Modern smartphones Honor and Huawei with the EMUI or Magic UI shell are complex software systems that over time may require radical intervention. Full reset (or Factory Reset is an extreme, but often necessary measure to restore the functionality of the device, remove forgotten passwords, or prepare the gadget for sale. Unlike a simple reboot, this procedure completely destroys user data, returning the system to its factory state.
Many users confuse the concept of "reset" with a regular reboot or clearing the cache, which can lead to unwanted loss of photos, contacts and correspondence in instant messengers. The process of formatting the userdata partition on Honor is irreversible without a previously created backup copy. In this In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods of returning to factory settings: from standard operating system tools to using the Recovery engineering menu if the phone is locked or does not turn on.
Before taking active steps, it is critical to understand the nature of the operation. You erase everything: applications, their settings, Google accounts and Huawei ID. If your device is functioning normally and you can enter the menu, the process will take no more than 10 minutes. However, if the gadget “hangs” on the logo or does not respond to touches, the algorithm of actions will be different. We will consider both scenarios so that you can choose the appropriate option for your situation.
⚠️ Attention: Before starting any manipulations, make sure that the battery charge is at least 40-50%. Interrupting the formatting process due to a low battery can damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a brick.
Preparatory stage: what needs to be done before resetting
The first and most important step is to create a backup copy of your data. Owners Honor have several tools for this, including a cloud service Huawei Cloud and standard Google tools. It is recommended to check the synchronization of contacts and calendar, since they are often stored in the cloud and not in the phone memory. It is better to copy photos and videos to a computer or external hard drive to free up space and protect media files.
The second aspect of preparation is unlinking accounts. This is especially true for FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. If you reset your phone without first deleting your Google account, the next time you activate it, the device will require you to enter the password from the previous owner. This is an anti-theft mechanism, but it can become a problem for an honest user who has forgotten his data.
☑️ Preparing to reset
It is also worth paying attention to removing the memory card microSD. Although modern versions of Android usually ask whether you need to format your external drive, it's better not to risk it. Remove the card before starting the procedure so as not to accidentally erase important files that you did not have time to copy. If you plan to sell the device, clearing the memory card will also not be superfluous.
Method 1: Classic reset through system settings
The most secure and recommended method, available for all properly working smartphones Honor. It allows the system to gracefully terminate all background processes before formatting begins. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version EMUI or Magic UI, but the logic remains the same. You don't need any additional tools or a computer.
First, open the main menu and find the "Settings" icon. In the list of options, you need to scroll down to the "System" or "System and Updates" section. This is where the memory management and reset functions are hidden. In some older firmware versions, this item may be called simply “Advanced.”
Then the algorithm of actions is as follows:
- 📱 Click on the item
Reset(or "Reset settings"). - 🗑️ Select the option
Reset phone settings(Reset Phone). - 🔒 Enter the digital screen unlock password or pattern to confirm.
- ✅ Press the red "Reset phone settings" button again for final confirmation.
Why the phone may not allow you to reset?
If the "Reset" item is inactive (gray), this may mean that some applications have active device administrator rights or have a corporate profile. Check your security settings and remove unknown profiles.
After confirmation, the smartphone will reboot and the logo will appear on the screen Honor with a progress indicator. At this point, the device will completely rewrite the system partitions. The duration of the process depends on the amount of internal memory and the number of files - it can take from 5 to 15 minutes. Do not try to speed up the process by pressing buttons.
⚠️ Attention: The EMUI and Magic UI shell interfaces are updated regularly. The location of menu items may change in new versions of Android. If you do not find the specified path, use the search inside the settings menu by entering the word "Reset".
Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
If the phone is locked, hangs on the screensaver or does not respond to the sensor, the only way out is to use the mode recovery Recovery. This method, often called a "Hard Reset", runs at the bootloader level, bypassing the operating system. It is universal for all models Honor, including series Honor 10, Honor 20, Honor Magic and newer.
To enter recovery mode, you must completely turn off your smartphone. If the device freezes and does not turn off in the usual way, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot and immediately proceed to the next step when it turns off. Important: on some new models with Android 10 and higher, you need to connect a USB cable to the computer to enter Recovery.
Key combination to enter:
- 🔘 Press simultaneously the Volume UP button and the Power.
- ⏳ Hold both buttons until the Honor logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume.
- 🖥️ When the Recovery menu appears (white screen with black text or graphic menu), release all buttons.
Control in this menu is carried out with the buttons volume (up/down to move) and power button (to confirm selection). If you have touch Recovery, navigation is done with your finger. You need to find the item Wipe data/factory reset. Once selected, the system may ask you to confirm by entering the word “yes”. After completing the procedure, select Reboot system now.
It is worth noting that on devices with FRP protection enabled, after such a reset you will need to enter the Google account that was previously synchronized with the phone. This is a security measure that cannot be bypassed by a simple reset. If you have forgotten your account password, restoring access will take time.
Remote reset via Google Find My Device
In a situation where the smartphone is lost or stolen, but the Internet and geolocation are turned on, physical access to the buttons is impossible. This is where the Google Find My Device (Find device) service comes to the rescue. This tool allows you not only to track the location of the gadget, but also to remotely initiate a command to completely erase data.
To perform the operation, you will need any other computer or smartphone with Internet access. Go to the official Google service page and log in using the same account that was used on the lost one. The system will try to determine the location of the device. If it is online, you will have three options: "Ring", "Block" and "Wipe device". Honor. The system will try to determine the location of the device. If it is online, you will have three options: "Ring", "Block" and "Wipe device".
Selecting the "Wipe" option will run a command on the phone. Once the device receives the signal (this may take time if it is in sleep mode), it will automatically perform a Factory Reset.
| Parameter | Description of action | Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Display on map | GPS and Internet enabled |
| Locking | Setting a new password | Active Google account |
| Clearing | Full data reset | Network connection |
| Sound | Signal for 5 minutes | Working speaker |
⚠️ Attention: After a remote reset via Google, tracking services will stop working. You will no longer be able to see the location of the phone unless the attacker connects it to a new Wi-Fi network and enters your credentials.
Problem solving: what to do if the reset fails
Sometimes the formatting process may be interrupted or encounter errors. The most common problem is the message "Data wiped successfully" followed by an activation request that hangs. In such cases, re-entering the mode Recovery and selecting the item Wipe cache partition before the main reset helps. This clears temporary system files that may conflict with the formatting process.
Another common situation is an endless reboot (bootloop) after a reset attempt. This may indicate corruption of system firmware files. If standard methods do not help, you may need to flash the device via a computer using the utility Huawei eRecovery or HiSuite. To do this, hold down the volume button up and connect the cable to the PC.
If after resetting the phone gets hot and discharges quickly, let it sit for 1-2 hours with the screen on while charging. The system indexes files and optimizes applications in the background.
Users may also encounter a situation where the phone requires a password from the previous owner. This is FRP protection. The only legal way to bypass it is to remember your account details or provide a receipt for purchasing the device to an authorized service center Honor. Software bypasses of this protection are often unstable and can disrupt the operation of banking applications.
Actions after reset: initial setup
After the procedure is successfully completed, the phone will turn on like a new one, just bought in a store. You will be greeted with a language selection screen. The initial setup process will take some time. Be sure to connect to a stable Wi-Fi network, as activating some services and checking access rights may require the Internet.
At the setup stage, the system will offer to restore data from a backup copy. If you used the cloud Huawei or Google, you can quickly get back your contacts, call history and list of installed applications. However, it is better to upload photos and heavy files manually so as not to overload the communication channel and not take up space in the cloud unnecessarily.
After a reset, the system works faster, but the first 30 minutes may experience increased battery consumption due to background optimization and indexing.
Do not forget to re-configure biometric protection: fingerprint and facial recognition. Biometric data is stored in a secure, isolated module and is erased when reset for security purposes. It is also recommended to immediately check for system updates in the section Settings → System and updates → Software update, since the new firmware may contain important security patches.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will it be deleted Android operating system when reset?
No, the operating system remains in place. Resetting only deletes user data, applications, settings, and files in the user's storage section. The Android version and the EMUI/Magic UI shell are saved unchanged.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset if it takes too long?
It is strictly not recommended to interrupt the process, even if the indicator has been standing still for more than 20 minutes. Interrupting data recording may damage the file system, causing the phone to become unbootable. It’s better to wait until the battery runs out or is low.
Will the phone’s IMEI code be reset after a Hard Reset?
No, the IMEI code is written to a special memory section that is not affected by a standard Factory Reset. Your unique device ID will remain the same.
What should I do if the phone asks for a Google account after a reset, but I don’t remember it?
This is FRP protection. You need to try to restore access to your account via your computer on the Google website. If this is not possible, the only legal way to unlock would be to contact the service with documents confirming the purchase of this particular device.
Does a reset affect the physical wear and tear of the phone's memory?
Modern flash memory (eMMC/UFS) has a long life of rewrite cycles. One or more resets per year will not have a noticeable impact on the life of the drive. However, doing this every day for the sake of “cleaning” does not make sense and is harmful to the memory.