Honor 10 is a popular smartphone with powerful hardware and EMUI, but even it begins to slow down over time due to accumulated garbage, software conflicts or viruses. Formatting (resetting to factory settings) solves 90% of software problems: from endless reboots to update errors. However, an incorrect reset can turn the phone into a “brick” or erase important files beyond recovery.

This guide includes three proven formatting methods (through settings, Recovery and Fastboot), unique nuances for the Honor 10 model with a Kirin 970 processor and EMUI 9/10, as well as instructions for saving data and restoring after a reset. If your smartphone is stuck on the logo, does not respond to touches, or simply works slowly, here you will find a solution.

1. When you need to format Honor 10: signs and risks

Resetting to factory settings is an extreme measure, which is resorted to in three cases:

  • 🔄 System failures: the phone constantly reboots, applications crash (“com.android.phone stopped”), or EMUI displays the error “The system process is not responding».
  • 🐢 Critical slowdown: even after clearing the cache and deleting unnecessary applications, the smartphone “lags” and animations twitch.
  • 🔒 Preparation for sale: to delete all personal data (photos, messages, accounts) without the possibility of recovery.

But formatting is not a panacea. It does not helpif:

  • 🔋 The battery is swollen or discharges quickly (this is a hardware problem).
  • 📱 The screen is broken or does not respond to touches (the display needs repair or cable).
  • 📡 There is no network or the Wi-Fi module does not work (the modem may be damaged).
⚠️ Attention: On Honor 10 with an unlocked bootloader (OEM Unlock), resetting through the settings can lead to FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocking. If you have forgotten the details of the Google account linked to your phone, it will be difficult to restore access!

Before formatting, check:

  1. Update the software via Settings → System → Software update.
  2. Clear the cache manually: Settings → Storage → Clear cache.
  3. Delete unused applications and disable autostart in Settings → Applications → Autostart.
📊 Why do you want to format Honor 10?
The phone is very slow
Preparing for sale
System errors and crashes
Forgot the pattern key
Another option

2. Preparation for formatting: how to save data

Resetting erases all information from the internal memory, including:

  • 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from instant messengers).
  • 📱 Contacts, SMS/MMS and call logs (if not synced with Google).
  • 🎮 Game saves and application settings (for example, progress in Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile).
  • 📁 Files in folders Download, DCIM, Documents.

Backup methods for Honor 10:

Method What is saved How to do Cons
Huawei Backup Contacts, SMS, logs, system settings, some applications Go to Settings → System → Backup → Backup and select data. Does not save media files and some games.
Google. Account Contacts, calendar, Chrome bookmarks, some settings Enable synchronization in Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization. Does not copy photos/videos (need Google Photos) and application files.
Manual transfer to PC All files (photos, videos, documents, APK) Connect your phone via USB, select mode File transfer and copy the data. Does not save application and SMS settings.
Third-party applications (for example, Swift Backup) Applications (+data), SMS, logs Install from Play Market and follow the instructions. Requires root access for a full backup.

For media files, the most reliable way is transfer to PC or cloudIf you have macOS, use Android File Transfer (download from the official website). For Windows, standard Explorer.

Back up contacts and SMS|Copy photos/videos to PC or cloud|Record data from Google/Huawei account|Check battery charge (minimum 50%)|Make sure you know data from all accounts on your phone-->

⚠️ Attention: If you use Honor 10 with custom firmware (for example LineageOS), standard backup via Huawei Backup may not work. In this case, use TWRP + nandroid backup.

3. Method 1: Formatting through the settings menu (the most secure)

This method is suitable if the phone is turns on and responds to touches. It saves files on a memory card (if installed) and does not require additional tools.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
  2. Go to System → Reset (on some versions of EMUI the path may differ: System → Advanced → Reset).
  3. Select Reset settings (or Restore and reset → Reset data).
  4. If required, enter password/graphic key.
  5. Confirm the action by pressing Reset phone or Delete everything.
  6. Wait for the reboot (takes 5-10 minutes).

