Full reset Android to factory settings: 3 proven methods

Resetting a Androiddevice to factory settings occurs in a variety of situations: from preparing a smartphone for sale to eliminating critical failures. However, not all users know that there is three fundamentally different methods complete system reset - and each of them has its own nuances, risks and limitations. An incorrectly chosen method can lead to the loss of important data, blocking the device, or even its “bricking” (turning into a useless “brick”).

In this article we will examine all current methods of resetting Android in 2026including hidden functions of new versions of the system (from Android 12 to Android 15), features of working with devices from Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel and other brands, and we will also give a checklist for preparing the gadget for the procedure. We will pay special attention to how to avoid typical errors - for example, why after resetting via Recovery the device may stop seeing the SIM card or why some models Realme require additional unlocking of the bootloader.

If you are looking for a way to return your smartphone to a “clean” state without losing the warranty or risk damaging the firmware, this guide is for you. And if the device no longer turns on or is stuck on the logo, we will tell you how to reset even in such cases.

1. When you need a full reset of Android - and when it will not help

Before starting the procedure, it is important to understand Will a reset solve your problem? - or it will only take time. Here are typical situations in which resetting the system is justified:

• 📱 Preparation for sale/transfer - deletion of all personal data, accounts and settings.
• 🐢 Strong brakes - if the smartphone lags even after clearing the cache and deleting applications.
• 🔄 Cyclic reboot —the device constantly restarts and does not load beyond the logo.
• 🚫 Viruses or malware Software —when antiviruses cannot cope with the threat.
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern key/PIN - if other unlocking methods did not work.

However, there are cases when resetting will not help or even aggravate the problem:

• 🔋 Hardware faults - if the smartphone does not turn on due to a broken screen, swollen battery or damaged motherboard.
• 📡 Network problems - lack of signal or non-working Wi-Fi is often associated with damage to the antenna or communication module.
• 🛠️ Unofficial firmware — if the device was “flashed” with a custom version of Android, the reset may lead to a bootloop (loop loading).

⚠️ Attention: On some devices Samsung (series Galaxy S22 and newer) after a reset through Recovery protection may work Factory Reset Protection (FRP). This means that to re-set up you will need to enter the details of the last linked account Google even if you deleted it before resetting. Make sure you remember your login and password!

2. Preparing the device for a reset: what to do in advance

Before resetting the settings be sure to follow these steps otherwise you risk losing important data or encountering unexpected problems:

1. Create a backup copy:
   • 📁 Contacts, SMS and call log can be saved via Settings → Google → Backup (automatically synchronized with your account).
   • 📷 Photos and videos - copy to PC or cloud (Google Photos, Yandex Disk).
   • 🎮 Game saves - many games (for example, Genshin Impact or Clash of Clans) are linked to an account Google Play or social networks. Make sure that the saves are synchronized.

Make a backup copy of important data|

Delete all Google/Samsung/Xiaomi accounts|

Charge the battery to 50% or more|

Remove the SD card and SIM|

Remember the login/password from the last account (for FRP)|-->

If you reset the device before selling, additionally:

• 📱 Unlink it from services Find My Device (Google) or Find My Mobile (Samsung).
• 🔄 Log out of all messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram) so that the new owner does not gain access to your chats.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with encrypted storage (by default on Android 10+) after a reset, you may be required to enter a password to decrypt the data - even if you did not set one. If you forget your password, it will be impossible to restore access to the files!

3. Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (the safest)

This is recommended method for most users, as it:

• ✅ Does not require additional tools.
• ✅ Minimizes the risk errors.
• ✅ Works even on locked devices (if you know the PIN).

The instructions are suitable for all devices on Android 5.0 and newer, including Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi Redmi/POCO, Google Pixel, OnePlus and others.

1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
2. Go to section System → Reset settings (on some devices the path may differ: General settings → Reset).
3. Select Delete all data (reset to factory settings).
4. The system will prompt you to enter PIN code, pattern or password (if the device is locked).
5. Confirm the action, by pressing Reset phone or Delete everything.
6. Wait for the process to complete (usually takes 5-15 minutes). The device will reboot and start with the initial setup screen.

