Resetting Android settings through buttons: a complete guide for all cases

Owners of smartphones Android sooner or later face situations when the device stops responding to touches and freezes logo or does not turn on at all. In such cases, salvation becomes hard reset a procedure that returns the phone to factory settings without the need to load the operating system. But how to do this if the screen does not work or the device is locked?

This article will tell you in detail how to perform a reset through physical buttons on different models Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei and other popular brands. We will analyze not only the standard procedure through Recovery Mode, but also alternative methods for devices with damaged firmware or a non-working display. It is important to understand that such a reset deletes all data from the internal memory, so it should be used only in extreme cases - when other recovery methods are not available.

What is a hard reset and when is it needed?

A hard reset (or hard reset) is a forced return of the smartphone to factory settings using a combination of physical buttons. Unlike a soft reset through the settings menu, this method works even if:

• 📱 The device does not turn on or constantly reboots ("bootloop")
• 🔒 The phone is locked with a pattern/PIN code, and the Google account is not linked
• 🖥️ The screen does not respond to touches (broken display or sensor)
• 🦠 The smartphone is infected with a virus that blocks access to the system

The procedure erases all user data, including photos, contacts, messages and installed applications. However, on some models (for example, Samsung with function Secure Folder), some of the data may remain in protected sections. Also, the reset does not affect files on SD cardif it is installed.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with data encryption (enabled by default on Android 6.0+), after the reset you may be required to enter your Google account password, which was tied before the reset. If you do not remember it, the phone will turn into a “brick”.

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

Before you start resetting, make sure that you have taken into account all the risks and prepared the necessary data:

1. Check the battery charge. The device must be charged at least 30-50%. If the battery is discharged during the procedure, this may cause irreversible damage to the firmware.
2. Remove the SIM and SD cards. Although the reset usually does not affect external drives, it is better to be on the safe side.
3. Check your phone model. Button combinations for logging in Recovery Mode vary depending on the manufacturer.
4. Prepare data for recovery. If you need to confirm your Google account after the reset, make sure you remember your login and password.

If the phone still somehow responds to commands, try backing up important data via ADB (for experienced users) or cloud services. On locked devices this is unlikely, but sometimes connecting to a PC helps data-i="71">No, and I don’t plan to MTP.

Standard method: reset via Recovery Mode

Most Android devices support entering recovery mode (Recovery Mode), from where you can initiate a reset. Here are universal instructions for most modern smartphones:

1. Turn off the phone (if it does not turn off in the usual way, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Press the combination of buttons for your model (see table below) and hold them for 10-20 seconds until the logo or recovery menu appears.
3. In the menu Recovery using the volume buttons, select the item Wipe data/factory reset (on some devices it may be called Clear eMMC or Erase all data).
4. Confirm the action by selecting Yes or Confirm.
5. After completing the procedure, select Reboot system now to reboot.

Manufacturer	Model range	Button combination
Samsung	Galaxy S/A/J/Note (2016–2023)	Power + Volume up + Bixby (or Home on older models)
Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO	All models	Power + Volume up
Huawei/Honor	Until 2019 year	Power + Volume up
Google Pixel	All generations	Power + Volume down (then hold Power and press Volume up)
OnePlus/Oppo/Realme	All models	Power + Volume Down

On some devices (for example, Samsung Galaxy S22+), after the logo appears, you need to release the power button, but continue to hold the others until the menu appears. If the combination does not work, try alternative options for your model.

Make sure the phone is turned off

Find the correct combination of buttons for your model

Prepare a charger (in case of discharge)

Remember the sequence of actions in the menu Recovery-->

Alternative reset methods for problematic cases

If the standard method does not work (for example, the menu Recovery is damaged or the phone does not respond to buttons), you can try other approaches:

1. Reset via bootloader mode (Fastboot Mode)

This method requires a connection to a PC and installed drivers ADB/Fastboot. Suitable for devices with an unlocked bootloader:

fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot

On some models (for example, Xiaomi), before this you need to unlock the bootloader through the official application Mi Unlock Tool.

2. Reset via service codes

Some manufacturers support reset via special USSD codes. For example:

• 📞 Samsung: *2767*3855# (full reset + flashing)
• 📞 HTC: *2767*3855# or ##7780##

These codes only work when the phone is turned on and may differ depending on the region and firmware version.

3. Reset via Google account (for locked devices)

If the phone is locked but connected to the Internet, sometimes the function helps Find My Device:

1. Go to the site google.com/android/find from another device.
2. Select a locked phone.
3. Click "Erase data" (Erase Device).

This method only works if location services are enabled on your phone and it is connected to the network.

⚠️ Warning: Using service codes and commands Fastboot may void your warranty or permanently damage your device if done incorrectly. If you are not sure, contact the service center.

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

Even if the instructions are followed correctly, users often encounter problems. Here are the most common errors and their solutions:

• 🔄 The phone is not included in Recovery: Make sure you hold the buttons long enough (sometimes it takes up to 30 seconds). On some models Samsung you first need to hold down Volume up + Bixbyand then connect the USB cable.
• 🔋 The reset is interrupted due to discharge: If the battery runs out during the procedure, connect the charger and try again. On some phones (for example Xiaomi), a reset can be done while the cable is connected.
• 🔒 Google account required after reset: This is protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection). If you do not remember the details of the account that was linked before the reset, you will need to bypass it through special apps (for example, FRP Bypass Tool) or contact the service.
• 📱 After a reset, the phone does not turn on will help.: The firmware may be damaged. In this case, only flashing via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot.

