Resetting a smartphone Huawei to factory settings is a radical but effective way to restore the device's performance, eliminate software glitches, or prepare the gadget for sale. The procedure deletes all user dataincluding photos, messages, installed applications and account settings. However, not everyone knows that devices Huawei (especially models with EMUI 10+) have nuances: from mandatory binding to Huawei ID to blocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection), which can turn the phone into a “brick” after a reset.

In this article we will look at three official methods reset - through the settings menu, a combination of buttons (Hard Reset) and mode Fastboot (for advanced users). Let us separately dwell on critical errors that occur during a reset Huawei with a locked bootloader or without unlinking Huawei ID. You will also learn how to save important data before the procedure and what to do if the phone does not turn on after a reset.

Resetting to factory settings is not panacea. If the problems are caused by hardware faults (for example, memory or power controller damage), the procedure will not help. In such cases, diagnostics are required at a service center. But in 80% of cases - when the phone slows down, spontaneously reboots or is stuck on the logo - a reset solves the problem.

1. Preparing for the reset: what to do before wiping

Before you begin the reset, make sure that you will not lose critical data. Even if the phone does not turn on, some of the information can be restored using PC Suite or ADB (more on this below).

What will be deleted after the reset:

  • 📸 Media files: photos, videos, music (including files in folders DCIM, Downloads, Pictures)
  • 📱 Applications and their data: games, instant messengers (including chat history in WhatsApp or Telegram), app settings
  • 🔑 Accounts: bindings to Google, Huawei ID, social networks (after resetting, you will need to re-enter your login/password)
  • 📞 Contacts and SMS: if they are not synchronized with Google Contacts or cloud Huawei
  • 🔧 System settings: wallpaper, sound profiles, network settings (including saved Wi-Fi passwords)

How to save data before resetting:

  1. Backup via Huawei Backup: in the menu Settings → System and updates → Backup and recovery. Select cloud Huawei or local storage (memory card).
  2. Export contacts: in the application Contact click ⋮ → Manage contacts → Export/Import and save the file .vcf to the memory card.
  3. Transferring media files: connect the phone to the PC via USB (in file transfer mode) and copy the folders DCIM, Pictures, Music to your computer.
  4. Saving SMS: use applications like SMS Backup & Restore (available in AppGallery).
⚠️ Attention: If you reset Huawei for the purpose of selling, be sure to unlink the device from Huawei ID in the menu Settings → Huawei ID → Account management → Delete account. Otherwise, the new owner will not be able to activate the phone!

Make a backup copy of important data

Write down login/password for Huawei ID and Google account

Check battery charge (minimum 50%)

Disable pattern/PIN protection (if the phone is working)

Remove the SIM card and memory card (optional)

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

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and you can go to the settings menu. The instructions are valid for all models Huawei on EMUI 9.0 and later (including Huawei P40, Mate 30, Nova 7 etc.).

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).
  2. Go to section System and updates → Reset.
  3. Select Reset all settings (or Restore factory settings on older versions EMUI).
  4. The system will prompt you to enter PIN code or pattern key (if installed).
  5. Press Reset phone → Reset everything to confirm.
  6. Wait for the process to complete (5-10 minutes). The phone will reboot automatically.

What to do if the reset menu is not available?

  • 🔒 If the screen is locked and you do not remember the pattern, use Method 3 (Fastboot).
  • 🛠 If the phone is frozen during the reset stage (more than 30 minutes), force reboot it by pressing Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds.
⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example, P30 Pro or Mate 20) after resetting, you may need to re-activate Huawei ID. If you have forgotten your password, restore it before reset on the website Huawei!
💡

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old one Huawei ID, but you don’t remember it, try restoring access via official website. As a last resort, contact support with a receipt for the purchase of the device.

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

If Huawei does not respond to presses, is stuck on the logo or reboots cyclically, use hard reset via combination of buttons. The method works on all models, including Huawei Y6, Y7, P Smart and flagship series.

Instructions for Hard Reset:

  1. Turn off the phone (if it is on, press and hold data-i="154">for 10–15 seconds). Power for 10–15 seconds).
  2. Press the buttons simultaneously:
    • For most models: Power + Volume Up
    • For Huawei P20/Mate 10 and older: Power + Volume Down
  • Hold buttons 10–15 seconds until the logo appears Huawei and menu eRecovery.
  • In the recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (move with the volume buttons, confirm Power).
  • Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
  • After completion, select Reboot system now.

