Resetting a smartphone to factory settings is a procedure that every user encounters sooner or later. Android. The reasons may be different: from preparing the device for sale to fighting viruses or slowdowns. But what is the correct way to avoid losing important data and turning your phone into a brick? reset Android right, so as not to lose important data and not turn the phone into a “brick”?

Many people mistakenly think that resetting is just a matter of pressing one button. In fact, the process requires preparation, especially if valuable information is stored on the device. In this article, we will analyze all the current reset methods - from the standard menu to the Recovery and Fastbootmodes, and also tell you how to minimize the risks and what to do if something goes wrong.

It is important to understand: a reset deletes all user data, including photos, messages, installed applications and account settings. However, not all files are erased permanently - we will talk about this in the section on data recovery after a reset.

📊 Why do you want to reset Android settings?
Preparation for sale
Eliminating errors/viruses
Storage & Performance
Accelerating work
Other

1. Preparing for the reset: what you need to do before resetting

Before you begin the reset, make sure that you have saved all important information. Even if you plan to reset your phone before selling it, a backup copy will come in handy in case the new owner forgets to delete your data, or you want to transfer something to another device.

Here minimum checklist before resetting:

☑️ Preparing to reset Android

Done: 0 / 5

Pay special attention Google Account. After the reset, the device can request the data of the last linked account (this is called FRP lock). If you have forgotten your password, restore it in advance on the Google website.

Also check if the phone is linked to services like Find My Device (from Google) or Samsung Knox. After a reset, these features may lock your device unless you disable them first. For example, on Samsung you need to go to Settings → Biometrics and security → Find My Mobile and deactivate the option.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi, Huawei i Honor after the reset, you are required to enter the old password for the manufacturer's account (Mi Account, Huawei ID). If you do not remember the data, resetting may lead to a complete blocking of the phone.

2. Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the safest)

This is a standard method that works on all smartphones with Android 5.0 and newer. The main advantage is simplicity and minimal risks. However, it is only available if the phone turns on and responds to touches.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
  2. Go to section System → Reset (on some firmware the path may differ: General settings → Reset or Advanced → Reset settings).
  3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
  4. The system will prompt you to enter PIN code, pattern or password (if installed).
  5. Confirm action by pressing Erase everything or Reset phone.

The process will take from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the model. Upon completion, the phone will reboot and offer to set it up as new.

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If after. When resetting, the phone hangs on the logo for a long time - don’t panic. Give it 10-15 minutes. If during this time nothing has changed, try holding the power button for 20 seconds to force a reboot.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy s One UI) there is an option Auto-update after reset. If it is active, the phone will automatically install the latest software updates immediately after rebooting. This is convenient, but it may take additional time.

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone does not turn on)

If the smartphone does not respond to buttons, stuck on the logo or blocked - this will help recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method is universal, but requires caution: incorrect actions can lead to loss of access to the device.

To enter Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Press the combination buttons:
    • 📱 Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby (or Home on older models).
    • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume up.
    • 📱 Google Pixel, OnePlus, Nokia: Power + Volume Down.
    • 📱 Huawei/Honor: Power + Volume Up (hold for 10+ seconds).
  • Release the buttons when the logo appears Recovery Mode or No Command (on Pixel i Nexus).

    • In the menu Recovery control is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (selection). On some devices, the touch screen may work.

    Further actions:

    1. Select item Wipe data/factory reset (on some firmware - Clear eMMC or Format Data).
    2. Confirm the reset by selecting Yes or Confirm.
    3. After completion select Reboot system now to reboot.
      4. ⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI (Xiaomi) in Recovery you may be required to enter the password from Mi Accounteven if the phone has not been linked to account earlier. If you do not remember the data, resetting via Recovery will block the device.
      What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

      If the button combination does not work, try:

      - Connect the phone to charge for 10 minutes (a low battery may block entry to Recovery).

      - Use another combination (for example, on some Meizu you need to press Power + Volume up + Volume down).

      - If the screen remains black, the software may be damaged. In this case, only firmware via Fastboot or service center.

      4. Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users)

      The method via Fastboot is the most radical and requires connecting the phone to a computer. It is useful if:

      • 🔧 Recovery Mode damaged or missing.
      • 🔧 The phone is blocked FRP (Google-blocked after reset).
      • 🔧 You need to reflash the device from scratch.

      For work you will need:

      • 💻 Computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot (you can download from the Google website).
      • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
      • 📱 Unlocked bootloader (on most devices, except Google Pixel and some Xiaomi).