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23after the reset, you may be asked to enter the last account information Google - this is the protection work FRP. If you have not deleted your account in advance, use instructions for bypassing FRP.

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

If the device does not boot (hangs on the logo, reboots cyclically or gives an error), you can reset via recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works on 90% of Android devices, but has its own risks:

• ⚠️ On some models Samsung and LG reset via Recovery can lead to activation FRP locks.
• ⚠️ On devices with locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi without unlocking Mi Unlock) reset may cause an error.
• ⚠️ Some custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience) may not support reset via Recovery.

Instructions for logging in Recovery Mode and resetting:

1. Turn off the device (if it is frozen, hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination of buttons (depending on the model):
   • 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (hold for 10 seconds).
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Volume up + Power.
   • 📱 Google Pixel: Volume down + Power (then select Recovery Mode through the menu).
   • 📱 OnePlus/Oppo/Realme: Volume down + Power.

If after resetting the device does not turn on or gives an error No command, try:

• 🔄 Repeat the procedure, selecting Wipe cache partition before resetting.
• 📥 Reflash the device via Fastboot (see Method 3).

adb reboot recovery

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei i Honor s EMUI 10+ reset via Recovery may require input unlock code, which comes to the linked phone number or email. If you do not remember this data, it will be difficult to restore access!

5. Reset via Fastboot (for advanced users)

This method is used when:

• 🔧 The device does not respond does not respond to other reset methods.
• 📱 It is necessary unlock bootloader before firmware.
• 🛠️ Required full reset with deletion of all partitions (for example, after unsuccessful firmware).

For work you will need:

• 💻 Computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
• 🔌 Cable USB Type-C (preferably original).
• 📥 Utilities ADB i Fastboot (can be downloaded from official Android website).

Step-by-step guide:

1. Connect the device to the PC and turn on the mode Fastboot:
   • Turn off your smartphone.
   • Hold Volume down + Power (on Google Pixel — Volume down + Volume up + Power).
   • When the message Fastboot Modeappears, release the buttons.

fastboot devices

fastboot -w

fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot format userdata
fastboot format cache

fastboot reboot

If after resetting the device does not loadthe firmware may be damaged. In this case, you will need to reinstall it via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with locked bootloader (by default on most brands), the command fastboot -w may not work. In this case, you first need to unlock the bootloader with the command fastboot flashing unlock, but this erases all data and resets the warranty!

6. Common reset errors and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes encounter problems after a reset. Here the most common errors and ways to solve them:

If after resetting the device does not detect the SIM card, check:

• 📶 Is the SIM inserted correctly (on some Samsung after resetting the slot may be reset).
• 📡 Is the mode enabled 2G/3G/4G in the settings network.
• 🔧Are the settings lost? APN (usually restored automatically, but sometimes manual input is required).

7. Restoring data after a reset - is it possible?

If you did not make a backup copy before the reset, the chances of data recovery depend on:

• 📱 Device models - on some smartphones (for example, Google Pixel) data are encrypted by default, and after a reset, their recovery is almost impossible.
• 🔧 Methods reset — if used Fastboot with the command fastboot format userdata, the data is deleted permanently.
• ⏳ Time after reset —the sooner you start recovery, the higher the chances.

Recovery methods:

• 💾 Recovery apps:
  • DiskDigger —works with internal memory (requires root access).
  • Dr.Fone —supports many models, but is paid.
  • Recuva —only for data on SD card.
• 🔍 Specialized services:

  Companies like Ontrack or DriveSavers can recover data even from damaged memory chips, but it’s expensive (from $500).

• 📱 Cloud copies:

  Check whether your data has been synchronized with Google Drive, Samsung Cloud or Mi Cloud.

⚠️ Attention: If you plan to give the device for data recovery, do not write new files to it - this reduces the chances of successfully restoring old ones data!

On devices with Android 9+ and enabled encryption (by default on most smartphones), data recovery after a reset is almost impossible, since the encryption key is stored in the area /data, which is erased when reset.

8 FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions