How to properly reset settings on Android: instructions for all cases

Resetting your smartphone Android is a radical, but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, remove viruses, or prepare the device for sale. The procedure returns the phone to its original state, deleting all user data, applications and settings. However not all resets are the same: there are soft resets (via the menu), hard resets (via Recovery Modes) and even resets of individual components - for example, network settings or application permissions.

Many users are afraid to perform a reset due to the risk of data loss or fear of “breaking” phone. In fact, with the right approach, the procedure is safe, but requires preparation. In this article we will look at all types of resets, nuances for different manufacturers (Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel etc.), and also tell you how to restore data after a reset and avoid common errors.

1. Types of factory reset on Android: which one to choose?

On smartphones Android there are three main types of reset available, each of which solves its own problems. The choice depends on the reason why you decided to return the phone to factory settings.

Soft reset (via the settings menu) is the safest method. It deletes user data but preserves system files. Suitable if the phone works but needs cleaning before selling or fixing software glitches. The procedure takes 5–15 minutes and does not require additional tools.

Hard reset (via Recovery Mode) —used when the device does not turn on, freezes at the logo or is locked. This method completely reinstalls the firmware, including system partitions. The risk is higher: if you make a mistake, you can get a “brick” (a non-working device). Requires a combination of buttons to enter recovery mode.

Partial reset — reset of individual components:

• 🔄 Reset network settings — deletes saved Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and mobile networks. Useful for problems with connection.
• 🔒 Reset application permissions —returns all permissions to factory settings (for example, if an application has requested too many rights).
• 🎵 Reset settings sound —restores volume, equalizer and notifications.

Important: a hard reset does not delete data from the memory card (if it is installed as a removable drive). However, on some devices (Samsung, Huawei) separate formatting may be required SD cards.

2. Preparing for the reset: what to do before. beginning

Resetting settings is an irreversible procedure. If you don't save your data in advance, you will lose photos, contacts, messages, and files. Here is a checklist of required actions:

Back up your data|Write down or take a photo of important passwords|Make sure the phone is charged at least 50%|Disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP) if you plan to sell the device|Check if you have access to the Google account linked to the phone-->

Backup can be done in several ways:

• ☁️ Cloud services: Google Drive (automatically saves contacts, photos, SMS), Samsung Cloud (for devices Samsung), Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi).
• 💻 Local copy: connect the phone to the PC and copy files manually or use apps like Samsung Smart Switch, Xiaomi PC Suite.
• 📱 Third-party applications: Titanium Backup (requires root), Swift Backup (to backup applications and their data).

Pay special attention saving SMS and calls. Standard tools Android do not always copy message history. For this, applications like SMS Backup & Restore.

⚠️ Attention: If you use two-factor authentication (2FA) in banking applications or instant messengers, be sure to disable it or save backup codes before resetting. settings, access to accounts may be blocked!

Also check if they are linked to the phone:

• 🏦 Bank cards in Google Pay/Samsung Pay.
• 🎮 Accounts in games (for example, Genshin Impact, PUBG Mobile).
• 📍 Smart home devices (Mi Home, Google Home).

3. How to do a soft reset through the settings menu

This is the easiest method, available on all devices Android. The instructions may vary slightly depending on the version of the system and the manufacturer's shell, but the general algorithm is the same.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
2. Go to the section System → Reset settings (on some devices the path may be: General settings → Reset).
3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
4. The system will show a list of data that will be deleted. Scroll down and press Reset phone (or Erase everything).
5. If necessary, enter a PIN code, pattern or password.
6. Confirm the action by pressing Erase everything.

The phone will reboot and begin the cleaning process. This may take up to a minute. 5 to 30 minutes depending on the amount of data. Upon completion, you will see the initial setup screen, as after purchase.

Manufacturer	Path to reset in the menu	Features
Samsung	Settings → General management → Reset → Reset data	Requires account entry Samsung after reset, if linked.
Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco	Settings → About phone → Reset settings	May require confirmation via Mi Account.
Google Pixel	Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data	The "cleanest" reset without unnecessary shells.
Huawei/Honor	Settings → System and updates → Reset	On new models without Google Services may be required Huawei ID.

If there is no item in the menu Resetting settings, try using the search in settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

What to do if the phone asks for a password after resetting?

If you forgot the account details Googlethat was linked to the phone, the device can be unlocked only after entering the correct login and password. This is a protective measure Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If you don’t remember the data, try restoring access via [Google account recovery link] (do not paste the URL - the user will find it himself). As a last resort, you may need to contact a service center with proof of purchase of the device.

4. Hard reset via Recovery Mode: when you can’t do without it

If the phone does not turn on, freezes on the screensaver or is locked, you will have to use Recovery Mode a special recovery mode. This method is more risky, but sometimes the only possible one.

How to log in Recovery Mode:

• 🔋 Turn off the phone (if it is frozen, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds).
• 🔑 Hold the combination of buttons (depending on the model):
  • Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (or Volume up + Power on new models).
  • Xiaomi/Redmi: Volume up + Power.
  • Google Pixel: Volume down + Power, then select Recovery Mode.
  • Huawei: Volume up + Power (on some models you need to hold for 10+ seconds).
• 🖥️ After the logo appears, release the buttons. You will see a menu Recovery.

How to reset to Recovery Mode:

1. Use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select.
2. Select item Wipe data/factory reset.
3. Confirm the action by selecting Yes — Delete all user data.
4. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (Samsung, LG) may be required after a hard reset flashing via Odin or Fastbootif system files have been damaged. If the phone does not turn on after a reset or shows an error "No Command", contact service.