After the reset, the phone will turn on initial setup wizardas after purchase. Here you can:

  • 🔄 Restore data from a backup (if it was made through Huawei Backup or Google).
  • 📱 Skip recovery and set up your phone as new.
💡

If after resetting the phone asks you to enter the old password (FRP lock), and you don’t remember it, try logging in through the Google account that was linked to the device. If this does not help, you will need to bypass FRP (instructions for Honor 10 are available on specialized forums, but they require unlocking the bootloader).

Advantages of this method:

  • ✅ Does not require a computer or special knowledge.
  • ✅ Minimal risk “scorching”.
  • ✅ Saves files on the SD card (if installed).

Disadvantages:

  • ❌ Will not work if the phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo.
  • ❌ Does not delete data from the memory card (if you need to erase everything, use method 2 or 3).

4. Method 2: Formatting via Recovery Mode (if the phone does not turn on)

If Honor 10 does not respond to the screen, stuck on the screen saver or reboots cyclically, resetting via Recovery Modewill help. This mode is built into the firmware and works even in case of serious system failures.

Instructions for entering Recovery:

  1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds if it is frozen).
  2. Press and hold Volume up (+) button + power button.
  3. When the logo appears on the screen Huaweirelease the power button, but continue to hold Volume Up.
  4. After 5-10 seconds you will be in menu eRecovery (on Honor 10 it is blue with touch control).

In the menu eRecovery:

  1. Select Wipe data/factory reset (can be called Reset data on Russian).
  2. Confirm the action by selecting Yes or Reset.
  3. After completion, select Reboot system now to reboot.

If instead of eRecovery you see black menu with text items (standard Stock Recovery), control is carried out with the volume buttons (Volume Up/Down for navigation, Power to select). In this case: Black menu with text items select

  1. Select an item wipe data/factory reset.
  2. Press the Power button to confirm.
  3. Select Yes — delete all user data.
  4. Once completed, return to the main menu and select reboot system now.
What to do if you can’t log into Recovery?

If the phone does not respond to the button combination, try:

1. Connect the charger (sometimes Recovery does not start when the battery is low).

2. Use the combination Volume Down + Power (on some versions of EMUI).

3. If the screen is broken, but the phone responds to USB, try method 3 (Fastboot).

If all else fails, the button connector or motherboard may be damaged (repair required).

⚠️ Attention: On some versions Honor 10 with EMUI 10+ in the menu eRecovery there may be no reset item. In this case, select Download latest version and recovery —the system will download the latest firmware and reset automatically (a Wi-Fi connection is required).

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

This method is used if:

  • 🔧 You need completely reflash phone (for example, after an unsuccessful update).
  • 🖥️ Recovery Mode is unavailable or damaged.
  • 🔒 You need to unlock the bootloader before flashing custom software.

For work you will need:

  • 💻 A computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.
  • 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
  • 🛠️ Utilities ADB i Fastboot (download from website Android Developers).
  • 🔋 Battery charge is at least 70%.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Install ADB/Fastboot:
    • Download Platform Tools from Google.
    • Unpack the archive into a folder C:\platform-tools.
    • Open Command Line in this folder (Shift + right mouse button → Open PowerShell window here).
  • Connect your phone in Fastboot mode:
    • Turn off Honor 10.
    • Press Volume Down + Power and hold for 10 seconds.
    • When the inscription Fastboot Mode or logo Huawei with the inscription appears on the screen Phone Unlocked (if the bootloader is unlocked), connect the phone to the PC.
    • Check the connection: 
      fastboot devices

      If the phone is detected (the serial number appears), proceed further. If not, check the drivers or cable.

    • Reset: 
      fastboot erase userdata

      fastboot erase cache
      

      fastboot reboot

      These commands erase user data and cache, after which the phone will reboot.

    For full flashing (if you need to restore the system after a failure) use the command:

    fastboot flash system system.img

    (where system.img —firmware file for your model).

    ⚠️ Attention: On Honor 10 with a locked bootloader (OEM Lock), the commands fastboot flash will not work. To unlock the bootloader, you need to get an unlock code on the website Huawei (the procedure is paid and requires an account).
    💡

    Fastboot is the most powerful, but also the most risky method. An error in the commands can lead to loss of IMEI or failure of the communication module. Use it only if other methods have not helped!

