Resetting to factory settings on Android is a universal solution for most software problems: from freezes and viruses to preparing the device for sale. But it’s not always obvious where exactly this function is hidden in the labyrinth of menus of modern smartphones. Manufacturers seem to Samsung, Xiaomi or Google Pixel move it from section to section with each shell update, and on some devices (for example, Huawei after sanctions) the path to reset may be radically different.

In this article you will find current access paths to reset for all versions of Android (from 5.0 Lollipop to 14) and popular brands, including methods through Recovery Mode, ADB and hardware buttons. We will also look at why the option is sometimes hidden or blocked by the device administrator, and what to do in such cases. If your smartphone does not respond to touches or is blocked by a pattern, there is a solution for this situation as well.

1. Standard reset via the Android settings menu

The most obvious and safest way is to use the built-in system settings. However, the path to the reset option depends on the Android version and the manufacturer's shell. Below is a universal algorithm that works on 90% of devices:

  1. Open the application "Settings"** (gear icon).
  2. Scroll down and select the section System (on some devices - General settings or Advanced).
  3. Click Reset settings (or Reset and backup → Reset data).
  4. Select Reset to factory settings or Delete all data.
  5. Confirm action by entering a PIN code or pattern key (if required).

On smartphones Samsung (One UI) the path is different: Settings → Device maintenance → Reset → Reset data. In Xiaomi (MIUI) the option is hidden in Settings → About phone → Reset settings. data-i="68">Settings → Device maintenance → Reset → Reset data Google Pixel with pure Android - in Settings → System → Settings reset.

💡

If the reset option is greyed out, check to see if the mode is enabled "Reset Protection" (FRP)It can be disabled in your Google account settings or via Settings → Security → Reset lock (on some devices).

  • 📱 Samsung Galaxy: Settings → Device maintenance → Reset → Reset data
  • 🧩 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Settings → About phone → Reset settings (or Settings → Advanced → Recovery and reset)
  • 🤖 Google Pixel: Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data
  • 🍎 Huawei/Honor: Settings → System and updates → Reset → Reset all settings
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 12+ and corporate profiles (for example, through Android Enterprise), the reset option can be blocked by the administrator. In this case, you will need to delete the profile in Settings → Accounts → Delete work profile.

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

If the smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches or is locked with a pattern, the only way out is Recovery Mode. This mode boots separately from the main system and allows you to perform a reset even on a “dead” device. The instructions are universal for all Android devices, but the button combinations are different:

☑️ How to enter Recovery Mode

Done: 0 / 4
Brand Combination buttons Notes
Samsung Volume up + Power + Bixby (or Volume up + Power) On new models (2020+) first hold Volume up + Power, then release the power when vibrating, but hold the volume.
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Volume up + Power On some models (for example, Redmi Note 10) you need to hold buttons for 10+ seconds.
Google Pixel Volume down + Power In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset → Factory data reset.
Huawei/Honor Volume up + Power On older models (before 2018), you may need Volume up + Volume down + Power.
OnePlus/Oppo/Realme Volume down + Power In the Recovery menu, select the language (if available), then Wipe data → Format data.

B Recovery menu use the volume buttons to move through the items and the power button to confirm. Look for options like: Wipe data/factory reset → Yes → Reboot system now.

What to do if Recovery Mode asks for a password?

On some devices (especially Samsung and Xiaomi with encryption), even Recovery Mode may require you to enter a PIN or password. If you don't remember it, the only way out is unlocking through a service center or using tools like Odin (for Samsung) or Mi Flash (for Xiaomi) for a complete flashing.

3. Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If you have access to USB debugging (ADB), you can reset via your computer. This method is useful when the sensor is not working, but the device is detected by the PC. You will need:

  • 🖥️ A computer with ADB and Fastboot installed.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • ⚙️ Enabled USB debugging on the phone (Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times) → Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging).

Instructions:

  1. Connect the phone to the PC and open the command line (or Terminal on Mac/Linux).
  2. Enter the command to check the connection: 
    adb devices

    The name of your device should appear.

  3. Reset: 
    adb shell recovery --wipe_data

    Or (for new versions of Android):

    adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

If the command does not work, try an alternative method via Fastboot (works only on an unlocked bootloader):

adb reboot bootloader

fastboot erase userdata


fastboot erase cache


fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Using ADB is required unlocked bootloader on most devices (except Google Pixel and some models Xiaomi). Incorrect commands can lead to complete loss of data or “bricking” the phone.

4. Reset via service codes (for older devices)

On Android devices up to version 9.0 (and some models Samsung/LG), the reset can be started via service codes. This method is the fastest, but does not work on all smartphones. Try entering the following combinations in the application "Phone"**:

  • 📞 ##7780## — soft reset (deletes only user data, does not affect system files).
  • 🔄 *2767*3855# — hard reset (full reset to factory settings, including internal memory).
  • 🔢 ##7378423## - alternative code for some models Sony i HTC.