If the menu Recovery in Chinese (relevant for some Xiaomi, Realme), be guided by the order of points:

• 3rd point - data reset (Wipe data).
• 1st point - reboot (Reboot).

5. Resetting individual settings: when a full reset is not needed

It is not always necessary to erase everything completely. If the problem concerns only the network, sound or permissions, you can get by. partial reset.

Reset network settings (useful for problems with Wi-Fi, mobile data or Bluetooth):

1. Go to Settings → System → Reset settings.
2. Select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
3. Confirm the action.

Reset application permissions (if applications ask for too many rights or do not work correctly):

1. Open Settings → Applications.
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset application permissions.
3. Confirm the reset.

Reset accessibility settings (if fonts, gestures, or other accessibility settings have changed):

1. Go to Settings → Accessibility.
2. At the bottom of the screen, select Reset accessibility settings.

These methods do not affect user data, but can solve many problems without completely wiping the phone.

6. Restoring data after a reset: what can be returned

If you made a backup before the reset, restoring your data will be easy. If not, the chances depend on whether the files were overwritten with new data.

Recovery methods:

• ☁️ Cloud copies: If you used Google Drive, Samsung Cloud or analogues, the data will be restored automatically the first time you connect to Wi-Fi after the reset.
• 💻 Local copies: Connect your phone to your PC and copy files back (photos, videos, music).
• 🔍 Recovery apps: Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver, DiskDigger can find deleted files if they have not been overwritten. The effectiveness depends on the time elapsed after the reset.
• 📱 Application backups: If you used Titanium Backup or Swift Backup, restore data through them (root access is required).

For recovery SMS and calls:

1. Install the application SMS Backup & Restore.
2. Select Restore and specify the path to the backup copy (usually file .xml in the phone memory or on Google Drive).
3. Confirm the restoration.

⚠️ Attention: Do not install new applications or copy files to the phone immediately after the reset if you plan to restore data. New files may overwrite old ones, reducing the chances of success! recovery.

If you used root access before the reset, it will be more difficult to restore the data. Many backups (for example, TWRP) require re-installation of custom recovery.

7. Typical reset errors and how to avoid them

Even such a simple procedure as resetting settings can go wrong. Here are the most common errors and ways to prevent them:

Error 1: The phone does not turn on after reset

• 🔋 Cause: The battery was discharged during the procedure.
• ⚡ Solution: Connect the phone to charge for 15-20 minutes, then try enable.

Error 2: Requested account Google after reset (FRP)

• 🔒 Cause: Factory protection was enabled on the phone (Factory Reset Protection).
• 📧 Solution: Enter the details of the last linked account. If you don’t remember, restore access via Google.

Error 3: The reset was interrupted, the phone was “bricked”

• ⚠️ Cause: Interruption of the process (charger removed, button pressed power supply).
• 🛠️ Solution: Try to log in again Recovery Mode and reset. If that doesn’t help, you need to flash it.

Error 4: After reset there is no network or Wi-Fi

• 📡 Cause: Resetting network settings or corrupting files IMEI/modem.
• 🔧 Solution: Check if the APN settings (for mobile data) are broken. If the problem is IMEI , repair is required.

If after resetting the phone is unstable (slows down, overheats), perhaps the problem was hardware (for example, a worn out battery or a damaged motherboard). In this case, resetting will not help - you need diagnostics at a service center.

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

Resetting is a last resort. In most cases, problems can be solved using less radical methods:

Problem: The phone is slow

• 🧹 Clear cache: Go to Settings → Storage → Cache data and click Clear.
• 🗑️ Removing unnecessary applications: Use Settings → Applicationsto remove unused apps.
• 🔄 Software update: Check for updates in Settings → System → System update.

Problem: Viruses or malware

• 🛡️ Antivirus scan: Install Malwarebytes or Kaspersky Mobile and perform a full scan.
• 🔍 Manually checking permissions: Open Settings → Applications and check which apps have suspicious permissions (for example, access to SMS or geolocation).

Problem: Forgot pattern key or PIN

• 🔑 Unlock via Google Account: After 5 unsuccessful attempts a button will appear Forgot your password? (does not work on all devices).
• 📞 Reset via Find My Device: Go to the site Google Find My Device (from another device), select your phone and press Clear device.

If these methods do not help, only then resort to a full reset.

💡

Before resetting, always try safe mode (hold down the power button → "Safe Mode"). If the phone works fine in it, the problem is in one of the installed applications, and not in the system.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Android settings

Is it possible to reset if the phone does not turn on?

Yes, use hard reset via Recovery Modefor this. Instructions are given in section 4. If the phone does not even respond to buttons, the battery may be low or a hardware failure has occurred.

Will a reset delete photos from the memory card?

No if the memory card is installed as removable storage. However, on some devices (Samsung, Huawei), the card may be formatted as part of the internal memory, in which case the data will be deleted. Before resetting, remove SD cardif it is used.

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

If on your phone enabled Factory Reset Protection (FRP), after resetting you will need to enter the data of the last linked account. If you don't remember your password:

1. Try to restore access via Google recovery page.
2. If your phone supports unlocking via Find My Device, use this method (see section 8).
3. As a last resort, contact a service technician center with proof of purchase of the device.

How long does it take to reset the settings?

Time depends on the amount of data and phone model:

• Soft reset: 5-20 minutes.
• Hard reset: 10–30 minutes (may take longer on older devices).

If the process took more than an hour, a failure may have occurred. Try rebooting the phone and repeating the procedure.

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

No, after confirming the reset, the process cannot be interrupted without the risk of damaging the system. If you change your mind, wait until the procedure is completed - the data will still be erased, but the phone will remain operational. Interrupting the reset (for example, by removing the battery) may damage the device!