Formatting a Vivo Android smartphone: 3 proven methods

Formatting a smartphone Vivo is a procedure that may be needed in a variety of situations: from preparing the device for sale to eliminating critical malfunctions Android. Unlike a normal reboot, a hard reset deletes all user data, returning the phone to its out-of-the-box state. But there are nuances here: incorrect actions can lead to locked bootloader, loss of IMEI or even "bricking" the device, especially on models with Funtouch OS.

In this article we will look at three official formatting methods - through Settings, Recovery Mode and Fastboot, - and we’ll also tell you how to avoid common mistakes. For example, why on some Vivo V27 or X90 Pro the mobile network may disappear after a reset, and how to fix it. Let us separately focus on a unique feature of Vivo: mandatory account linking before resetting on new models (2023 and newer)which is often missed in general instructions.

1. When to format Vivo and when not to

Resetting to factory settings is not a universal solution. Here are the cases when it is really necessary:

• 📱 Preparation for sale or transfer — deleting personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🐢 Strong system brakesthat cannot be eliminated by clearing the cache or deleting applications.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware, blocking the operation of the phone (for example, advertising banners on top of all windows).
• 🔄 Errors after the update (cyclical reboot, lack of network, camera failures).

But when formatting will not help or even harm:

• 🔋 Rapid battery drain —the problem is usually in the battery or background processes, not in the data.
• 📶 Poor network signal is a hardware or software malfunction of the module communication.
• 💥 Physical damage (cracks on the screen, broken buttons).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern key —on new ones Vivo resetting without a linked account will block the phone!

⚠️ Attention: On models Vivo Y200 (2026) and newer, after resetting via Recovery you may be required to enter the password from a previously linked account Google or Vivo, even if you do not remember it. If the phone does not ask for a password before formatting, this does not guarantee that it will not ask after.

2. Preparing for formatting: 5 mandatory steps

Before resetting the settings, follow these steps to avoid losing important data or locking your device:

Back up your contacts and photos|Remember account passwords|Check the battery charge (minimum 50%)|Remove the SIM card and memory card|Unlink your Vivo account (if you plan to sell)-->

1. Backup

Use the built-in function Settings → System → Backup and reset → Backup or third-party services like Google Drive. Please note: Vivo Cloud only saves contacts, messages and notes - photos and videos will have to be copied manually to the PC.

2. Deleting accounts

On models Vivo X80 and newer, the linked account Vivo can block the phone after a reset. To avoid this, go to Settings → Accounts and synchronization → Vivo and click "Delete account". For Googleaccount: Settings → Users and accounts → Google → Delete account.

3. Checking the battery charge

If the phone runs out of power during formatting (especially through Fastboot), this may damage the firmware. Charge the device to at least 50%, or better yet, to 100%. On some models (for example, Vivo V25) when the charge is low, the system will generally block access to Recovery.

4. Removing SIM and SD cards

Format does not affect external media, but it is better to remove them. This is especially true SD cardsthat can be encrypted - after resetting the phone will not recognize them.

5. Finding the original cable

If you plan to use Fastboot, connect the phone only with the original cable Vivo. Cheap analogues may cause data transfer errors, which will lead to a failure of the procedure.

3. Method 1: Formatting through phone settings

The simplest and safest method that is suitable for most situations. Suitable if:

• 📱 The phone turns on and responds to touches.
• 🔓 You remember the pattern key or PIN code.
• 🔄 You need to eliminate software glitches without the risk of damaging the firmware.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section System → Reset (on some models the path may differ: Advanced settings → Recovery and reset).
3. Select Reset all settings or Erase all data.
4. Enter the lock screen password (if prompted).
5. Confirm the action by pressing Erase everything.

The process will take 5-15 minutes The phone will reboot and prompt you to set it up. As new. At this stage, you can restore the data from the backup.

⚠️ Attention: On Vivo V23 i X70 Pro after resetting, the mobile network may disappear through the settings. This is due to deleting the operator’s configuration files. This can be solved manually: Settings → Mobile network → Access point (APN) → Factory reset.

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

If you have forgotten the password for your Vivo or Google account, which the phone requires after formatting, the only official way to unlock it is to contact the service center with proof of purchase. Unofficial methods (for example, flashing firmware via SP Flash Tool) may lead to loss of IMEI or locked bootloader.

4. Method 2: Formatting via Recovery Mode

This method is used if the phone does not turn on, is stuck on the logo or does not respond to touches. Suitable for most models Vivoincluding Y200, V27, X90 and older ones.

Important: Recovery Mode on Vivo is different from standard Android. There is no usual menu with touch controls - only volume and power buttons.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds if it is frozen).
2. Press simultaneously Power button + Volume up and hold for 10-15 seconds until the logo appears Vivo.
3. Release the buttons. After a few seconds, the menu will open Recovery (black screen with blue text).
4. Use Volume Down to navigate and Power button to select.
5. Select item Wipe data (or Clear data on some models).
6. Confirm the action by selecting Yes.
7. Once completed, select Reboot system now.

If the menu is in Chinese, focus on the location of the items:

Menu item (English version)	Correspondence in Chinese	Action
Wipe data	(Qīngchú shùjù)	Reset settings
Wipe cache	(Qīngchú huǎncún)	Clear cache
Reboot system now	(Chóngxīn qǐdòng xìtǒng)	Reboot
Advanced	(Gāojí)	Advanced settings

⚠️ Attention: On some models Vivo (for example, Nex 3) after selecting Wipe data you will be required to enter your account password. If you do not remember it, resetting via Recovery will be impossible - you will have to use Fastboot (see the next section).