If after a reset the device behaves unstable (reboots on its own, slows down), this may indicate hardware problems - for example, damaged memory or faulty battery.

Reset on phones with a damaged screen

If the display is broken or does not display an image, but the phone responds to the buttons, you can perform a “blind” reset. The main thing is to know the exact sequence of actions for your model. Here is a universal algorithm:

1. Turn off the device (hold the power button for 15-20 seconds).
2. Hold the combination to enter Recovery (usually Power + Volume up).
3. After vibration or beep (usually after 10-15 seconds), release the power button, but continue to hold down the volume.
4. After 5 seconds, release all buttons - you should be in the recovery menu.
5. Press Volume down 4 times (usually item Wipe data is fourth in the list).
6. Press the power button to select.
7. Press again Volume down 7 times (item Yes — delete all user data), then the power button.
8. After completion, press the power button to reboot.

For Samsung with the button Bixby If you are not sure, it is better to connect the phone to the PC and use the app Samsung Smart Switch for diagnostics.

⚠️ Attention: On phones with AMOLED screens (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23 or OnePlus 11), even with a broken display, sometimes you can see the image from a certain angle. Try shining a flashlight on the screen - this may help. navigate the menu.

Data recovery after a reset

If you did not make a backup before the reset, the chances of getting the data back are slim, but here is what you can try:

• 🔍 Recovery apps: Dr.Fone, EaseUS MobiSaver or DiskDigger can scan the phone's internal memory after a reset. Success depends on whether the data has been overwritten.
• ☁️ Cloud backups: Check whether synchronization with Google Drive (photos, contacts, SMS) has been enabled. On Samsung data could be saved to Samsung Cloud.
• 💾 SD card: If the files were stored on an external drive, they can be retrieved by inserting the card into another phone or card reader.
• 🔧 Service centers: Some workshops offer data recovery services from damaged memory chips (expensive and not always successful).

Important: the less you use the phone after a reset, the higher the chances of recovering data. Each new write to the internal memory reduces the likelihood of successful recovery.

Is it possible to recover data after a full reset?

Theoretically, yes, but in practice it depends on several factors:

1. Memory type: On devices with eMMC (most budget smartphones) data are not erased immediately, but are marked as deleted. They can be restored with specialized software before they are overwritten. On phones with UFS (flagships) the chances are lower due to the function TRIM, which physically clears memory cells.

2. Encryption: If encryption was enabled on the phone (default on Android 6.0+), recover data without a key almost impossible.

3. Time: The longer the phone is used after the reset, the less chance there is. It is optimal to start recovery immediately after the procedure.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Android using buttons

My phone does not enter Recovery Mode. What to do?

Try the following steps:

1. Make sure the phone is completely turned off (hold the power button for 20-30 seconds).
2. Try alternative button combinations for your model (see table above).
3. If the phone vibrates, but the screen remains black, the display or cable may be damaged. Connect the device to the PC - if it is detected, try resetting via ADB.
4. On some Samsung to enter into Recovery you need to connect the charger after the way you pressed the buttons.

If all else fails, the bootloader may be damaged. In this case, you will need to flash it via Odin or Fastboot.

After resetting, the phone asks for the old Google password. How to bypass it?

This is protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection). There are few legal ways to get around:

• Enter the password for the Google account that was linked to the phone to reset.
• If you don’t remember the password, try recovering it through recovery page Google.
• On some models (for example, Samsung until 2020), you can bypass FRP through a combination with a SIM card or special APK files, but this requires skills.

For new devices (Android 11+), bypassing FRP without account data is almost impossible without contacting the service.

Resetting does not help - the phone still does not turn on. What to do?

If after resetting the device:

• 🔄 Freezes on the logo - the firmware may be damaged. Try to reflash the phone via Odin (Samsung), Fastboot (Xiaomi, Google Pixel) or Huawei eRecovery.
• 🔋 Does not respond to charging - check the battery and charging port. There may be a hardware problem.
• 🔥 Overheating - this may indicate a processor or memory problem. Diagnostics at a service center is required.

If you are not confident in your skills, it is better to contact a specialist so as not to aggravate the problem.

Is it possible to reset if the power button does not work?

Yes, but it is more complicated. Try the following options:

1. Connect to charging: On some phones (for example, Xiaomi), when connected to the network, the device automatically turns on, and you can hold Volume up to enter Recovery.
2. Using ADB: If USB debugging was enabled before the failure, you can send a reset command from the PC:

   adb reboot recovery

3. Disassembly phone: As a last resort, you can short-circuit the power button contacts on the board (requires skill and risks voiding the warranty).

How often can you reset the settings?

Technically, the reset can be performed as many times as you like - this does not harm the phone’s hardware. However, frequent resets:

• 📉 Increase wear on flash memory (especially on cheap smartphones with eMMC).
• 🔄 May lead to data fragmentation, which slows down the device over time.
• 🔒 Increase the risk of Google account blocking due to frequent entering passwords (if two-factor authentication is enabled).

Use a reset only if really necessary. If the phone is simply slow, try first clearing the cache via Recovery (item Wipe cache partition).