If nothing happens after entering the code, it means your device does not support this method. On modern smartphones (Android 10+), service codes for resetting are usually disabled for security reasons.

📊 What reset method did you use?
Through the settings menu
Via Recovery Mode
Via ADB
Service code
Never reset

5. Reset on a locked phone (without password)

If you have forgotten the pattern key or PIN code, and Google account is not linked (or FRP is disabled), you can reset via Recovery Mode (see Section 2). However, on devices with Android 5.0+ after the reset, you may need to enter data from the previous Google account (Factory Reset Protection, FRP).

Bypassing FRP is possible, but requires additional steps:

  1. After reset, connect your phone to Wi-Fi.
  2. On the Google account entry screen, tap on the field Email and enter arbitrary text, then highlight it.
  3. In the context menu, select Share → Gmail (or another way to open the browser).
  4. Download through the browser APK file FRP bypass (for example, FRP Bypass Tool) and install it.
💡

On some devices Samsung (2018–2020) you can bypass FRP via TalkBack mode: hold two fingers on the password entry screen, then swipe down to open the accessibility menu, where you can launch the settings or browser.

⚠️ Attention: FRP bypass may violate Google terms of use. On devices with Android 11+ most bypass methods have stopped working due to tightened security. In such cases, it remains. only contact the service center with proof of ownership of the device.

6. Reset on devices with custom firmware

If installed on your smartphone unofficial firmware (for example LineageOS, Pixel Experience or Resurrection Remix), a standard reset through the settings may not work correctly. In such cases:

  • 🛠️ Use Recovery Mode from custom recovery (for example, TWRP). Path: Wipe → Format Data (enter yes to confirm).
  • 🔧 If installed Magisk or other modifications, before resetting, perform in TWRP: 
    Wipe → Advanced Wipe → Select Dalvik, Cache, Data, System
  • 🔄 After resetting, be sure to reflash the firmware again, otherwise the device may not boot.

On devices with unlocked bootloader i TWRP you can make a backup before resetting: Backup → Select partitions (Boot, Data, System) → Swipe to Back Up.

7. What to do if the reset does not help?

If after the reset the problems remain (the phone still slows down, does not turn on or gives errors), the reasons may be as follows:

Problem Possible cause Solution
Phone does not turn on after reset Damaged partition Boot or firmware Reflash the device via Odin (Samsung), Fastboot or SP Flash Tool (MediaTek)
Constant reboots (bootloop) Modules conflict Magisk or Xposed Remove modules via TWRP or flash clean firmware
Resetting does not delete files from the internal memory Encryption enabled FBE (File-Based Encryption) Run Format Data in TWRP or via Fastboot
After reset, old Google account (FRP) is required Protection Factory Reset Protection Bypass through service tools or contact service

If none of the methods helped, there may be a problem hardware (damaged memory, power controller, etc.). In this case, diagnostics are required at a service center.

💡

Before resetting, always make a backup copy of important data! Even if the phone is locked, some files can be retrieved via ADB pull or by connecting the internal memory as a disk (on some devices).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Android

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

No. Once you have confirmed the reset, the process is irreversible. An interruption (for example, removing the battery or a forced reboot) can cause the device to become bricked. If the reset is already running, wait for it to complete (usually takes 5-15 minutes). damage to system files and “brickling” of the device. If the reset is already running, wait for it to complete (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

❓ Are photos deleted from the memory card (SD) during the reset?

No, a factory reset only affects internal memory devices. Files on SD card remain untouched unless you select the option Clear memory card manually. However, before resetting, it is recommended to remove the card in case of failures.

❓ Why does the phone ask for the old password after resetting?

This work Factory Reset Protection (FRP) - protection against theft. If a Google account was linked to your device, you will need to enter its details after the reset. You can get around this only through special methods or a service center (with proof of ownership).

❓ How to reset settings on Android if you forgot your Google account password?

If FRP is activated and account data is lost, there are official methods there is no bypass. You can try:

  1. Restore access to your account via Google recovery page.
  2. Use FRP Bypass Tool (does not work on all devices).
  3. Contact the service center with a receipt or a box from the phone.

On Samsung sometimes flashing the firmware via Odin with disabling FRP in the file helps firmware.

❓ Is it possible to reset settings on Android via a computer without ADB?

Yes, but only if on the phone synchronization with Samsung/Knox, Xiaomi Cloud or Find My Device services is enabled. For example:

  • For Samsung: go to Find My Mobile, select the device → Unlock (unlock) or Erase data (reset).
  • For Google: use Find My Device → Erase device.
  • For Xiaomi: Mi Cloud → Find Device → Erase Data.

Please note that for this the phone must be connected to the Internet.