    Instructions:

    1. Enable on your phone USB debugging (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → For developers → USB debugging).
    2. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
    3. Enter commands in order: 
      adb reboot bootloader

      fastboot devices
      

      fastboot erase userdata
      

      fastboot erase cache
      

      fastboot reboot

    On devices with a chip MediaTek (many Redmi, Realme, Tecno) instead of fastboot you may need to use a utility SP Flash Tool with official firmware.

    ⚠️ Attention: Incorrect commands in Fastboot can lead to loss of IMEI or failure of the communication module. If you are not sure, it is better to contact the service.

    5. What happens to the data after a reset?

    Many users believe that a reset completely erases all data from the phone. In fact, this is not entirely true. Here's what actually happens:

    Data type Is it deleted during a reset? Can it be restored?
    Photos/videos on internal memory Yes Possibly using apps like DiskDigger or Recuva (if there was no overwriting)
    Applications and their data Yes No (except for backups in cloud)
    Contacts (synchronized with Google) No Automatically restored when you log into your account
    Files on the SD card No (if not selected formatting) —
    Messages (SMS/MMS) Yes Possible, if there was a backup in Google Drive or a third-party application

    If you sell or give the phone to another person, one resetting is not enough for complete safety. The wrong hands they can restore part of the data using special software. To avoid this:

    • 🔒 After resetting, fill the phone memory with unnecessary files (for example, video or music), then reset again.
    • 🔒 Use data encryption (Settings → Security → Phone encryption) before reset.

    6. Typical reset errors and how to avoid them

    Even such a simple procedure as a reset can go wrong. Here are the most common problems and their solutions:

    1. The phone does not turn on after the reset

    • 🔋 Possible reason: the battery was discharged during the process.
    • 🔌 Solution: connect to the charger for 30 minutes, then try to turn it on.

    2. Requested for a password from the old Google account (FRP)

    • 🔒 Occurs if the phone was linked to Google Account with the option enabled Find My Device.
    • 📧 Solution: enter the details of the last linked account. If you don’t remember your password, restore it via accounts.google.com.

    3. Reset does not remove viruses

    • 🦠 Some malware (malware) may survive the reset if they are embedded in system files.
    • 🛡️ Solution: after the reset, immediately install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Dr.Web) and scan the device.

    4. Lost access to accounts in applications

    • 🔑 Many applications (for example, WhatsApp, Viber, banking services) require re-authorization after resetting.
    • 📲 Solution: save backup codes in advance or use a password manager (1Password, KeePass).
    💡

    If the phone after The reset began to work slower than before - most likely, the problem was not in the software, but in the hardware (worn out memory, weak processor). In this case, a reset will not help, diagnostics are needed.

    7. Alternatives to a full reset: when you can get by with little pain

    A full reset is not always necessary. methods:

    1. Reset network settings

    • 📶 Removes saved Wi-Fi networks, passwords and mobile data settings.
    • 📍 Path: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings.

    2. Clearing the application cache

    • 🧹 Removes temporary files that can slow down your work.
    • 📲 Path: Settings → Applications → [Select application] → Memory → Clear cache.

    3. Removing unnecessary applications

    • 🗑️ Many "junk" apps run in the background and waste resources.
    • 🔍 Use the built-in one Application Manager or utilities like CCleaner.

    4. Rolling back system updates

    • 🔙 If the phone starts to fail after the update, you can return the previous version Android.
    • 🔧 For this you will need official firmware and Fastboot or Recovery.

    These methods are less drastic than a full reset, and often solve problems without losing data.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Android

    Is it possible to reset a phone if it is locked with a pattern?

    Yes, but only through Recovery Mode or Fastboot. If synchronization with Google Accountis enabled on your phone, you can try to unlock it through the service Find My Device ("Device Lock" function).

    Will the Android version be reset after resetting?

    No, resetting does not roll back the firmware version. If you updated the phone to Android 14, after resetting it will remain the same version. To return the old firmware, you need to flash the device. manually.

    How to reset settings on a phone without a screen (broken display)?

    There are two options:

    1. Connect the phone to the PC and use ADB to reset (command: adb shell recovery --wipe_data).
    2. If the sensor works, try connecting external monitor via USB-C/HDMI (on supported models).

    Is it possible to recover data after a reset?

    Sometimes photos and documents can be restored using apps like EaseUS MobiSaver or Tenorshare UltData, but the chances depend. depending on how much new data was recorded after the reset. Messages, notes and application settings are almost impossible to restore.

    Why does the phone ask for the old password after a reset?

    This is FRP blocking (Factory Reset Protection) It works if the phone was linked Google Account s. enabled function Find My Device. To unlock, you need to enter the details of the last linked account. If you do not remember the password, restore it through Google.