Smartphone users Huawei i Honor often encounter situations when the device stops responding to commands or requires complete cleaning before sale. In such cases, a standard reset through the settings menu becomes unavailable due to the interface being locked or a forgotten password. The only correct solution is to use hardware keys to enter recovery mode. This method, known as Hard Reset, allows you to return the gadget to its original state, ignoring software errors of the operating system.
The reset procedure through physical buttons is universal for most models, but requires care, as it is irreversible. All your personal files, contacts, photos and installed applications will be permanently deleted from the internal memory. That is why, before starting manipulation, it is extremely important to understand what actions you are taking and what they will lead to. In this guide, we will analyze in detail all the nuances of entering the Recovery Mode and the cleaning process itself.
It is worth noting that modern versions of the shell EMUI i HarmonyOS have enhanced data protection. Even after a complete reset, the device may request a password for the Google account or Huawei ID that was previously linked. This is a standard security measure designed to protect the owner's data in the event of theft. If you have forgotten this password, restoring access may take time, so make sure that you know your account information.
Preparing the device for a forced reset
Before you begin active actions with the buttons, you need to perform a number of preparatory measures. Ignoring this step may result in the process being interrupted midway, which can lead to damage to system files. First of all, make sure that the battery charge is at least 30-40%. If the phone is completely discharged, connect it to the original charger and wait at least 15-20 minutes. The second critical step is to remove the memory card. Although a push-button reset usually only affects the internal storage partition, accidentally formatting an external drive can be an unpleasant surprise. In addition, the presence of a SIM card can sometimes interfere with the boot process in recovery mode on some older models.
The second critical step is to remove the memory card SD And SIM-cards. Although a push-button reset usually only affects the internal storage partition, accidentally formatting an external drive can be an unpleasant surprise. Additionally, the presence of a SIM card can sometimes interfere with the boot process in recovery mode on some older models.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure you remember your Google account or Huawei ID information. After the reset, the system will require them to confirm ownership of the device (FRP protection). Without this data, the phone will turn into a “brick.”
It is also worth creating a backup copy of important data in advance if you have access to the system. If the phone freezes and does not respond, unfortunately, you will have to skip this step. In this case, focus on executing the sequence of clicks accurately. For models with a physical button Home (for example, series P9, Mate 9), the algorithm may differ from modern frameless ones.
Check the integrity of the volume and power buttons. If one of them sticks or does not make a characteristic click, you may not be able to enter recovery mode. In this case, you will need to first fix the mechanical problem or use specialized PC software tools such as dFlash or HiSuite, although they require debugging mode to be enabled.
Keyboard shortcuts to enter Recovery Mode
There are several basic ways to get into the recovery menu on your PC. devices Huawei. The choice of a specific method depends on the model of your smartphone and the version of the installed operating system. In most modern cases, the classic combination of volume and power buttons is used. It is important to observe the timing: you need to press the buttons at the same time and hold them until the logo or vibration appears.
For devices with installed Google Play and standard Android (without Google services, but with an open bootloader), the method of connecting to a PC often works. This is the so-called mode eRecovery. It allows you not only to reset settings, but also to restore the system via Wi-Fi if it was damaged. This is a more advanced option, which sometimes saves even in case of critical bootloader errors.
If the standard combination does not work, try connecting the phone with a USB cable to the computer (not to the charger!), and then hold down the buttons.
Let's consider the main pressing scenarios. On models without a button Home (for example, Huawei P30, Honor 20, Nova series) use holding the volume up button and the power button. On older models with a button Home (for example, Huawei P10, Mate 10), sometimes you need to press three buttons at the same time: volume up, volume down and power, or only Home and power.
If you are trying to enter the mode Fastboot (for flashing via PC), the combination will be different: usually this is holding down the volume down button when connecting the cable to the computer. However, for a factory reset we need exactly Recovery. Do not confuse these modes, since in Fastboot it is more difficult for an ordinary user to reset the phone.
Step-by-step guide for resetting through the Recovery menu
After you managed to get into the recovery menu (usually a white screen with a logo Android and a menu in English or Chinese, or a graphical interface EMUI), navigation is carried out using the volume buttons. The “Volume Up” button raises the cursor up, the “Volume Down” button moves the cursor down. The choice is confirmed by pressing the power button once.
In the graphic menu EMUI the process looks intuitive. You need to find an item called Wipe data/factory reset or simply Reset. In some firmware versions, you will first need to enter the word yes to confirm the action. This is done to protect against accidental pressing.
☑️ Reset algorithm
If you have a text menu (classic Android Recovery), select Wipe data/factory reset. Next, the system will ask for confirmation - select Yes -- delete all user data. The formatting process may take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. A code for the operations being performed may appear on the screen.
After cleaning is complete, you will return to the main menu. Here you need to select the item Reboot system now. The phone will reboot and the initial setup will begin, as when you first turned it on out of the box. Don't be alarmed if the first boot takes longer than usual - the system creates new configuration files.
