How to reset Android to factory settings: 3 proven methods

Resetting an Android smartphone to factory settings is a radical but effective way to solve most software problems: from freezes and viruses to errors after an update. The procedure removes all user data, applications and settings, returning the device to its out-of-the-box state. However not all resets are the same: the methods differ in complexity, speed and consequences for the system.

Many users are afraid to perform a reset because of the risk of losing important files or turning the phone into a “brick”. Indeed, errors when choosing a method or interrupting the process can lead to serious problems - from loss of IMEI to complete inoperability of the device. But if you follow the instructions and take into account the nuances of a specific model (for example, Samsung Galaxy s Knox or Xiaomi s MIUIs), the procedure will go smoothly. In this article - three working methods reset, including hidden features ADB, as well as tips on saving data and restoring after a reset.

⚠️ Warning: On devices with an unlocked bootloader (bootloader) or custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), resetting via the standard menu can lead to loss of performance. In this case, use only the method through Recovery Mode or fastboot.

1. When do you need a factory reset?

A reset is not a panacea, but it helps in 80% of cases of software failures. Here are typical situations when the procedure is justified:

• 📱 System lags and freezes: the phone slows down even after clearing the cache and deleting applications.
• 🔒 Viruses or malware: the antivirus has detected threats that cannot be removed by standard methods.
• 🔄 Errors after update: for example, after installation Android 14 the camera or sensors stopped working.
• 📦 Preparation for sale: to delete all personal data (photos, messages, passwords).
• 🔧 Failures after manual intervention: unsuccessful root, changing system files or installing incompatible modules Magisk.

However, reset will not helpif the problem is hardware: broken screen, faulty battery or damaged motherboard. In these cases, repairs are required at a service center.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI), resetting through the settings menu does not delete data from the internal memory (photos, videos). For complete cleaning, use Recovery Mode.

2. Preparing for a reset: how to save important data

Reset erases all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery (including hidden folders, for example, DCIM/.thumbnails).
• 💬 Messages in WhatsApp, Telegram, SMS (if backup is not enabled).
• 🎮 Game saves (for example, progress in Genshin Impact or Clash Royale).
• 📇 Contacts, if they are not synchronized with Google Account.
• 🔑 Passwords for Wi-Fi, applications and banking services.

To avoid losing data, do the following steps:

1. Synchronize accounts: go to Settings → Accounts and check that Google, Mi Account (for Xiaomi) or Samsung Account are synchronized.
2. Create a backup:
   • 📱 Via Google Drive: Settings → System → Backup.
   • 💻 Via a computer: connect your phone via USB and copy the files manually (folders DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp).
   • 🔧 Via TWRP: if you have a custom recovery, make a backup of the partition /data.

Export SMS and calls using applications like SMS Backup & Restore.

Save IMEI: write it down (type *#06#) or take a photo of the sticker under the battery (for devices with a removable battery).

⚠️ Attention for owners Xiaomi, Huawei and Honor: If you do not unlink the device from the manufacturer's account (Mi Account, Huawei ID) before resetting, after the procedure the phone may require you to enter the old data for activation (FRP blocking). To avoid this, delete your account in Settings → Accounts.

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

This method is suitable for most devices and does not require additional tools. The main condition is that the phone must turn on and respond to touches.

Instructions:

1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
2. Go to section System → Reset (on some devices the path may differ: General settings → Reset or Advanced → Reset settings).
3. Select Delete all data (factory reset) or Reset settings.
4. Enter PIN code or pattern key, if required.
5. Confirm the action by pressing Reset phone or Delete everything.

The process will take from 5 to 15 minutes. Once completed, the device will automatically complete. will reboot and offer to set it up as new.

Features for different brands:

Brand	Path to reset	Nuances
Samsung	Settings → Device maintenance → Reset	Requires a password Samsung Accountif protection is enabled Find My Mobile.
Xiaomi	Settings → About phone → Reset settings	After resetting, you may need to link to Mi Account (if not unlinked in advance).
Google Pixel	Settings → System → Reset options	Supports reset via Android Flash Tool (useful for crashes).
Huawei/Honor	Settings → System and updates → Reset	Requires deletion Huawei ID before resetting, otherwise there will be FRP locking.

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

If the device stuck on logodoes not respond to touches or does not load beyond the lock screen, use Recovery Mode a special recovery mode available on all Android devices.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s One UI 5+), the menu Recovery may be missing. In this case, use ADB (method 3) or the official utility for firmware (Odin, Mi Flash Tool).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone (if it freezes, hold down the power button for 10-15 seconds).
2. Hold the button combination to enter Recovery:
   • 📱 Samsung: Volume up + Power + Bixby (hold for 10 seconds).
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco: Volume up + Power.
   • 📱 Google Pixel, OnePlus: Volume down + Power.
   • 📱 Huawei/Honor: Volume up + Power (on some models you need to hold until vibration, then release Powerwhile continuing to hold Volume).

