Resetting Honor to factory settings is a radical but effective way to return your smartphone to its former performance, eliminate system errors, or prepare the device for sale. However, incorrect actions can lead to account blocking or even bricking of the phone. In this guide we will look at data loss, account blocking Huawei ID or even bricking the phone. In this guide we will look at three official methods reset (through settings Recovery Mode and Hard Reset), and also tell you how to avoid common mistakes and what to do if the phone does not turn on after the procedure.

It is important to understand: a reset deletes all user data photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and even some system settings. At the same time not all models Honor behave the same way. For example, devices with EMUI 12+ (released after 2021) may require additional authentication through Huawei ID, and older models (before Honor 8X) sometimes they “forget” the linked Google account after a reset. We took these nuances into account and prepared universal instructions that are relevant for most modern smartphones of the brand.

Preparing for a reset: what needs to be done in advance

Before you start resetting, do mandatory preparatory steps. Ignoring them may lead to irreversible data loss or problems with activating the phone after the procedure.

First, create a backup copy. Even if you are planning a reset due to viruses or system lags, save critical data:

  • 📸 Photos and videos: use Google Photos, Huawei Cloud or transfer the files to your computer via a USB cable.
  • 📞 Contact: synchronize with Google Account or export to file .vcf.
  • 🔑 Passwords and logins: check if they are saved in Google Password Manager or write down manually.
  • 🎮 Game saves: many games (for example, Genshin Impact or PUBG Mobile) are linked to accounts - make sure your progress is synchronized.

Secondly, make sure you know your login and password Huawei ID. After the reset, many models Honor (especially those with EMUI 10+) require re-authorization. If you have forgotten the data, restore it in advance on the website Huawei - otherwise the phone may turn into a “brick”. Also check whether the function is disabled Find My Device (its presence may block the device after resetting).

Battery charge > 50%|Data backup has been created|Huawei ID login/password is known|Find My Device function is disabled|USB cable and computer at hand (in case errors)-->

Thirdly, connect the phone to charge or make sure that the battery level exceeds 50%. The reset process can take from 5 to 30 minutes, and interruption due to discharge is fraught damage to system files. If the phone is very slow, use the original cable and power supply - cheap accessories sometimes cause failures during long-term operations.

⚠️ Attention: On some models Honor (for example, Honor 50 or Honor Magic 4) after the reset you may need confirmation via SMS or emaillinked to Huawei ID. If you don't have access to this data, resetting will lock your device. Check your account settings in advance!

Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the safest method)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touches. It is the simplest and least risky, as it goes through a standard interface EMUI.

Instructions for Honor s EMUI 9.0 and later (including Magic UI):

  1. Open the application Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to the section System and updates → Reset (on some models the path may look like System → Advanced → Reset).
  3. Select Reset settings (or Reset all data).
  4. Read the warning and press Reset phone (you may need to enter a PIN code or pattern).
  5. Confirm the action, wait for the reboot (usually takes 5-15 minutes).

On older models (up to EMUI 8.x, for example, Honor 7A or Honor 9 Lite) the path may differ:

  • 📱 Settings → Advanced → Backup and reset → Reset data
  • 🔄 After confirmation, the phone will reboot and begin the cleaning process.

If in the reset menu you see the option Delete all data (including the SD card), do not activate itif on the memory card Important files are stored. By default, the reset affects only the internal memory of the phone.

💡

If the phone is very slow and does not respond to touches, connect it to the computer via USB and use the mouse in mode OTG (need adapter). This will help you get through the reset menu even if the screen freezes.

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

If Honor does not load beyond the logo, is stuck on the lock screen or constantly reboots, use recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works even in case of serious system failures, but requires precise execution of the instructions.

Steps to log in Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the phone (if it is frozen, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds).
  2. Hold the combination of buttons:
    • 📱 For most models: Volume Up + Power (hold for 8-10 seconds).
    • 🔄 For Honor 8/9/10: Volume Down + Power.
    • ⚡ For Honor View 20 and newer: Volume Up + Volume Down + Power.
  • When the logo appears Honor or EMUI, release the buttons - you will be taken to the menu Recovery.

    • To the menu Recovery Control is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down for navigation) and the power button (select an item). Next:

    1. Select an item Wipe data/factory reset (on some models - Clear eMMC).
    2. Confirm the action by selecting Yes (or Wipe data).
    3. After the reset is complete, select Reboot system now to reboot.

