How to completely reset Android to factory settings: 3 proven methods

Resetting an Android smartphone to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes necessary step. It helps eliminate system errors, remove viruses, prepare the device for sale, or simply return it to its former speed. However Incorrect reset can lead to data loss, Google account blocking, or even bricking of the device. In this guide, we will look at all the current reset methods, nuances for different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.), and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes.

Important understand: resetting through the settings menu and through Recovery Mode are two fundamentally different processes with different consequences for system partitions. The first method saves some data (for example, OS updates), while the second completely overwrites the firmware. We will analyze both options in detail, as well as a rare but effective method of resetting through ADB for advanced users.

If you reset your phone before selling it, do not forget to unlink all accounts (Google, Samsung, Mi Account) and remove the SIM card. Otherwise, the new owner may encounter FRP lock (Factory Reset Protection), which will require you to enter your old password.

1. Preparing to reset: what you need to do before you start

Before you click the "Reset" button, follow a few critical steps. Without backup, you will lose: contacts, SMS, photos, notes, game saves and application settings. Even if the data is stored in the cloud (Google Drive, iCloud), some files may remain only in local memory.

Here is the minimum checklist before resetting:

Pay special attention FRP-locking (Factory Reset Protection). If your phone has Google account protection enabled, after resetting you will need to enter your login and password. Samsung, Xiaomi And some other brands add another layer of protection - linking to a branded account (Samsung Account, Mi Account). Deleting an account after resetting via Recovery can lead to a complete blocking of the device without the ability to unlocking.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 12+ and a chip Tensor (for example, Google Pixel 6/7/8), resetting via Recovery may require additional authentication via FastbootCheck this point in the documentation for your model.

If you reset your phone due to viruses, please note that some malicious apps (Triada, XHelper) can survive even a full reset if they have infiltrated the system partitions. In this case, after resetting, it is recommended to flash the device via Fastboot or ODIN (For Samsung).

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

This method is suitable for most situations when the phone turns on and responds to touches. It retains the current firmware version and security updates, but deletes all user data and settings.

Instructions for Android 10–14 (may differ slightly on custom shells like One UI, MIUI, ColorOS):

1. Open Settings → System → Reset settings (or Advanced → Reset options).

2. Select Erase all data (factory reset).

3. If required, enter a PIN, pattern or password.

4. Confirm the action - the phone will reboot and begin the reset process (will take 5-15 minutes).

On some phones (Samsung Galaxy S22/S23, Xiaomi Redmi Note 12), an option will appear before resetting Clear memory cardMark it only if you want to erase data from microSD - otherwise the photos and files on it will remain untouched.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 13+ and function Private Compute Core (for example, Google Pixel 7) reset may erase the data used to process voice commands and AI functions. They will have to be downloaded again after the first setup.

If after the reset the phone asks for the password for the old Google account, but you do not remember it, use Google recovery service. For Samsung and Xiaomi additional steps may be required (for example, confirmation via email or SMS).

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (for locked phones)

If the phone does not turn on, is locked with a pattern, or is stuck on the logo, a reset via Recovery modewill help: This method overwrites system partitions and can remove OS updates, returning them. device to the original firmware.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (if it is frozen, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds).

2. Press the button combination (depending on the model):

   • 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (on new models without Bixby — only Volume up + Power)
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Volume up + Power (hold until logo Mi)
   • 📱 Google Pixel: Volume down + Power (select from the menu Recovery Mode)
   • 📱 OnePlus: Volume down + Power (hold for 10+ seconds)

On some phones (Samsung Galaxy A54, Xiaomi 13T) Recovery may be blocked. In this case, a warning will appear asking you to confirm the action via Mi Account or Samsung Account. If you do not remember your account data, resetting via Recovery will not be possible without additional manipulations (for example, flashing the firmware). via Fastboot).

⚠️ Attention: On phones with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) resetting via Recovery can lead to data loss in the /data and /cachepartitions, but will not affect custom firmware (for example, LineageOS). If you are using unofficial software, you will have to reinstall it after resetting.

If after resetting via Recovery the phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo, the system files are probably damaged. In this case, only flashing through Fastboot or proprietary utilities will help (Odin for Samsung, Mi Flash for Xiaomi).

4. Method 3: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

This method is suitable if standard methods do not work, and the phone still responds to commands. For example, if the sensor does not work, but USB debugging is enabled. To reset via ADB you will need a computer with installed drivers and tools Android SDK Platform-Tools.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect the phone to the PC via a USB cable (preferably original).

2. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with platform-tools.

3. Check the device connection with the command:

   adb devices

   If the phone is displayed in the list, you can continue.

4. Reset one of the commands:

   • 🔄 Full reset (deletes all data except system updates):

     adb shell recovery --wipe_data

   • 🔄 Reset with reboot into Recovery (if you need to clear the cache):

     adb reboot recovery

If command adb devices does not show your device:

• 🔌 Check if USB debugging is enabled Settings → For Developers.
• 🔌 Try a different USB cable (cheap cables often do not transfer data).
• 🔌 Install drivers for your model (for example, Samsung USB Driver or Xiaomi ADB Driver).

⚠️ Attention: On Android 13+ for commands ADB You may need additional confirmation on your phone (a pop-up window asking for permission). If the screen does not work, this method will not work.

After executing the command, the phone will reboot and begin the reset process. The time depends on the model: on Google Pixel 7 it takes ~10. minutes, on budget Redmi - up to 20 minutes. If the process takes a long time, do not disconnect the cable and do not interrupt work. ADB.

5. What to do after the reset: initial setup and data recovery

After a successful reset, the phone will turn on in the initial setup mode, as after purchase. Here it is important to correctly follow several steps to avoid problems in the future:

🔹 Step 1: Connecting to Wi-Fi

You will be without Internet. you will not be able to log in Google Account and restore data. If Wi-Fi does not connect, check if the network settings are lost after resetting (sometimes rebooting the router helps).

🔹 Step 2: Login to Google Account

Use the same account that was linked before the reset. If you forgot your password, restore it via recovery page Google. On phones Samsung i Xiaomi you will also need to enter your corporate account information.

🔹 Step 3: Data recovery

Android will offer to restore data from the backup. Select the most recent copy (check the creation date). Recover:

• 📱 Contacts, calendars, notes (from Google) Account)
• 📷 Photos (if Google Photos was enabled Google Photos)
• 🎮 Data of some applications (if the developer supports backup)
• 🔧 Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings

🔹 Step 4: Checking for updates

After resetting via Recovery, you may need to update the OS. Go to Settings → System → Software update and install all available patches. Samsung updates can weigh up to 2-3 GB, so use Wi-Fi.

🔹 Step 5: Installing applications

Do not rush to install all apps at once. Start with the essentials:

1. Messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram)
2. Banking applications (before installation, check if the requirements have changed) to the Android version)
3. Backup applications (Google One, Dropbox)
4. Antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes or Bitdefender)

If you reset your phone due to viruses, before installing applications, check their reputation on Google Play (read reviews for last 2-3 months). Some malware disguises itself as popular utilities (for example, flashlights or battery optimizers).

6. Typical reset errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to data loss or blocking of the phone. Here are the most common ones and ways to prevent them:

One of the most insidious errors is resetting the phone. with the "Find device" function enabled (Find My Device).If you have not disabled it in advance, after resetting the phone may remain linked to your account, and the new owner will not be able to activate it:

1. Go to the website Find My Device.
2. Select your device and click Remove device.
3. Only after that perform a reset.

Another one a common problem - loss of IMEI after a reset on some models Xiaomi i Realme. This happens due to an error in the firmware that erases the modem data. If after the reset the network is lost:

• 📶 Check IMEI by typing *#06#.
• 📶 If IMEI is missing, restore it via Engineering Mode (this requires root access) or contact the service center.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with Android 14 i chip Tensor G3 (for example, Google Pixel 8), a reset may erase the data of Titan M2 —the secure chip for storing cryptographic keys. This will lead to data loss in some banking applications (for example, SberBank Online or Tinkoff). Before resetting, export backups of such applications.

7. Reset on locked phones: bypass FRP and pattern key

If you have forgotten the pattern or password, and resetting via Recovery requires entering your account data - there are several legal unlocking methods. Important: these methods only work on your phone (bypassing someone else’s lock is illegal!).

🔓 Method 1: Unlocking via Find My Device (for Google Account)

🔓 Method 2: Bypass FRP on Samsung (via Samsung Account)

🔓 Method 3: Using Fastboot to bypass (for advanced users only)

On some phones (Xiaomi, Redmi) you can remove the FRP lock through commands Fastboot:

fastboot oem clean_frp

⚠️ Attention: Bypassing FRP on phones with Android 12+ has become more difficult due to tightened security. On new Samsung Galaxy S23 and Google Pixel 7/8 some bypass methods stopped working. If you are not sure of your actions, contact the service center.