⚠️ Attention: During the reset process, do not try to remove the battery (if it is non-removable) or turn off the power. Interrupting the recording of system files may cause the bootloader to break.
It is important to distinguish between a normal reset and a complete cleanup. Some menus have an item Wipe cache partition. It cleans only temporary system files without affecting your photos and contacts. To completely delete data, use it Wipe data.
Reset features on models with and without Google
The situation with Google services on devices Huawei was divided into two camps: models released before the sanctions and new devices. On smartphones with installed Google Mobile Services (GMS) after the reset, protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection)is activated. This means that during the first setup, the phone will require you to enter the login and password for the Google account that was synchronized with the device before the reset.
On new models without Google services (series P40, Mate 40 and newer), the account dominates Huawei ID. The protection logic is similar: if a Huawei ID was entered on the phone and the “Find Phone” function was enabled, authorization will be required after the reset. Without this data, you will not be able to use the device.
There is also a nuance with the mode eRecovery on new models. It allows you to download the current firmware version directly from the manufacturer’s servers, bypassing the computer. This is especially true if your current version of Android is corrupted. To do this, select the item in the Recovery menu eRecovery, then connect to Wi-Fi and download the package.
What to do if you forgot your account password?
Restoring access is possible only through standard password recovery procedures on the Google or Huawei website. Bypassing FRP is illegal and is not supported by official methods.
Users of custom firmware (for example, LineageOS) should know that the reset procedure may differ depending on the type of Recovery installed (TWRP, CWM). In such cases, the reset item is usually located in the Wipesection, where you need to mark Dalvik Cache, System, Data i Cache.
Table of keyboard shortcuts for different Huawei series
To systematize the information, we have prepared a summary table of combinations for popular smartphone series. Remember that in rare cases, firmware from different regions may have their own characteristics, but the basic principles remain unchanged.
| Device series | Examples of models | Combination for Recovery | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic (with Home button) | P9, Mate 9, Honor 8 | Volume Up + Power + Home | Sometimes you need to hold down all 3 buttons |
| Modern (without Home button) | P30, P40, Mate 20, Nova 5T | Volume Up + Power | Hold until the logo appears |
| Budget series (Y, Enjoy) | Y6, Y7, Y9 (2019-2021) | Volume Up + Power | USB connection may be required |
| Tablets MediaPad | MediaPad T5, M5 | Volume Up + Power | Similar to smartphones without Home |
Pay attention to the column with features. For example, for some budget models of the series Y entry into recovery mode is possible only when the USB cable is connected to a computer or charger. If the phone just vibrates and shows the logo, try connecting the cable.
It is also worth mentioning that on some global firmware versions (Europe/Global) the menu may be in English, while in versions for the Chinese market (C-versions) the interface will be in Chinese. In this case, focus on the icons or the position of items in the menu, since “Reset” is usually at the bottom of the list.
Solving problems and errors during reset
Quite often, users are faced with a situation where the phone freezes on the logo after a reset Huawei or Android. This phenomenon is called bootloop. The reasons can be different: from damaged system files to hardware memory problems. First of all, try repeating the reset procedure, but this time also select Wipe cache partition.
If the phone does not respond to button presses at all, the battery may be low or the button cable may be damaged. Try leaving the device on charge for an hour, even if the screen does not light up. Sometimes a minimum charge is required to activate the power controller.
Another common problem is the appearance of a red or green Android robot with the inscription “No command”. This is not an error, but an intermediate state. To go to the menu, you need to hold down the power button and, without releasing it, briefly press the volume up button (or vice versa, depending on the version).
⚠️ Attention: Interfaces and procedures may change with security updates. If standard methods do not work, check the exact model of your device on the official support site or in the application My Huawei.
If all software methods fail, there is likely a hardware malfunction. This could be a failure of the flash memory or processor. In such situations, a soft reset is powerless, and you need to contact a service center to diagnose the hardware.
Successful reset via buttons is the first step to reviving the phone, but if the problem is in the hardware, software methods will not help.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will it remove Hard Reset virus or malware?
In most cases, yes. A factory reset removes all user data and apps, including malicious ones. However, if the virus has penetrated the system partition (root level), a simple reset may not help, and a flashing will be required.
Is it possible to reset the phone if the screen is broken and does not work?
If the sensor does not work, but there is an image, you can try connecting a USB mouse via an OTG adapter. If the screen is black, but the phone responds to buttons, you can reset it “blindly”, focusing on the vibration time and standard menu loading intervals.
How long does the reset process take?
The formatting procedure itself takes from 2 to 10 minutes, depending on the amount of memory and its writing speed. The first boot after a reset can take up to 15 minutes.
What should you do if your phone asks for a screen unlock PIN before resetting?
This is a security measure. If you do not remember the PIN code, Pattern or pattern, resetting through the buttons (Hard Reset) is the only way to bypass the lock, but the data will be lost.
Will IMEI disappear after the reset?
No, IMEI is a unique identifier hardwired into the modem hardware. Resetting user data (Factory Reset) does not affect this section, so your phone will retain the ability to work on the network.