How to reset settings on Huawei through buttons: complete analysis for all models

Resetting settings Huawei via hardware buttons - the last chance to bring your smartphone back to life when the screen is not working reacts, the device is stuck on the logo or locked after an unsuccessful update. This method, known as hard reset or hardware reset, works even with damaged software, as it is activated at the firmware level through a combination of physical keys. But there are nuances here: incorrect actions can turn the phone into a “brick”, and on some models Huawei (especially with processors Kirin 9000 series) the procedure differs from the standard.

In this article we will look at all working reset methods for devices Huawei and Honor (including models 2020–2026), we will explain why the combination Power + Volume Upsometimes does not work, and what to do if after resetting the phone requires an account password Huawei ID. You will also find a table of method compatibility with popular models and answers to questions that users ask most often. Important: on devices with EMUI 13+ and HarmonyOS, reset via buttons can be blocked by factory protection - few people warn about this.

When do you need a reset via buttons, and when can you do it using the software method

Before you start a hardware reset, make sure that it is really necessary. In 80% of cases, the problem can be resolved through the settings menu or recovery modes without risking your data. Here are the key scenarios when hard reset via buttons is justified:

• 📵 The phone does not turn on or is stuck on the logo Huawei/Honor (including “bootloop” - cyclic reboot).
• 🔒 The device is locked after an unsuccessful update, firmware change or reset via Fastboot.
• 🖥️ The screen does not respond to touches (the sensor does not work), but the phone shows signs of life (vibrates, the indicator lights up).
• 🚫 The pattern key or PIN code is forgotten, and the function Find My Device is disabled.

If If the smartphone turns on and responds to commands, try soft reset:

1. Go to Settings → System and updates → Reset.
2. Select Reset settings (on some models - Restore and reset).
3. Confirm the action by entering the password (if required).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with EMUI 12+ and HarmonyOS after software reset may require entering data from Huawei IDlinked to the phone earlier. If you do not remember the password, restore it in advance on the website Huawei.

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

A hard reset deletes all data from the internal memory, including:

• 📱 Contacts, SMS, call log (if not synchronized with Google or Huawei Cloud).
• 📸 Photos, videos and documents in the phone memory (SD card is not affected).
• 🎮 Game saves and application settings.
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords, social network accounts (if a password manager was not used).

If the phone reacts at least somehow, try saving important data:

1. Connect the device to the PC via USB and copy the files (if it is detected as a drive).
2. Use Huawei HiSuite for backup (works even on locked phones with USB debugging enabled).
3. If the sensor works, enable synchronization with Huawei Cloud or Google Account.

Make sure that the battery is charged at least 50%|

Remove the SD card and SIM (if any)|

Prepare login data for Huawei ID (if linked)|

Check the phone model (the reset method depends on it)-->

Also note:

• 🔋 The battery charge must be at least 30–50%. If the phone is discharged during the procedure, this may damage the firmware.
• 🔌 On some models (Huawei P50 Pro, Mate 50) after the reset, a Wi-Fi connection is required for initial setup.
• 📦 If the phone was purchased second-hand, make sure that it is not tied to someone else's Huawei ID (this blocks activation after the reset).

Methods of resetting settings through buttons for different models Huawei

Button combinations for entering recovery mode (Recovery Mode) differ depending on the year of manufacture and series of the device. Below are the current methods for popular lines.

Model/Series	Button combination	Features
Huawei P30/P40/Mate 30 (2019–2020)	Power + Volume Up	Hold for 10-15 seconds until the logo appears EMUI.
Huawei P50/Mate 50 (2021–2022)	Power + Volume Up + Volume Down	On some firmware you need to first press Volume Up, then Power.
Honor 8X/9X/10 (2018–2020)	Power + Volume Up	After vibration, release Power, but continue to hold Volume Up.
Huawei Nova 7/8/9 (2020–2022)	Power + Volume Down	On some versions EMUI 12 may not work - try alternative methods.
HarmonyOS devices (2023–2026)	Power (5 sec) → Volume Up	First hold Poweruntil the screen goes blank, then press Volume Up.

If the combination does not work:

1. Try holding the buttons longer than 20 seconds.
2. Connect the phone to the charger - sometimes blocking occurs due to low battery.
3. Check if one of the buttons is stuck (especially important for Huawei Y6/Y7 after falls).

What to do if the phone does not respond to buttons?

If the device does not turn on and does not respond to button combinations, this may indicate:

- Hardware malfunction (damaged button cable or motherboard).

- Completely discharged battery (try leaving it on charge for 30-60 minutes).

- Locking the bootloader (on some models with Kirin 990/9000).

In such cases, diagnostics are required at a service center or use Fastboot (for experienced users).

Step-by-step guide: how to do a hard reset on Huawei

Consider a universal algorithm for most models. For example, let's take Huawei P40 Pro s EMUI 12:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold Power 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the combination buttons:
   • For P40/Mate 40: Power + Volume Up.
   • For Nova 9/Honor 50: Power + Volume Down.

Hold the buttonsuntil the logo Huawei or menu appears Recovery Mode (usually 10-20 seconds).

In the recovery menu use the volume buttons to navigate and Power to select. Select Wipe data/factory reset.

Confirm resetby selecting Yes (or Factory data reset).

Wait for completion (may take 2-10 minutes). Then the message Data wipe complete.

Restart the phoneby selecting Reboot system now.