    6. What to do after formatting: setup and recovery

    After the reset Honor 10 it will turn on from initial setup wizard. It is important here:

    • 🔑 Do not skip linking your Google account —this will protect the phone from theft and allow you to use services (Play Market, Gmail).
    • 🔄 Restore data from backup (if it was done through Huawei Backup or Google).
    • 🔒 Update software to the latest version via Settings → System → Software update.

    If problems arise after the reset:

    Problem Cause Solution
    Phone asks for password after reset (FRP) Was turned on Find My Device or factory protection. Enter the details of the Google account that was linked before the reset. If you don’t remember, look for instructions on how to bypass FRP for Honor 10.
    There is no network or Wi-Fi is not working The modem or IMEI settings have gone wrong. Check the IMEI in *#06#. If it is missing, restore it via Engineer Mode or firmware.
    The phone gets very hot after the reset Background optimization processes or the battery is damaged. Let the phone work for 1-2 hours. If it continues to heat up, check the battery.
    Applications from the Play Market are not installed Google Services settings are lost. Go to Settings → Applications → Google Play Market → Storage → Clear cache.

    To speed up work after a reset:

    • 🚀 Disable animations: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to enable developer mode), then in Settings → System → For developers install Window animation = 0.5x.
    • 📵 Limit background activity of applications in Settings → Battery → Launching applications.
    • 🗑️ Clear the cache regularly through Settings → Memory → Cleaning.

    7. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced users sometimes make formatting mistakes. Here are the most common:

    • 🔋 Reset when the battery is low → The phone may turn off during the process and turn into a “brick.” Minimum 50% charge!
    • 🔒 Forgotten Google account → After the reset, the phone will require data from the linked account (FRP blocking). If you don’t remember them, it will be difficult to restore access.
    • 📱 Using a non-original USB cable → When flashing firmware via Fastboot, this can lead to a broken connection and damage to the firmware.
    • 🛠️ Incorrect firmware → Installing software from another model (Honor 9, Honor View 10) will lead to the phone not working.

    How to avoid problems:

    • ✅ Before resetting check IMEI (dial *#06#). If it is missing, restore it first.
    • ✅ Use only official firmware from the site Huawei (for example, Huawei support).
    • ✅ If the phone is under warranty do not unlock the bootloader this will void the warranty.
    💡

    If after resetting the phone begins to work slower than before formatting, check whether the energy-saving function is enabled Ultra in Settings → Battery. It limits the performance of the processor.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Is it possible to format Honor 10 without losing data?

    No. Any reset to factory settings erases all user data from the internal memory. The only way to save the files is to make a backup copy in advance (see section 2).

    The phone does not turn on after the reset. What to do?

    Possible reasons:

    • Interrupted reset process (for example, the battery is dead). Try charging the phone for 15-20 minutes, then repeat the reset after Recovery.
    • The firmware is damaged. In this case, you need to flash the phone via Fastboot (see section 5).
    • Hardware fault (for example, a memory chip has failed). Diagnostics is required at a service center.
    How to reset Honor 10 if you forgot the pattern key?

    There are three options:

    1. Via Google account: after 5 unsuccessful entry attempts, the “Forgot your password?” button will appear - follow the instructions (you need access to mail).
    2. Via Recovery: reset via eRecovery or Stock Recovery (see section 4).
    3. Via Find My Device: go to Google page, select your phone and click “Erase device”.

    ⚠️ After resetting via Recovery or Find My Device You will need to enter data from your Google account (FRP blocking).

    Is it possible to format a memory card along with the phone?

    When resetting via Settings or Recovery files to The SD card is not deleted. To format it:

    1. Go to Settings → Memory → Memory card.
    2. Select Format (or Clear).

    ⚠️ Formatting erases all data on the card without the possibility of recovery!

    After the reset, the camera/sound/network does not work. What should I do?

    These are typical consequences of an incorrect reset or damaged firmware Try:

    1. Update the software via Settings → System → Software update.
    2. Reset network settings: Settings → Wireless networks → Reset network settings.
    3. If the problem persists, flash the phone via Fastboot (see Section 5).

    If it doesn’t help, the hardware components (for example, the camera cable or antenna module) may be damaged.