Resetting Android to factory settings if the screen does not work: 5 working methods

A broken screen on a smartphone is one of the most unpleasant situations for the user. If the display does not respond to touch, is cracked, or goes completely dark, access to standard settings becomes impossible. However reset to factory settings in this case, everything is still doable - and this is often the only way to bring the device back to life before repair or sale.

In this article we will analyze all the current methods of resetting Androiddevices without a working screen: from the classic Recovery Mode to commands via ADB and even hardware manipulations with buttons. We will pay special attention to the nuances for popular brands - Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and others. You do not need to disassemble the phone or connect an external monitor: all solutions work “blindly”.

⚠️ Attention: after resetting, all data on the device will be deleted, including photos, messages and installed applications. If the screen partially works (for example, the image is visible, but the sensor does not respond), try first create a backup copy via ADB.

1. Preparing for the reset: what you need to do in advance

Before you begin the reset, make sure that critical conditions are met. This will prevent additional problems, such as account blocking Google (FRP) or loss of important data.

First, check the battery level. The device must be charged at least 30-50%, otherwise the reset may be interrupted, leaving the phone inoperable. If the screen is completely black, connect the smartphone to the charger for 15–20 minutes - most models show a charging indication even with a damaged display.

Secondly, find the original USB cable (preferably included in the kit). Cheap cables may not transmit data, which is critical for c ADBmethods. If you Samsung or Google Pixel, check whether the cable supports the mode OTG - this will be needed to connect the mouse.

• 🔋 Battery charge: at least 30%, preferably 50%+
• 🔌 Cable: original or certified (for example, USB Type-C with data support)
• 🖱️ OTG mouse: needed for some models Samsung i LG
• 💻 Computer: with installed drivers ADB (for methods 3 and 4)

If you plan to use ADB, in advance download Platform Tools from the official website Android. Unpack the archive to the root of the disk C:\ (for example, C:\platform-tools\) - this will simplify entering commands.

2. Method 1: Reset via Recovery Mode (works on 90% of devices)

Recovery Mode is a built-in recovery mode available on all Androiddevices. It allows you to reset without the home screen, using only the hardware buttons. The interface Recovery on different phones may differ, but the control principles are the same.

To enter Recovery:

1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds if it does not respond).
2. Press the combination buttons:
   • 📱 Samsung, Google Pixel, OnePlus: Power + Volume up
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Power + Volume up (on some models - Power + both volume buttons)
   • 📱 Huawei/Honor: Power + Volume Up (hold 10+ seconds)
   • 📱 LG, Sony: Power + Volume Downthen release the power and press again Volume Down

In the menu Recovery control is carried out using the volume buttons (Up/Down - move, Power - select). On most devices you need:

1. Select item Wipe data/factory reset (use Volume down for navigation).
2. Confirm selection with button Power.
3. Select in the next menu Yes — Delete all user data (or a similar item).
4. Wait for the reset to complete (may take 1-5 minutes).
5. Select Reboot system now to reboot.

If after the reset the phone requires you to enter a password from account Google (FRP, go to section about bypassing FRP.

Turn off the phone (hold the power button for 10+ seconds)

Press the correct combination of buttons for your model

Wait vibration or logo appearance

Release the buttons and wait for Recovery to load

Reset data via Wipe data/factory reset-->

3. Method 2: Reset via Fastboot (for devices with an unlocked bootloader)

Mode Fastboot is intended for flashing and low-level operations. It is available on most devices, but requires an unlocked bootloader (bootloader). If you previously unlocked it (for example, to install custom firmware), this method will work. For Samsung and some Xiaomi Fastboot may be blocked by the manufacturer.

To reset settings via Fastboot:

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Log in Fastboot Mode, holding:
   • 📱 Google Pixel, OnePlus, Xiaomi (most models): Power + Volume down
   • 📱 Huawei, Nokia: Power + Volume down (hold for 10+ seconds)

fastboot devices

If the device is detected (its serial number appears), run the reset command:

fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot

On some devices (for example Google Pixel) an additional command may be required:

fastboot -w

Important: if the bootloader is locked, commands fastboot will not work. In this case, use the method with Recovery or ADB.

⚠️ Attention: on devices Samsung with processors Exynos (for example, Galaxy S22, Note 20) mode Fastboot replaced by Download Mode. Resetting through it is not possible - use Recovery or ADB.

4. Method 3: Reset via ADB (if USB debugging was enabled)

Protocol ADB (Android Debug Bridge) allows you to control the device from a computer, but requires prior activation USB debugging in the developer settings. If you have activated it before (for example, for rooting or debugging), this method is the most reliable.

Instructions:

1. Connect the phone to the computer via USB.
2. Open the command line in folder platform-tools.
3. Check the connection:

adb devices

If the device is shown in the list, perform a reset:

adb shell recovery --wipe_data
or
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

Some devices (for example Samsung) may require an alternative command:

adb shell pm clear -all

If the commands do not work, try rebooting into Recovery via ADB:

adb reboot recovery

Then perform a reset in the menu Recoveryas described in Method 1.