      4. If in the menu Recovery you see items in Chinese, be guided by their location:

      • 🔹 The third item from the top is usually Wipe data.
      • 🔹 The first item is Reboot.

      ⚠️ Attention: On some firmware Honor (especially custom) item Wipe data may be called Format Data or Factory Reset. If you are not sure, do not select items with the word "Format" this will completely erase the partition, including system files, and the phone will stop booting.
      What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

      If the button combination does not work, try:

      1. Connect the phone to charge for 10 minutes, then try again.

      2. (for example, Volume Up + Down + Power).

      3. For models with a non-removable battery (for example, Honor 20 Pro), try holding the buttons for up to 20 seconds.

      If the menu Recovery does not appear, the bootloader may be damaged - in this case, you will need firmware via Fastboot (see section about Hard Reset).

      Method 3: Hard Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users)

      Hard Reset - this is a “hard” reset, which is performed through the mode Fastboot. It is needed in extreme cases:

      • 🔧 The phone does not respond to buttons and does not log in Recovery.
      • 📵 An error is displayed on the screen No Command or E:Can't mount /cache.
      • 🔄 The firmware is damaged and the device does not boot even in safe mode.

    For This method will require a computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot and a cable USB Type-C (original!). Instructions:

    1. Turn off the phone.
    2. Hold Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds until the inscription Fastboot Mode or logo Honor with the inscription appears Phone Unlocked (on new models).
    3. Connect the phone to the computer.
    4. Open the command line (cmd) and enter: 
      fastboot devices

      If The device has been identified (the serial number will appear), continue. If not, install the drivers HiSuite or ADB Driver Installer.

    5. Reset with the command: 
      fastboot erase userdata

      fastboot erase cache
      

      fastboot reboot

    After rebooting, the phone will be reset to factory settings. If the process is stuck at stage erase, do not disconnect the USB cable —wait for completion (may take up to 5 minutes).

    ⚠️ Attention: On models with a locked bootloader (bootloader), the command fastboot erase userdata may not work. In this case, you will need official firmware through Huawei eRecovery or a service center. Check the status of the bootloader with the command: 
    fastboot oem get-bootinfo

    If the answer contains locked, independent Hard Reset is impossible.

    What to do after the reset: setting up and restoring data

    After a successful reset, the phone Honor will start as new. You have to go through initial setupwhich includes:

    1. Selecting language and region.
    2. Connecting to a Wi-Fi network (required to download updates).
    3. Authorization in Huawei ID (if the phone was linked to an account).
    4. Restoring data from a backup (if there was one created).

    At the authorization stage Huawei ID problems may arise:

    • 🔒 The phone requires the old password: if you have forgotten the data, restore them through the website Huawei (https://id5.cloud.huawei.com). Use the "Forgot your password?" function. and follow the instructions.
    • ❌ Error "Device is blocked": this means that the function was not disabled before resetting. Find My Device. The solution is to contact support Huawei with proof of ownership (receipt, box).
    • ⚠️ The phone asks for an unlock code: on some models (for example, Honor View 30) after resetting you need to enter PIN, which was established before the procedure. If you don't remember it, try standard combinations (0000, 1234) or reset again.

    To restore data:

    • 📱 Contacts and calendar: synchronize with Google Account (if it was linked before reset).
    • 🖼️ Photos and videos: use Google Photos, Huawei Cloud or connect the phone to the computer and copy files from the folder DCIM (if the backup is not was created).
    • 🎮 Apps & Games: reinstall from AppGallery or Google Play. Restore game saves through linked accounts (for example, Facebook for Candy Crush or servers MiHoYo for Genshin Impact).

    💡

    If after resetting the phone begins to work slower than before the procedure, check the settings in Settings → Battery → Performance mode. By default, a power saving mode may be activated, which limits the power of the processor.

