How to reset Huawei to factory settings: 4 proven methods

Return Huawei to factory settings may be needed in a variety of situations: from preparing a smartphone for sale to eliminating critical malfunctions EMUI or HarmonyOS. However, not all users know that the reset procedure on devices of this brand has nuances - especially when it comes to models with Google Mobile Services (GMS) and without them, as well as phones running a new operating system HarmonyOS.

In this article we will analyze all current reset methods - from the standard settings menu to forced recovery via Recovery mode and even using a PC. We will pay special attention Huawei P60, Mate 50 and Nova 12 models, where the process may differ from older devices. You will also learn how to save important data before resetting and what to do if the phone does not respond to commands.

1. When do you need a reset to factory settings?

A reset is a last resort, which is resorted to in several cases:

• 📱 Selling or transferring a phone —to delete all personal data, including accounts, photos and passwords.
• 🔄 System failures —if Huawei it constantly reboots, slows down or produces errors like "The Android system is not responding".
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern/PIN — when unlocking by other means is impossible.
• 🦠 Viruses or suspicious software —if the antivirus has detected threats that cannot be removed by standard methods.
• 📲 Firmware update - sometimes a reset is required after installing a new version EMUI/HarmonyOS for stable operation.

However, before you begin, please note: reset deletes ALL, including:

• 📁 Photos, videos and music (if they are not synchronized with the cloud).
• 📱 Contacts, SMS and call log (if not saved in Google Account or Huawei Cloud).
• 🎮 Application data (game saves, messenger settings, etc.).
• 🔑 Passwords for Wi-Fi, accounts and banking applications.

⚠️ Attention: On models Huawei P40/P50/Mate 40 and later without Google Services data recovery after a reset may be difficult. We recommend that you transfer files to a PC or external drive in advance.

2. data

Before resetting Huawei, be sure to make a backup copy here 3 reliable ways:

• ☁️ Huawei Cloud — built-in cloud storage (free up to 5 GB). Path: Settings → Huawei ID → Cloud → Backup.
• 💻 HiSuite - official utility for PC. Download it from the website Huawei and connect your phone via USB (mode File transfer).
• 📁 Manual transfer - copy files to a flash drive or computer via Explorer. Don't forget about folders DCIM (photo), Downloads i WhatsApp/Media.

To save contacts and SMS:

1. Open the application Contact → Settings → Import/Export.
2. Export contacts to a file .vcf (can be sent by email).
3. For SMS, use third-party applications, for example SMS Backup & Restore.

Back up photos and videos

Save contacts and SMS

Write down passwords for Wi-Fi and accounts

Make sure the battery charge is > 50%

Disable factory protection (Find My Device)-->

If you use Google Accountcheck synchronization:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts → Google.
2. Make sure synchronization is enabled for Contacts, Calendar and Application data.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with HarmonyOS (for example, Huawei Mate 60) backup via Google Account not available. Use only Huawei Cloud or manual transfer.

3. Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the easiest)

If the phone turns on and you remember the password, this method is the fastest. The instructions are suitable for all models Huawei on EMUI 9.0 and later, as well as for HarmonyOS.

1. Open Settings (gear icon on the main screen).
2. Go to section System and updates → Reset (on some models the path may differ: Settings → Advanced → Reset).
3. Select Reset all settings or Restore factory settings.
4. Enter PIN code/password/pattern (if prompted).
5. Confirm the action by pressing Reset phone or Delete everything.

On HarmonyOS (for example Huawei Mate 60 Pro) the path may look like this:

Settings → About phone → Reset → Restore factory settings

The process will take 5–15 minutesAfter you reboot. They will offer to set up the phone as new.

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

If Huawei does not respond to clicks, is stuck on the logo or is blocked, this method works on all models, including forced reset via Recovery. This method works on all models including P Smart, Y-series and flagships like Mate X3.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (press the power button for 10-15 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold the combination of buttons:
   • 📱 For most models: Volume up + Power (hold for 10-15 seconds).
   • 📱 For Huawei P30/Mate 20 and older: Volume up + Power, then release the power, but continue to hold the volume.
   • 📱 For Nova 5T/Y9 Prime: Volume up + Volume down + Power.

If the menu is in Chinese (relevant for some firmware), look for items with hieroglyphs (reset) and (clearing data).

⚠️ Attention: On some models (Huawei P20 Lite, Y6 2019), after resetting via Recovery, you may need to enter the old password Google Account (protection FRP). If you don’t remember it, you will have to use official unlocking services.

5. Method 3: Reset via HiSuite (using a PC)

If the phone turns on, but the sensor does not work or you are afraid of making a mistake in Recovery, use the official utility Huawei HiSuite. This method is suitable for all models, including Huawei P40 Pro and MatePad.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download and install HiSuite from the official website Huawei (check the version - for HarmonyOS an updated version may be required).
2. Connect your phone to the PC via original USB cable (use port USB 2.0 for stability).
3. Turn on on your phone File transfer mode (notification will appear in curtain).
4. Run HiSuite and wait for the device to be recognized.
5. Go to the section Recovery system or Backup/Restore.
6. Select Restoring factory settings and follow the prompts.

The advantage of this method is security: the app itself will check compatibility and offer to create a backup copy before resetting.

6. Method 4: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to damaged firmware), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires command line skills and is suitable for EMUI (may not work). HarmonyOS may not work).

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Installed ADB and Fastboot (you can download from the site Android Developers).
• 🔧 Enabled USB debugging on the phone.

Instructions:

1. Activate Developer mode:
   • Go in Settings → About phone → Build number.
   • Click on Build number 7 times until the notification appears "You have become developer".

adb devices

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

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

If the phone does not reacts, try moving it to Fastboot Mode (hold Volume down + Power) and do:

fastboot erase userdata
fastboot erase cache
fastboot reboot

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use ADB/Fastboot can lead to brick (complete inoperability) of the device. If you are not sure, contact the service center.

7. What to do after the reset?

After returning to factory settings Huawei you will be prompted to go through the initial setup. Here's what you need to do:

• 🔄 Restore the data from a backup (via Huawei Cloud, HiSuite or manually).
• 🔒 Set up a lock (we recommend using PIN or pattern key + fingerprint).
• ☁️ Log in to your accounts (Huawei ID, Google, social networks).
• 📱 Update the firmware up to the latest version: Settings → System → Software update.
• 🛡️ Install antivirus (for example, Huawei Mobile Security or Dr.Web).

If after There are problems with the reset:

• The phone does not turn on → try to charge the battery for 30 minutes or repeat the reset after Recovery.
• It asks for the old Google password (FRP) → use the official unlocking service (proof of purchase required).
• No network → check the settings APN (path: Settings → Mobile network → Access points).

8. Common errors and how to avoid them

When resetting Huawei users often encounter typical problems:

If none of the methods helped, perhaps the problem is hardware (for example, memory is damaged eMMC). In this case, we recommend contacting authorized Huawei service center.

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions