Resetting an Android device to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes necessary solution. Are you selling a smartphone and want to delete all personal data? Is your device slowing down due to accumulated debris? Or does the system malfunction after an unsuccessful update? In each of these cases full reset can be a salvation. However, the procedure has nuances: from the loss of unsaved files to the risk of the device being “bricked” if done incorrectly.

In this article we will look at all current methods of resetting Android —from the standard menu to commands through ADB i Fastboot. You will learn how to prepare for a reset, what data can be recovered after it, and what to do if the device does not respond to normal methods. We will pay special attention to models with a locked bootloader (for example, Samsung or Xiaomi), where Resetting via Recovery may require you to enter your Google account.

Let us warn you right away: if your goal is simply to free up space, try alternative methods first. For example, clearing the application cache or deleting unnecessary APKs via Settings → Storage. Resetting to factory settings should only be used as a last resort.

📊 Why do you want to reset Android?
The device is slow
Preparing for sale
Remove viruses
After an unsuccessful update
Other

1. Preparing for the reset: what needs to be done before resetting

Before you start resetting, do required preparatory steps. Otherwise, you risk losing photos, contacts and even access to some services.

First, save all important data:

  • 📸 Photos and videos: copy to PC via USB cable or upload to Google Photos (check that synchronization is enabled!).
  • 📞 Contact: export to file .vcf via the app Contact or synchronize with your account Google.
  • 📝 Messages: use applications like SMS Backup & Restore for backup.
  • 🎮 Game progress: link accounts in games (Google Play Games, Facebook, VK) or save save files via Root Explorer (if you have root access).

Secondly, unlink accounts and services:

  • 🔒 Delete linked bank cards in Google Pay, Samsung Pay or other payment cards systems.
  • 📱 Disable Find My Device (for Samsung — Find My Mobile), otherwise after resetting you may need confirmation through the old account.
  • 🔑 Deactivate application licenses (for example, in Netflix or Spotify), if you use premium accounts.

And finally, Check the battery charge —it must be at least 50%. If the device turns off during the reset via Recovery, this may lead to software glitches.

Make sure all photos/videos are backed up|Disable two-factor authentication in applications|Write down the device IMEI (in case it gets locked)|Charge your phone to at least until 50%|Remove the SIM and memory card (if not needed)

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⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 11+ and the function enabled Factory Reset Protection (FRP) after the reset, you may be required to enter the Google account data that was last linked. If you don't remember the password - recover it in advance or disable FRP via Settings → Google → Security.

2. Method 1: Reset through the Android settings menu

The easiest and safest method is to use the built-in reset menu. It is suitable if the device turns on and you remember the pattern or PIN code.

Instructions for most devices:

  1. Open Settings (gear in the application menu).
  2. Go to the section System → Reset settings (on some firmware the path may differ: General settings → Reset or Advanced → Settings reset).
  3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
  4. Confirm the action by entering the PIN code or pattern.
  5. Press Erase everything and wait completion of the process (usually takes 5–15 minutes).

On devices Samsung the path may look like this: Settings → Device maintenance → Reset → Reset data.

And on Xiaomi — Settings → About phone → Reset settings.

After the reboot you will be prompted to set up the device as new. If a request to enter your Google account (FRP lock) appears on the screen, use the data from the last linked account.

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If after resetting the phone asks for a password for an account that you don’t remember, try resetting it via recovery page Google. On some models Samsung and LG you can bypass FRP using special tools like FRP Bypass APK, but this requires additional manipulations.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 12+ (for example, Redmi Note 10, POCO X3), after resetting through the menu, a link to your account may remain Xiaomi. To completely remove it, you will need to reset it via Fastboot (see Method). 4).

3. Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

If the phone does not turn on, is stuck on the logo or does not respond to touches, a reset via recovery mode (Recovery Modewill help. This method works on 90% of Android devices, but the interface Recovery may differ depending on the manufacturer.

How to log in Recovery Mode:

  • 🔄 Turn off the device (if it is frozen, press the power button for 10–15 seconds).
  • 🔘 Press the combination of 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 appears logo Recovery Mode or robot Android with a red exclamation mark.

Further actions depend on the type Recovery:

  1. If you have stock Recovery (standard from the manufacturer):
    • Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select.
    • Select Wipe data/factory reset → Yes.
    • After reset, select Reboot system now.
  • If installed custom Recovery (for example TWRP):
    • Touch Wipe → Format Data (enter yes to confirm).
    • Return to the main menu and select Reboot → System.

      • On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22 or OnePlus 10 Pro), stock Recovery may not have touch controls. In this case, use the combination Volume up/down + Power to select items.

      What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

      If the button combination does not work, the bootloader may be disabled on your device (bootloaderIn this case, try:

      1. Connect the phone to the PC and use the command adb reboot recovery (requires USB debugging enabled).
      2. For Samsung with a processor Exynos you can try the combination Power + Volume Up + Bixbyholding it for 15-20 seconds.
      3. Some Huawei after 2019 Release require a special code to enter Recovery (it can be obtained via HiSuite).

    If all else fails, the only option left is to reset via Fastboot (Method 4).