-step guide: how to do a Factory Data Reset

There are three main ways to perform a factory reset on Android. The choice of method depends on the state of the device:

Method 1: Through the settings menu. (if the phone is working)

This is the easiest and safest method. Suitable if the smartphone turns on and you can go to the settings.

  1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
  2. Go to section System → Reset settings (on some devices the path may differ: General settings → Reset).
  3. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
  4. Enter your PIN or pattern (if prompted).
  5. Confirm the action by pressing Reset phone or Delete everything.
  6. Wait for the process to complete (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

Make a backup copy of important data|Write down logins and passwords for accounts|Make sure that the phone is charged at least 50%|Disable the factory lock (FRP) if you are selling the device-->

Method 2: Through Recovery Mode (if the phone is not loading)

If the smartphone freezes on the logo or does not respond to presses, you can reset via recovery mode (recovery). Button combinations differ depending on the manufacturer:

Brand Combination to enter Recovery
Samsung Turn off the phone → Power + Volume Up + Bixby (hold 10 sec)
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Turn off → Power + Volume Up (hold until the logo appears Mi)
Google Pixel Turn off → Power + Volume Down (after vibration, release Powerhold Volume Down)
OnePlus Turn off → Power + Volume Down (hold until the menu appears)

In the menu recovery control is carried out using the volume buttons (Volume Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection). Next:

  1. Select Wipe data/factory reset.
  2. Confirm the action (Yes — Delete all user data).
  3. After completion, select Reboot system now.
⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI 5+) reset via recovery can delete FRP lockwhich will lead to a login request from the previous account Google if you are selling a phone, it is better to use the method through the settings.

Method 3: Through Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is suitable for unlocked devices bootloader (for example, Google Pixel, Xiaomi for developers Requires a PC with installed). drivers ADB/Fastboot.

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot flashing unlock


fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache


fastboot reboot

⚠️ This method deletes all data without the possibility of recovery can lead to loss of warranty on some devices.

💡

If after resetting the phone asks to enter the old account Google (FRP lock), but you don’t remember it, try using the service Find My Device for remote unlocking or contact the service center with proof of purchase.

What to do after the reset: setting up the phone from scratch

After completion factory data reset the device will reboot and offer to go through the initial setup, as after purchase. Here's what you need to do first:

  1. Connect to Wi-Fi. This is necessary to synchronize with your account Google and restore data.
  2. Log in account Google. If you made backups, the system will offer to restore applications and settings.
  3. Update the OS. Go to Settings → System → Software update and install the latest security patches.
  4. Recover data.
    • 📷 Photos: via Google Photos or from a computer.
    • 📞 Contacts: synchronize via Google Contacts.
    • 🎮 Game saves: use accounts Google Play Games or built-in cloud saves (for example, in Genshin Impact or Call of Duty Mobile).
  • Set up security. Set a new PIN/pattern, configure face or fingerprint unlocking.

    • If you sell or transfer your phone, do not restore your accounts —just complete the initial setup before logging in Google, and then turn off the device.

    💡

    After the reset, do not rush to install all the applications at once. Start with the most necessary ones (messengers, banking applications) and monitor the performance. If the phone starts to slow down again, the problem may be in the hardware (for example, worn out flash memory).

    Errors and problems after Factory. Data Reset: how to fix

    Sometimes problems arise after a reset. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The phone is asking for an old account Google (FRP) The factory lock has been enabled Enter the old account details or reset the FRP via Find My Device
    Mobile network or Wi-Fi does not work Reset network settings or damage IMEI Check the APN settings or restore IMEI through the engineering menu (##4636##)
    The phone does not turn on after reset The formatting process was interrupted Repeat the reset via recovery or flash the stock firmware
    Applications crash or are not installed The cache is damaged Google Play Services Clear the cache in Settings → Applications → Google Play Services → Storage

    If after resetting the phone begins to work even worse (for example, it quickly discharges or overheats), this may indicate hardware problems:

    • 🔋 Worn out battery (check through AccuBattery).
    • 💾 Damaged flash memory (read/write errors).
    • 🔥 Overheating of the processor (thermal paste needs to be replaced).
    What to do if after resetting the phone does not see the SIM card?

    If the device does not recognize the SIM, try:

    1. Reboot the phone.

    2. Insert the SIM into another slot (if there are several).

    3. Check the APN settings in Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN).

    4. Update the modem firmware via official software (for example, Samsung Smart Switch or Xiaomi Flash Tool).

    If all else fails, the communication module may be damaged (diagnosis is required at a service center).

    Alternatives to Factory Data Reset: when you can do without radical measure

    Before doing a full reset, try less radical optimization methods:

    • 🧹 Clear application cache: Go to Settings → Applications, select the problematic application and click Clear cache.
    • 🔄 Reset network settings: B Settings → System → Reset → Reset settings network (does not delete personal data).
    • 🛠️ Safe mode: Hold the power button → “Restart in safe mode”. Check if the phone is slow without third-party applications.
    • 📱 Recovery via Find My Device: If the device is lost or locked, you can remotely erase the data (but this will also require entering your account Google after a reboot).

    For devices with Android 12+ there is another useful tool - "Restore and reset" in the developer settings: To enable it:

    1. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number.
    2. Tap on "Build number" 7 times to activate developer mode.
    3. Go back to Settings → System → For Developers.
    4. Find the option Recovery and reset and select Erase everything data (without deleting updates).

    This method preserves the current OS version, but deletes user data.

    ⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy c One UIafter a reset, you may need to re-activate Knox (protective core). If you use Samsung Pay or Secure Folder, you will have to configure them again.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about Factory Data Reset

    Is it possible to recover data after a factory reset?

    Theoretically, yes, but with big reservations. If you did a reset through the settings, some of the data can be restored using apps like Dr.Fone or DiskDigger, but only if:

    • Not on the phone new data was written after the reset.
    • The device does not use encryption FBE (File-Based Encryption), which is enabled by default on Android 10+.

    In practice, the chances are low, therefore backup is the only reliable one method.

    Will a factory reset reset the operator lock (SIM-lock)?

    No. The operator lock (for example, if the phone is linked to MTS or Beeline) is stored in a separate partition modemst1/modemst2 and is not deleted during a standard reset. To unlock you need:

    • Official unlock code from the operator.
    • Use of special apps (for example, DC-Unlocker for Qualcomm-chips).
    • Contact the service center.
    How to reset if you forgot the pattern key?

    If you do not remember the screen lock, there are several ways:

    1. Through Find My Device: Go to service page, select the device and click “Erase data”.
    2. Via recovery: Perform a reset as described in section “Method 2”.
    3. Through fastboot (for an unlocked bootloader): Use the command fastboot erase userdata.

    ⚠️ After resetting via recovery or fastboot you may be required to enter account data Google (FRP).

    Will a reset remove Android updates?

    Depends on the method:

    • 📱 Reset through settings: OS updates will be saved.
    • 🔧 Reset via recovery: Updates will be saved, but settings may be reset kernel.
    • 🖥️ Firmware via fastboot or ODIN: The OS version specified in the firmware will be installed.
    Is it possible to reset the phone with root access?

    Yes, but there are nuances:

    • If you have Magisk or SuperSUinstalled, after resetting through settings root may disappear.
    • To save root, make a backup via TWRP or OrangeFox Recovery.
    • After the reset, you may need to re-flash Magisk via fastboot.