    Typical reset errors and how to avoid them

    Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems. We have collected the most common errors and ways to solve them:

    Error Cause Solution
    Phone not turns on after reset The cleaning process is interrupted (the battery is low, the power is turned off) Connect to charging for 30 minutes, then try to log in Recovery and repeat the reset
    Permanent reboot (bootloop) Damaged firmware or system files Flash the phone via Huawei eRecovery or Fastboot (see section Hard Reset)
    Requires a password after resetting, although there is no was The function was activated Find My Device or Huawei ID linked to the device Restore access to Huawei ID or contact support with proof of purchase
    Not Google account is deleted after reset Activated on the phone Factory Reset Protection (FRP) Enter the details of the last linked Google account or bypass FRP via TalkBack (look for instructions for a specific model on the forums)
    Reset takes more than an hour The cleaning process is stuck due to damaged memory Force restart the phone (press Power + Volume Up for 15 seconds) and repeat the reset

    If you encounter an error not described in the table, do not try to flash your phone with unofficial tools (for example, SP Flash Tool). This can lead to complete loss of performance. Instead:

    • 🔍 Look for a solution on the forums (4PDA, XDA Developers) indicating exact model your Honor.
    • 📞 Contact an authorized service center Huawei/Honor (the list is on the official website).
    • 💬 Write to support Huawei via chat or feedback form (reply within 24 hours).

    Yes, myself according to the instructions|Yes, but at the service center|No, but I want to try|No and I don’t plan to-->

    Reset vs. flashing: what to choose for your Honor

    Many users confuse reset and flashing. Let's look at when each of the methods is needed:

    Reset to factory settings suitable if:

    • 📉 The phone began to work slowly (lags, freezing).
    • 🦠 Viruses or suspicious applications have appeared.
    • 🔄 You need to delete all data before selling.
    • 🔒 Forgot the pattern key or PIN code (if not activated FRP).

    Flashing (installing a new version EMUI/Magic UI) is needed if:

    • 🛠️ The phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo.
    • 📱 The firmware is damaged (errors System UI stopped, permanent reboot).
    • 🆙 Do you want to update to the new version EMUI (if the OTA update does not arrive).
    • 🔓 You need to bypass FRP (reset protection) after buying a used phone.

    Flashing is a more complex procedure that requires:

    • 🖥️ A computer with installed drivers ADB/Fastboot.
    • 📄 Official firmware for your model (download only from the website Huawei or verified sources).
    • 🔧 Unlocked bootloader (on new models, unlocking it may void the warranty).

    If you are not confident in your skills, start by resetting the settings. In 80% of cases this solves performance and error issues. Leave flashing as a last resort or trust the specialists.

    ⚠️ Attention: On models Honor with processors Kirin (for example, Honor 30 Pro, Honor V40) independent flashing can lead to k loss of IMEI or problems with the network. These chips have a closed architecture, and incorrect actions often lead to “bricking.”

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Honor

    ❓ Is it possible to reset Honor without loss data?

    No, Full reset always deletes user data (photos, messages, applications). However, you can:

    • Create a backup via Huawei Backup (in settings).
    • Copy files to your computer or cloud manually.
    • Use modes Safe Mode (press Power → Shut down → Hold "Turn off") to remove problematic applications without a full reset.
    ❓ Why after resetting Honor asks for a password that is not was it?

    This is the protection being triggered Factory Reset Protection (FRP). It is activated if:

    • The phone was linked Google Account (on models with Google Mobile Services).
    • It was turned on Huawei ID with confirmation by SMS/email.
    • Function activated Find My Device.

    Solution: enter the details of the last linked account. If you don’t remember, restore access through official services Google or Huawei.

    ❓ How to reset Honor if you forgot the pattern key?

    There are three ways:

    1. Via Huawei ID: on the lock screen select "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions (you will need access to the linked email or phone).
    2. Via Recovery Mode: perform the reset as described in Method 2. On models with EMUI 10+, after resetting you may be required to enter your Huawei ID password, even if there was no pattern key!
    3. Through Find My Device: if the function was activated, go to the website Huawei and remotely unlock the device (then do a reset).
    ❓ How long does it take to reset Honor?

    Time depends on the model and amount of data:

    • 📱 Budget models (Honor 8A, Honor 9C): 5–10 minutes.
    • 📱 Flagships (Honor Magic 5, Honor 90): 15–30 minutes (due to the large amount of memory).
    • ⚠️ If the reset lasts more than an hour, something went wrong (the process may have frozen). Force restart your phone and try again.
    ❓ Is it possible to cancel the reset after it has started?

    No, the reset cannot be interrupted. If you turn off the phone during the procedure, this can lead to:

    • 🔄 Constant reboots (bootloop).
    • 📵 Complete inoperability (requires firmware via Fastboot).
    • 💾 Data loss on the internal storage (including system files).

    If the reset is stuck, wait at least 30 minutes. If there are no changes, force restart the phone and repeat the procedure.