What to do if ADB does not see the device?

1. Check the cable - try another, original one.

2. Install drivers for your model (for example Samsung USB Drivers or Xiaomi Mi PC Suite).

3. Try another USB port (preferably USB 2.0 on the back of the PC).

4. Restart your computer and phone, then try connecting again.

5. If used Mac/Linux, check the folder permissions platform-tools (chmod +x).

5. Method 4: Using an OTG mouse (for Samsung and LG)

Some devices Samsung (for example, series Galaxy S and Note) and LG support connection USB mice via OTG adapter. This allows you to control the interface “blindly” if the screen is visible but does not respond to touches.

What you will need:

• 🖱️ USB mouse (wired or wireless with a USB receiver)
• 🔗 OTG adapter (for example, USB-C → USB-A or Micro-USB → USB-A)
• 🔋 Charging the phone (the mouse consumes energy)

How to reset:

1. Connect the OTG adapter to the phone, and to it - mouse.
2. If the screen is on, try moving the cursor. It usually appears after 5-10 seconds. Samsung it usually appears within 5–10 seconds.
3. Blindly move the cursor to the upper right corner (where the gear icon is usually Settings) and click.
4. Scroll down to General settings → Reset → Reset data.
5. Confirm the action (You may need to enter a PIN code or pattern).

If the screen is completely black, but the phone is on, try:

1. Connect the mouse and wait for vibration (signal that the device is connected).
2. Press the button Powerto unlock screen.
3. Make 3-4 clicks with the left mouse button in the center of the screen (unlock emulation).
4. Try to move the cursor diagonally to the left and down (where there is usually a button Settings).

⚠️ Attention: on Samsung Galaxy s One UI After connecting the mouse, a warning about an uncertified device may appear. Click OK (usually the center or right mouse button).

6. Method 5: Hard reset via service codes (for older models)

Some older devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S3/S4, HTC One M7/M8) support reset via Service codes. This method only works if the phone is turned on and there is access to the dial pad (for example, through a voice assistant or a physical keyboard).

Popular codes:

How to enter a code without the home screen:

1. Connect your phone to charge (so it doesn't turn off).
2. Use the voice assistant (Okay Google or Hey Bixby) to open the application Phone.
3. Say the command: "Dial *2767*3855#" (replace with the desired code).
4. Confirm dialing (if the screen is not visible, just wait for vibration or beep).

Warning: Service codes may permanently damage the IMEI or communication module. Use them only if other methods are not available and you are sure of the device model.

7. Bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection) after a reset

After a reset, many devices require you to enter the login and password for the last account Google (FRP. If you do not remember the data or the phone was bought in person, you can bypass the lock in several ways.

For Samsung (starting from Android 6.0):

1. Connect the phone to Wi-Fi (use an OTG mouse or voice assistant).
2. On the input screen Google-account, tap on the text input field, then select "Accessibility" → "TalkBack".
3. Activate TalkBack, then double-tap the screen and swipe down with two fingers (scroll gesture).
4. Through menu TalkBack find "Settings" → "Reset" and perform another reset (this bypasses FRP on some firmware).

For Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco:

1. Connect your phone to the computer and open Mi Unlock Tool.
2. Log into the account Milinked to the device.
3. Follow the app instructions to unlock.

For others brands:

• 🔧 Use ADB (if debugging is enabled):

adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login/
adb shell am start -n com.google.android.gsf.login.LoginActivity

• 📱 Install custom Recovery (for example, TWRP) and delete the file /data/system/gesture.key or /data/system/locksettings.db.

⚠️ Attention: bypassing FRP may violate the terms of use Google. On some devices (Pixel, Samsung c Knox) this will lead to blocking. functions Samsung Pay or Secure Folder.

8. How to save data before resetting (if the screen is partially working)

If the screen shows the image but does not respond to touches, you can try to retrieve the data via ADB or connecting a mouse. Here's what you can do:

Method 1: Copying files via ADB:

adb pull /sdcard/ C:\Android_Backup\

This command will copy all files from the internal memory (photos, videos, documents) to a folder C:\Android_Backup\.

Method 2: Backing up applications:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.ab

Create file backup.ab with settings and application data (does not work on Android 8.0+ without root access).

Method 3: Connecting a mouse and manual transfer:

• Connect the mouse via OTG.
• Open Files or Gallery.
• Drag important files to a flash drive or to the cloud (Google Drive, Yandex Disk).

Method 4: Extract contacts and SMS:

adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.contacts/databases/contacts2.db
adb pull /data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/databases/mmssms.db

These commands will copy databases with contacts and SMS (requires root access).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Android without a screen

adb pull /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/

1. Go to findmymobile.samsung.com
2. Select the device → "Unlock".
3. Enter a new PIN.