If after reboot the phone requires a password for Huawei ID:

• 🔑 Enter the data from the account that was linked to the device.
• 📧 If you don’t remember your password, restore it via official website (link for reference; we do not place active links in the article).
• 🚫 If the phone was purchased second-hand and linked to someone else’s account, contact the previous owner or support Huawei with proof of purchase.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with HarmonyOS 3.0+ after the reset, you may need to connect to the Internet to check the status of the device. If the phone was blacklisted (lost/stolen), activation will be blocked.

Common errors and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common errors and theirs. solutions:

• 🔄 The phone does not enter Recovery Mode:
  • Check the button combination for your model (see table above).
  • Make sure that the buttons are not stuck (clean them with alcohol if the phone has been dropped).
  • On some models (Huawei Mate Xs) you first need to hold down Volume Up, then Power.
• 🔒 After resetting it asks for the Huawei ID password:
  • This is factory protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection). Enter the data from the account that was on the phone before the reset.
  • If you forgot your password, restore it through the official website Huawei (you will need access to the email or phone number associated with the account).
• 📴 The reset is interrupted or the phone turns off:
  • The problem is a low battery - charge the phone to at least 50%.
  • If the reset fails at the same stage, the firmware may be damaged. In this case, only flashing through Fastboot.
• 🤖 The error "No command" or android appears with an exclamation mark will help.:
  • This means that the menu Recovery cannot load. Try repeating the combination of buttons or hold them longer.
  • On some models (Huawei P Smart), you must first select a language by pressing Power + Volume Up.

If none of the methods helped, the problem may lie in:

• 🔧 Hardware failure (for example, damaged flash memory).
• 🔐 Locked bootloader (on models with Kirin 980/990 after unofficial firmware).
• 📱 Incompatible firmware (if the phone was updated via HiSuite s errors).

Alternative reset methods if the buttons do not work

If the hardware buttons are damaged or do not respond, try these methods:

• 💻 Reset via Fastboot (for experienced users):
  1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC.
  2. Connect the phone to the computer in Fastboot (hold Power + Volume Down when connecting USB).
  3. Enter the command:

     fastboot erase userdata
     fastboot erase cache
     fastboot reboot

  ⚠️ Attention: This method deletes all data beyond recovery and may lead to locking the bootloader on new models Huawei.

• 🌐 Reset via Huawei HiSuite:
  1. Connect the phone to the PC and run HiSuite.
  2. In the section System recovery select Reset settings.
  3. Follow the instructions of the app (confirmation will be required on the phone if the screen is working).

📱 Reset via Find My Device (if synchronization is enabled):

1. Go to the website Huawei Cloud from your account.
2. Select a device and click Erase data.
3. Confirm the action - the phone will be reset remotely (works only when connected to the Internet).

If none of the methods worked, there are two left option:

1. Contact service center Huawei (especially if the phone is under warranty).
2. Use unofficial firmware (risky, can lead to loss of IMEI or network blocking).

What to do after the reset: initial setup

After a successful reset, the phone will start as new. You have to:

1. Select language and region (on HarmonyOS you will first need a Wi-Fi connection).
2. Connect to the network (required for activation Huawei ID).
3. Login to your account Huawei or Google (if the phone asks).
4. Restore data from a backup copy (if it was created through HiSuite or Google Drive).
5. Update firmware to the latest version (go to Settings → System → Software update).

Some tips to avoid problems in the future:

• 🔐 Set up backup to Settings → System → Backup (select Huawei Cloud or Google Account).
• 📲 Write down the data from Huawei ID in a safe place (they will be needed after any reset).
• 🔄 Update the firmware regularly, but not through third-party sources - only through official channels.
• 🛡️ Enable reset protection in the security settings if you are afraid of theft.

If problems appear after the reset:

• 📶 No network: check the settings SIM card or reboot the phone.
• 🔋 Dries down quickly battery: perform calibration (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption).
• 🎵 No sound: check if the mode is activated Do not disturb.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

❓ Is it possible to reset via buttons if the phone discharged?

No, the minimum battery charge should be 30–50%. If the phone does not turn on due to discharge, connect it to the charger for 30–60 minutes, then try again. On some models (Huawei Y7 Prime), charging may not work when turned off - in this case, try again. hold Power + Volume Down and connect USB.

❓ Why does the phone ask for the old password after resetting?

This is how the function works FRP (Factory Reset Protection) — protection against theft. If the phone was linked to Huawei ID or Google Account, after the reset you will need to enter data from this account. If you do not remember the password, recover it through official services. Bypassing FRP on new models Huawei is almost impossible without proof of ownership.

❓ How to reset Huawei Watch or tablet via buttons?

For smart watches Huawei Watch GT/Watch 3:

1. Press the physical button for 10-15 seconds.
2. In the menu, select Reset (navigation - touch or button).

For tablets (Huawei MatePad):

1. Use the combination Power + Volume Up (similar to smartphones).
2. On MatePad Pro you may need to connect a keyboard to navigate in Recovery.

❓ Is it possible to return data after a hard reset?

No, a hard reset completely erases the internal memory. The only chance to recover data is if it was synchronized with Huawei Cloud, Google Account or saved to an SD card. apps like Dr.Fone or Recuva will not help - they only work if the phone is detected as a drive, and after resetting the file system is overwritten.

❓ Why does the combination not work on Huawei P60 Pro On new flagships ( Power + Volume Up?

On new flagships (P60, Mate 60) Huawei changed the login mechanism Recovery. Try:

1. Hold Power for 5 seconds until the screen goes blank.
2. Without releasing Powerpress Volume Up for another 10 seconds.
3. If it doesn’t work, use HiSuite to reset via PC.

On HarmonyOS 4.0+ you may need an Internet connection to unlock Recovery Mode.