Hard reset on Android 10: a complete guide with 3 methods of resetting and data recovery

Resetting to factory settings (Hard Reset) on Android 10 is a radical solution that helps return the smartphone to a “clean” state. It is used in case of critical system failures, virus infection, preparing the device for sale, or if the phone has become unbearably slow. But the procedure has nuances: incorrect actions can lead to the loss of important data or even “bricking” the gadget.

In this article you will find three working methods performing a hard reset on Android 10 (including hidden combinations for locked devices), step-by-step guide with photos, as well as tips by saving data i solving typical errors. Particular attention is paid to the differences between resetting through the settings menu and mode Recovery —and why the second option is sometimes the only possible one.

If your smartphone from Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei or another brand works on a “pure” Android 10 or shell type One UI 2.x/MIUI 11, the instructions below will do. For devices with custom firmware (for example LineageOS), additional steps may be required - we will also consider them.

What is a hard reset and when is it needed

A hard reset (or reset to factory settings) is the complete removal of all user data, applications and settings with the system returning to its original state condition. Unlike a “soft” reset (reboot), it affects:

• 📱 Installed applications and their data (including cache and settings)
• 📁 Personal files in the internal memory (photos, videos, documents)
• 🔑 Google accounts, social networks and other services
• 🔧 System settings (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, screen brightness, etc.)

At the same time a hard reset DOES NOT delete data from a memory card (microSD) if it is installed as a removable drive. It also does not affect files in folders /sdcard/DCIM or /sdcard/Download on some devices - but you should not rely on this.

When a hard reset is needed:

• 🐢 The phone is very slow, applications constantly crash
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by an antivirus
• 🔒 Forgot the pattern key or unlock PIN code
• 📦 Preparing the device for sale or transfer to another the user
• 🔄 After an unsuccessful system update (for example, “endless loading”)

⚠️ Attention: On devices with Android 10 and newer after a hard reset, you may be required to enter the data of the last Google account (FRP protection). If you don't remember the password, it will be difficult to unlock your phone - you will need to bypass FRP through special services.

Preparing for a hard reset: how to save data

Before resetting required back up your important data. Even if the phone is unstable, there is a chance to save files. Here's what you need to save:

Important: If the phone is locked (don't remember the password), but turns on, connect it to the computer via USB cable and try to copy the files manually. On Windows the device will appear as a removable disk, on Mac you will need Android File Transfer.

For owners Samsung s One UI 2.x has a built-in function Smart Switch —it allows you to create a complete copy of the system on a PC. On Xiaomi performs a similar role Mi Mover, but it only works when the screen is unlocked.

Back up your contacts|Save photos and videos to your PC/cloud|Record account logins and passwords|Check the battery charge (at least 50%)|Make sure you know your Google account information (for FRP)

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Method 1: Hard reset through the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the simplest and safest method if you have access to the device menu. Suitable for Android 10 on all brands: Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Google Pixel and others.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
2. Go to section System → Advanced → Reset settings (on some devices the path may differ: General settings → Reset).
3. Select Delete all data (factory reset).
4. Enter the PIN code or pattern, if required.
5. Confirm the action by pressing Reset phone or Delete everything.

The process will take 5-15 minutes. Once completed, the device will reboot and offer to set it up as new.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi Redmi Note 8 s MIUI 11) before resetting, you will need to disable the function Device protection in the account settings Mi. Otherwise, after the reset, the phone will ask for the account password Xiaomi.

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

If the smartphone does not boot, freezes on the logo or is locked, a reset via recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works on all devices with Android 10, but the button combinations for entering Recovery vary depending on the manufacturer.

Universal instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press and hold the power button for 10–15 seconds).
2. Hold down the combination of buttons for your model (see table below).
3. Hold the buttons until the logo Recovery Mode or robot Android with an exclamation mark appears.
4. In the menu Recovery use volume buttons to navigate and power button to select.
5. Select Wipe data/factory resetthen confirm (Yes).
6. After reset, select Reboot system now.

If after selecting Wipe data/factory reset the process freezes or issues error E:unknown command, this may mean damage to the partition /data. In this case, only flashing via Fastboot or ODIN (for Samsung).

adb reboot recovery

Method 3: Hard reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, the sensor does not respond and the buttons are broken), you can perform a reset via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires preliminary setup USB debugging and is only suitable if:

• 🔌 You have access to a computer with ADB drivers installed.
• 🔧 On phone was previously enabled USB debugging (Settings → System → For developers).
• 💻 The phone is detected by the computer (displayed in adb devices).

Instructions:

1. Connect your phone to the PC via a USB cable.
2. Open the command line (Win + R → enter cmd).
3. Enter the command to check the connection:

   adb devices

   The serial number of the device should be displayed.

4. Perform a reset:

   adb shell recovery --wipe_data

   Or alternative:

   adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR

5. After completing the command, the phone will reboot and begin the reset process.

If the command does not work, try first rebooting the device in Recovery via ADB:

adb reboot recovery

Then in the menu Recovery select Wipe data.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices with Android 10 (for example, Xiaomi s MIUI) ADB reset requires an unlocked bootloader (bootloader). If you have not unlocked it, the method will not work.

What to do after a hard reset: setting up and restoring data

After the reset, the phone will start up like new. You will have to:

1. Select a language and region. We recommend specifying the same parameters as before the reset to avoid problems with application compatibility.
2. Connect to Wi-Fi. This is necessary to download updates and restore data from the cloud.
3. Login to your Google account. If you have forgotten your password, restore it via Google recovery page. Without this step, you will not be able to install applications from Play Market.
4. Restore data. If you made a backup via Google Drive, the system will offer to restore contacts, applications and settings.

How to return files:

• 📁 Photos/videos: If you copied it to a PC, transfer it back via USB. If you used Google Photos —launch the application and wait for synchronization.
• 📞 Contacts: They will be automatically restored if they were synchronized with a Google account.
• 🎮 Applications: Reinstall them from Play Market → Library. Game settings can be restored through accounts Google Play Games or social networks.

If after resetting the phone is slower than before, check:

• 🔄 Availability of system updates (Settings → System → Software update).
• 🧹 Clear the application cache (Settings → Applications → Select application → Storage → Clear cache).
• 🛡️ Install an antivirus (for example, Malwarebytes) and check the system for malware.

Typical errors during a hard reset and how to fix them

Even if the reset is performed correctly, problems may arise. Let's look at the most common ones:

If the phone asks for a Google account password (FRP) after the reset:

This is standard protection for Android 5.1+, including Android 10. If you do not remember the account details that were linked to the device, the options are as follows:

• 🔑 Try recovering your password via Google recovery page.
• 📞 If the phone was purchased secondhand, contact the previous owner.
• 🛠️ Use FRP bypass services (for example, FRP Bypass APK), but this requires technical skills and may violate the warranty.

If resetting did not help solve problem:

Perhaps the cause is a hardware malfunction (for example, damaged memory or motherboard). In this case, only a service center will help. Before visiting the workshop:

• 📋 Write down the IMEI of the phone (dial *#06#).
• 🔋 Check if the battery is swollen (press gently on the back cover - if there is a bulge, do not turn on the phone!).
• 💦 Make sure that the device has not been dropped into water (moisture indicators are usually located under the SIM card cover).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hard reset on Android 10