How to reset Huawei to factory settings: all methods and nuances

Resetting Huawei to factory settings - radical, but sometimes necessary a step to solve system problems, prepare a device for sale, or eliminate the consequences of virus attacks. The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the smartphone to its out-of-the-box state. However, the wrong approach can lead to blocking of the device or loss of important data without the possibility of recovery.

In this article we will analyze three official reset methods (through settings, Recovery mode and Huawei HiSuite), we will dwell in detail on preparing for the procedure and tell you how to avoid common mistakes. We will pay special attention to the nuances for models with EMUI 13/14 and devices without Google services (HMS). If your Huawei slows down, overheats or does not respond to commands, a correct reset is often the only solution without contacting a service center.

When is a factory reset necessary?

Reset is not a universal solution, but in some cases it is valid necessary:

• 🔄 System failures: the smartphone constantly reboots, applications crash or the error "System EMUI has stopped."
• 🐢 Critical slowdown: even after clearing the cache and deleting unnecessary files, the device is unstable.
• 📱 Preparation for sale/transfer: to prevent the new owner from gaining access to your data.
• 🔒 Removing viruses: if the antivirus detected malware that cannot be removed using standard methods.
• 🔄 Errors after updates: for example, after installation EMUI 14 the sound disappeared or the camera does not work.

It is important to understand that resetting will not helpif the problem is related to:

• 🔋 physical battery malfunction;
• 📡 hardware damage to the antenna (no network);
• 💧 liquid getting under the screen.

⚠️ Attention: On devices Huawei with HarmonyOS (for example, Mate 50 or P60), the reset process may differ. Check the OS version in Settings → About phone.

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

An unpleasant surprise after the reset is the loss of photos, contacts or account passwords. To avoid this, follow required steps:

1. Save important data:
   • 📁 Transfer photos and videos to Google Photos, Huawei Cloud or computer.
   • 📞 Export contacts to a file .vcf via Contacts → Manage → Export.
   • 📝 Save the SMS (you can use applications like SMS Backup & Restore).
2. Remember your credentials:
   • 🔐 Account password Huawei ID (will be required after reset).
   • 🔑 Codes from Wi-Fi, banking applications, social networks.
3. Check the battery charge: the level should be at least 50%to avoid shutdown during the process.
4. Delete accounts (optional):
   • 📱 If you plan to sell the phone, delete Huawei ID and Google account (if any) in Settings → Accounts.

If you use Huawei Mobile Services (HMS, check whether purchases in AppGalleryare linked to your account. After the reset, they can be restored by logging in again.

Made a backup copy of photos|Saved contacts and SMS|Remembered the password for Huawei ID|Battery charge >50%|Deleted accounts (if necessary)-->

⚠️ Attention: On some models (Mate 30 Pro, P40 Pro) after the reset you may need re-activation Huawei ID via SMS or email. Make sure that you have access to the linked number/mail.

Method 1: Reset through phone settings (the easiest)

This method is suitable if the smartphone turns on and responds to touches. The instructions are valid for EMUI 9.0 and newer (including EMUI 14):

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section System and updates → Reset.
3. Select Reset all settings (or Restore factory settings on older versions).
4. Read the warning and press Reset phone.
5. When prompted, enter PIN code or pattern key.
6. Confirm the action by pressing Reset.

The phone will reboot and begin the cleaning process, which will take 3-10 minutes. After completion, you will see the initial setup screen as when you first turned it on.

Huawei model	Path to reset in settings	Notes
P50 Pro, Mate 40 Pro (EMUI 12/13)	Settings → System and updates → Reset → Reset all settings	Requires confirmation via Huawei ID.
Nova 9, Nova 10 (EMUI 12)	Settings → System → Reset → Restore factory settings	Additionally suggests cleaning the memory card.
Y7a, Y6p (EMUI 10.1)	Settings → System → Reset → Reset phone	You may need to enter the password for your Google account (if linked).

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the old one Google account (on models up to Mate 30), but you don’t remember it, you will have to contact to the service center for unlocking FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

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

If Huawei does not boot, freezes on the logo or does not respond to the screen, use recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works on all models, but requires strict adherence to the instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10 seconds).
2. Hold down the button combination:
   • For most models: Volume up + Power.
   • For P30 Lite, Y6 2019: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

Hold the buttons until the logo appears Huaweithen release.

In the menu Recovery (black screen with blue text) select Wipe data/factory reset using the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to confirmation.

Confirm the action by selecting Yes.

After completion, select Reboot system now.

If the menu Recovery is in Chinese, be guided by the location of the items: (4th item) - reset, (1st item) - reboot.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (Mate 20 Pro, P20 Pro) after resetting through Recovery protection may work FRP. If you do not remember the data from Google accountthat was linked earlier, the phone will become a "brick".