    • Possible problems and solutions:

    Problem Cause Solution
    Menu eRecovery does not appear Faulty buttons or discharged battery Charge the phone for 30 minutes, try again. If the buttons are broken, use Method 3.
    The phone vibrates but does not turn on Damaged bootloader or firmware Flashing is required through Fastboot or a service center.
    After the reset, an error appears FRP Lock The phone is linked to Huawei ID without unbinding Enter your account details, to which the phone was linked. If you don’t remember, restore access.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some models Huawei (for example, Honor 8X or Huawei Y9) the recovery menu may be called Huawei eRecovery instead of standard Recovery Mode. In it select Download latest version and recovery → Wipe data.

    Yes, I reset it myself through the buttons

    Yes, but only through the settings menu

    No, I never reset

    I don’t know what it is-->

    4. Method 3: Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users) If the first two methods did not work (for example, due to a damaged or locked screen), you can reset via mode

    If the first two methods did not work (for example, due to a damaged Recovery or locked screen), you can reset Huawei via mode Fastboot. This method requires computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot and a cable USB.

    What you will need:

    • 🖥 Computer with Windows/Linux/MacOS and with administrator rights.
    • 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (original, no damage).
    • 🛠 Utilities ADB i Fastboot (download Platform Tools from Google).
    • 🔋 The phone's battery charge is at least 30%.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Turn off the phone. Press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds to enter Fastboot Mode (screen with the inscription FASTBOOT and logo Huawei).
    2. Connect the phone to the PC via USB.
    3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with Platform Tools and run the commands one by one: 
      fastboot devices

      (the serial number of the device should be displayed)

      fastboot erase userdata
      fastboot erase cache
      fastboot reboot
    4. The phone will reboot and begin the reset process (may take up to 15 minutes).

    Warnings:

    • 🚨 Command fastboot erase userdata you permanently delete all data, including files on the internal memory.
    • 🔐 If turned on on the phone OEM lock (in Settings → For developers), reset via Fastboot may not work.
    • 🛡 On some models (Huawei P40 Pro, Mate Xs) (bootloader) is required. Without it, commands unlocking the bootloader (bootloader). Without her teams fastboot will not be executed.
    What to do, if fastboot devices does not see the phone?

    1. Make sure that the drivers are Huawei installed (download from official website).

    2. Try another one USB-port or cable.

    3. Enable debugging by USB in the menu For developers (if the phone turns on).

    4. Reinstall Platform Tools or run the command line as an administrator.

    5. How to unlock FRP after a reset (if the phone requires an old account)

    FRP (Factory Reset Protection) - this is reset protection, which is activated if the phone has been linked. Huawei ID or Google account. After the reset, the system will require you to enter your old account information. If you forgot your password or bought the phone without unlocking, there are several ways to bypass the blocking.

    Official methods for unlocking FRP:

    1. Restoring access to Huawei ID:
      • Go to recovery page.
      • Enter the email or phone number associated with your account.
      • Follow the instructions to reset your password (you will need access to your email or SMS).
  • Unlinking through the previous owner:
    • If the phone was purchased second-hand, contact the seller and ask him to remove the device from the list of trusted ones. Huawei ID.
    • The seller must go to Settings → Huawei ID → Device management and remove the gadget.

    Unofficial methods (at your own risk):

    • 🔧 Reset via eRecovery: on some models you can bypass FRPby selecting in the recovery menu Download latest version and recovery (requires a Wi-Fi connection).
    • 💻 Use FRP Bypass Tools: apps like Huawei FRP Unlock Tool or DC Unlocker (do not work on all firmware, may violate the warranty).
    ⚠️ Attention: Unofficial bypass methods FRP can lead to IMEI blocking or unstable operation of the phone. Use them only if the official methods do not help, and you understand the risks!
    💡

    If you bought Huawei by hand and the seller did not unfasten it Huawei ID, the only legal way to unlock is to provide the purchase receipt to the official service center. It is almost impossible to bypass without a receipt. FRP almost impossible.