5. Method 3: Formatting via Fastboot (for experienced users)

This method is used in extreme cases:

• 🔧 The phone does not turn on and does not log in Recovery.
• 🔒 The password for the account is forgotten, and resetting through settings/Recovery is impossible.
• 📱 You need to reflash the phone (for example, after an unsuccessful update).

To work you will need a computer with installed drivers Vivo and app Fastboot (included Android SDK).

Instructions:

1. Download and install Android SDK Platform-Tools (official tool from Google).
2. Turn off the phone. Press Volume down + Powerto enter Fastboot Mode (screen with inscription FASTBOOT logo Vivo).
3. Connect the phone to the PC with the original cable.
4. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder with platform-tools.
5. Enter the command to check connection:

   fastboot devices

   If the phone is detected (its serial number appears), continue.

6. Reset:

   fastboot erase userdata
   fastboot erase cache
   fastboot reboot

After rebooting, the phone will be like new. If you need to completely reflash the device, you will need additional commands and the official firmware for your model.

How to find out. Vivo model for downloading firmware?

The model is indicated on the sticker under the cover (for example, V2227A for Vivo V23 5G) or in the settings: About the phone → Model. Download firmware only from the official website Vivo or trusted forums (for example, XDA Developers).

6. Typical mistakes and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common:

Error	Cause	Solution
Phone does not enter Recovery	Incorrect button combination or low battery	Try Power + Volume up + Volume down (on some models). Charge the phone.
After resetting, it asks for the password for the old account	The Vivo or Google account was linked, but not deleted before reset	Recover your password via the official website or contact a service center.
Fastboot does not see the device	Missing drivers or non-original cable	Install drivers Vivo USB and use the original cable.
Network loss after reset	APN or IMEI settings deleted	Restore APN manually or reflash the communication module (requires root).

The most dangerous error —interrupting the process formatting. For example, if during a reset via Fastboot you remove the cable or turn off the power, the phone may turn into a brick. In this case, only flashing via EDL mode will help (requires special equipment).

7. Formatting before selling: what you need to do

If you are preparing your phone for sale, simply resetting the settings is not enough. Here is the complete checklist:

Reset settings through the menu or Recovery|Delete all accounts (Google, Vivo, social networks)|Unlink the device from Find My Device|Check that the phone is not tied to an operator (if purchased on credit)|Take a photo of the IMEI (dial *#06#) to confirm originality-->

1. Checking for binding to an operator

If the phone was purchased on credit or under a contract from an operator (for example, MTS or Beeline), it may be blocked for other SIM cards. Check this by inserting a SIM from another operator. If the network does not appear, request unlocking from the seller.

2. Deleting accounts

As mentioned earlier, on new Vivo the linked account may block the phone after a reset. Make sure to delete:

• 🔑 Account Google (via Settings → Accounts).
• 🔑 Account Vivo (in the same menu).
• 🔑 Social network accounts (Facebook, VK), if they have been added to the system.

3. IMEI check

Fraudsters often sell phones with a spoofed IMEI. To prevent the buyer from suspecting fraud, do this. screenshot of IMEI information (type *#06#) and compare with the data on the box and under the battery.

4. Cleaning external media

If you installed an SD card in the phone, format it via a computer Even after resetting, your data may remain on it.

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

Sometimes problems that seem critical are solved without full formatting. Here's what you can try:

• 🧹 Clear cache: Settings → Storage → Clear cache. Deletes temporary files without affecting personal data.
• 🔄 Reset network settings: Settings → System → Reset → Reset network settings. Helps with problems with Wi-Fi or mobile data.
• 🛠 Safe Mode: Hold down the power button, then hold down "Power off" until the prompt to switch to safe mode appears. Here you can remove problematic applications.
• 📱 Recovery via Vivo PC Suite: The official utility from Vivo can restore the system without losing data (suitable for crashes after updates).

If the phone is slow due to lack of memory, try transferring photos and videos to your computer or cloud, and uninstalling unused applications. Often this is enough to restore the device's performance.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about formatting Vivo

Is it possible to format Vivo without losing data?

No, full formatting always deletes user data (photos, messages, applications). However, you can make a backup via Settings → System → Backup or manually copy the files to your PC. Some data (for example, game saves) may not be restored.

What should I do if, after resetting, the phone asks for a password for the old Google account?

This Google FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is protection against theft. To unlock your phone, you need to enter the login and password for the account that was linked before the reset. If you don't remember it:

1. Try to recover your password via accounts.google.com.
2. If the account is not yours (for example, the phone was purchased second-hand), contact the previous owner.
3. As a last resort, take it to the service center with the purchase receipt.

Please note: bypassing FRP through unofficial methods (for example, firmware) can lead to blocking of the device.

Why does the mobile network not work after formatting?

This is a typical problem for Vivo, associated with deleting operator configuration files. The solution is this:

1. Go to Settings → Mobile network → Access point (APN).
2. Click on the three dots in the upper right corner and select Reset to factory settings.
3. Restart your phone.

If this does not help, manually add your operator's APN (the settings can be found on its official website).

How to format Vivo if the screen does not work?

If the sensor does not respond, but the screen turns on, try connecting a mouse via OTG adapter (most Vivo support this function). Then reset via Settings as usual.

If the screen is completely black, but the phone turns on (you can hear sounds), use Fastboot (see Method 3).

If the phone does not show signs of life, there may be a problem in the hardware (for example, the motherboard is damaged). In this case, diagnostics are required at a service center.

Is it possible to format Vivo via a computer without Fastboot?

Yes, there is an official utility for this. Vivo PC SuiteIt allows you to:

• Create backups.
• Restore the system without losing data (if failures are caused by software errors).
• Install firmware updates.

However, a hard reset via PC Suite will still delete user data. You can download the utility from Vivo official website ("Support" section).