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If the combination buttons do not work, try:

1. Connect the phone to charge for 30 minutes - sometimes a low battery blocks the entrance to Recovery.

2. Use ADB commands (requires a computer and USB debugging enabled).

3. Contact a service center if the buttons are physically damaged.

Method 3: Reset via Huawei HiSuite (from a computer)

The official utility Huawei HiSuite allows you to reset the device via PCif The phone turns on, but the screen does not respond to touches. This method is also useful for creating a backup before resetting.

1. Download and install HiSuite from official website.
2. Connect Huawei to the computer via the original USB cable.
3. Enable on your phone File transfer (if the screen is working) or USB debugging (in Settings → About phone → Build number, tap 7 times to unlock developer mode).
4. Run HiSuite and wait for the device to be recognized.
5. Go to section System recovery → Factory reset.
6. Follow the instructions on the screen.

HiSuite does not work with devices that have previously been rooted or have custom firmware installed. In this case, use only methods 1 or 2.

Advantages of HiSuite	Disadvantages
✅ Ability to create a backup before resetting	❌ Requires a working USB port on the phone
✅ Supports models without Google services (HMS)	❌ Does not work on locked devices (if PIN is forgotten)
✅ Saves error logs for diagnostics	❌ Slower than resetting through settings

Common errors during reset and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems. Let's consider typical situations and solutions:

• 🔄 "Phone stuck on Huawei logo after reset":

  Cause: interrupted cleaning process or damaged firmware. Solution: press Power + Volume up for 15 seconds to force a reboot. If this does not help, repeat the reset via Recovery.

• 🔒 "Requires old Google account after reset (FRP)":

  Reason: protection Factory Reset Protection on models with Google Mobile Services (GMS). Solution: Enter the details of the account that was linked before the reset. If you don’t remember, contact the service center with proof of ownership (receipt).

• ⚡ "The reset is interrupted due to a low battery":

  Cause: charge level is below 30%. Solution: connect the phone to the original charger and try again after 20-30 minutes.

• 📱 "The sensor does not work after reset":

  Cause: screen calibration failed. Solution: Reboot your device or reset it again. If the problem remains, there is a hardware malfunction.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with HarmonyOS (for example, Mate 50) after the reset, you may need to re-bind Huawei ID via SMS. Make sure that the SIM card is active and connected to the network.

What to do after the reset?

A successful reset is only half the battle. Now you need to configure the device correctly to avoid repeated problems:

1. First power-on:
   • Select a language, connect to Wi-Fi.
   • Log in Huawei ID (required, otherwise there will be no access to AppGallery).
   • Skip restoring from backup copies if you are not sure about its security.

System update:

Go to Settings → System and updates → Update. Software and install the latest security patches. This will fix vulnerabilities that could lead to the failure.

Data recovery:

Transfer photos and contacts back to your phone, but Do not restore application settings they could be causing the crash.

Performance check:

Install AnTuTu Benchmark or 3C Toolboxto make sure that the reset solved the problem of slowdowns.

If the smartphone is still unstable, the reason may be:

• 🔋 worn out battery (check in Settings → Battery → Condition);
• 🛠️ hardware malfunction (for example, a peeled screen cable);
• 🧪 incompatible firmware (relevant for devices with root access).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to reset Huawei without losing data?

No, reset to factory settings deletes all user data. However, you can first create a backup via Huawei Backup (in settings) or HiSuite, and then restore only the necessary files (photos, contacts) after a reset. Application and SMS settings cannot be restored.

How long does the reset take?

Time depends on the model and memory size:

• 📱 Huawei P50, Mate 40: 5–8 minutes;
• 📱 Nova 7i, Y9 Prime: 3–5 minutes;
• 📱 Devices with damaged memory: up to 15 minutes (if the process takes a long time, do not interrupt it!).

Why does the phone slow down again after a reset?

Probable reasons:

1. You have restored data from an old backup that contained errors.
2. The device is overheating due to a worn-out battery.
3. There are still fragments of malware in the system (check Antivirus after the reset).
4. Unstable version installed EMUI (check for updates).

Solution: reset it again, but do not restore the settingsand set up the phone as new.

How to reset Huawei if you forgot the pattern key?

If you don’t remember the screen lock, but remember data from Huawei ID:

1. enter the wrong key 5 times until the button appears Forgot your password?.
2. Log into your account Huawei and reset the lock.
3. If there is no button, reset via Recovery Mode (method 2), but be prepared for a request Google account after the reboot.

Is it possible to cancel the reset after the process has started?

No. Once you have confirmed the reset, the process is irreversible. An interruption (for example, removing the battery) can lead to firmware damage turning the phone into a “brick”. If the reset takes a long time (more than 20 minutes), wait until the battery is completely discharged, then repeat the procedure.