    6. Frequent errors after resetting and how. fix them

    Even after a successful reset, problems may arise. Let's look at the most common ones and ways to solve them.

    Table of errors and solutions:

    Error Possible cause Solution
    The phone does not turn on after reset The firmware is damaged or the battery is low Charge the phone for 30-60 minutes. If that doesn’t help, reflash it via Fastboot.
    Permanent. reboot (bootloop) Firmware module conflict or damaged bootpartition Reset again via eRecovery or flash the stock firmware.
    No network after reset Settings were reset IMEI or APN Check Settings → Mobile network → Access points (APN)If IMEI reset, restore via Engineering Mode (##2846579##).
    Touchscreen does not work after reset Sensor calibration failure or firmware corruption Calibrate in Engineering Mode or reflash the phone.

    Additional tips:

    • 🔄 If after resetting the phone became getting very hot, check the background processes in Settings → Battery → Running applications.
    • 📶 If the connection is lost, update IMEI through the instructions for your model (for example, for Huawei P30 use the command AT +EGMR=1,7,"IMEI" v Engineering Mode).

    7. How to restore data after the reset (if there is no backup)

    If you forgot to make a backup, there are chances to get the data back, but they depend on whether the memory was overwritten. after the reset. The less you used the phone after cleaning, the higher the probability of recovery.

    Recovery methods:

    1. Memory scanning apps:
      • DiskDigger (for photos and videos).
      • Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver (for contacts, SMS, notes).

    Connect your phone to the PC in MTP mode and scan the internal memory. Important: do not save the recovered files to the phone itself - this will overwrite the data!

  • Recovery via ADB (if the phone turns on): 
    adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db

    This command can retrieve the contact database (rights required root).

  • Contacting the service center:

    Specialists can extract data using the Chip-Off method (removing the memory chip), but this is expensive and not always possible.

    • ⚠️ Attention: Free data recovery apps often contain viruses or do not work with new models Huawei (due to encryption FBE v Android 10+Use only proven software from official websites!

    8. Alternatives to resetting: when you can do without it

    Resetting to factory settings is a last resort. In some cases, the problem can be solved by less radical methods:

    When a reset is not needed:

    • 🐢 The phone is slow: try clearing the cache in Settings → Memory → Cleaning or disable background processes.
    • 📱 Not enough memory: transfer files to the card SD or delete unnecessary applications.
    • 🔒 Forgot the pattern: unlock via Huawei ID (on the lock screen press Forgot your password?).
    • 📵 Network problems: reset network settings c Settings → System → Network reset.

    When a reset is required:

    • 🦠 The phone is infected with a virus that cannot be removed by the antivirus.
    • 🔄 Cyclic reboot (bootloop) after an unsuccessful update.
    • 📦 Preparing the phone for sale or transfer to another user.
    💡

    If the phone became slower after the update EMUI, try rolling back to the previous version firmware via Huawei eRecovery. To do this, select Download latest version and recovery → Rollback (if available).

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    🔹 Is it possible to reset Huawei without losing data?

    No, reset to factory settings always deletes user data. However, you can save individual files (photos, contacts) using backup before resetting.

    🔹 Why does it ask for the password from the old account after resetting? Huawei asking for a password for your old account?

    It works protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection). To remove the lock, enter the data Huawei ID or Google accountthat was associated with the phone before the reset. If you don’t remember your password, restore it through official services.

    🔹 How to reset Huaweiif you forgot the pattern key?

    There are three options:

    1. Enter wrong key 5 times, then press Forgot your password? and log in via Huawei ID.
    2. Run Hard Reset via buttons (data will be deleted).
    3. Use Fastboot to reset (PC required).

    🔹 How long does the reset take? Huawei?

    Time depends on the model and amount of data:

    • Through the settings menu: 5-15 minutes.
    • After Hard Reset: 10–20 minutes (including reboot).
    • After Fastboot: 3–10 minutes (excluding preparation).

    If the process takes more than 30 minutes, force reboot the phone.

    🔹 Is it possible to cancel the reset after it has started?

    No, after confirming the reset, the process cannot be interrupted without consequences. If you are forced to turn off the phone (for example, due to a low battery), this can lead to damage to the firmware and the need to reflash it via Fastboot.