When the brand logo appears, release the buttons. After a few seconds, the menu will open. Recovery.

Use the buttons Volume to navigate and Power to select an item.

Select Wipe data/factory reset (can be called Clear data or Reset to factory).

Confirm the action by selecting Yes or Confirm.

After completion, select Reboot system now.

If menu Recovery in Chinese (relevant for Xiaomi, Realme), look for hieroglyphs (clear data) or (restore factory settings).

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If the button combination does not work, try:

1. Connect the phone to charge for 30 minutes (a low battery may block entry into recovery).

2. Use ADB (method 3).

3. For Samsung —try the combination Volume up + Bixby + Powerholding for 15+ seconds.

5. Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, the screen is broken or the menu Recovery is missing), you can reset via Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method requires a computer and USB debugging enabled, but it is universal and works even on locked devices.

What you will need:

• 💻 Computer with Windows, macOS or Linux.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities ADB i Fastboot (you can download from official Android website).
• 🔧 Included USB debugging on the phone (if it still turns on).

Instructions:

1. Enable USB debugging (if the phone is working):
   1. Go to Settings → About phone → Build number and tap on it 7 times to unlock Developer mode.
   2. Go back to Settings → System → Mode developer and enable USB debugging.
2. Connect the phone to the computer and confirm trust in the device (a pop-up window will appear on the smartphone screen).
3. Open the command line (cmd on Windows or Terminal on macOS/Linux) in the folder with ADB.
4. Run the commands:

   adb devices

   (your device should be displayed)

   adb shell

   wipe data

   or for a full reset:

   adb shell recovery --wipe_data

5. After completion Reboot the device:

   adb reboot

⚠️ Attention: If USB debugging was not enabled beforehand, this method will not work on a locked device. In this case, the only option left is to flash the firmware via Fastboot or contact the service center.

6. What to do after the reset?

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

1. Set up the language, region and Wi-Fi connection.
2. Login to your Google account (if the phone asks for old account data - see the section about FRP below).
3. Recover data from backup:
   • 📱 Via Google Drive: when setting up, select Restore from backup.
   • 💻 Via a computer: copy the saved files back to the phone.
4. Install the necessary applications (it is recommended to start with an antivirus, for example, Malwarebytes).
5. Check performance:
   • 📞 Telephony (calls, SMS).
   • 📶 mobile data and Wi-Fi.
   • 📷 Camera and microphone.

Problems after the reset and their solutions:

Problem	Cause	Solution
The phone asks for an old Google account (FRP)	Lock after reset (theft protection)	Enter the old data account or use access restoration
No mobile network (no signal)	Reset settings IMEI or Baseband	Reflash the modem via Odin (for Samsung) or restore IMEI via Engineer Mode
Applications constantly crash	Incompatibility with Android version after reset	Update software via: Settings → System Update data-i="295">If, after the reset, access to root access is lost ( Settings → System update
Battery drains quickly	Background processes after data recovery	Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption)

7. How to avoid errors when resetting?

Even a simple procedure can go wrong if you do not take into account the nuances. 5 most common mistakes and how to prevent them:

• 🔋 Discharged battery: if the phone turns off during the reset, it can damage the system files. Charge the device to at least 50% before the procedure.
• 🔒 Forgotten Google account: if you do not remember the password for the linked account, after resetting the phone may be locked. Delete the account in advance or remember the data.
• 📱 Incompatible firmware: on devices with custom firmware (LineageOS, Pixel Experience), resetting through the settings menu can lead to bootloop (infinite reboot). Use only Recovery or fastboot.
• 🔧 Interrupted process: If you remove the battery or forcefully turn off the phone during the reset, this may damage the partition /data. Do not touch the device until the phone is completely rebooted.
• 📡 Reset on a device with eSIM: some operators (for example Tele2, MTS) are linked eSIM to IMEI. After the reset, re-activation may be required. Save the QR code or activation data.

⚠️ Attention for owners Samsung: On devices with Knox (for example, Galaxy S22, Galaxy Z Fold) Resetting through unofficial methods (for example, TWRP) may trigger the flag Knox (check in Settings → About phone → Knox status). This will void the warranty and block some functions, for example Samsung Pay or Secure Folder.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Android

Is it possible to return factory settings without losing data?

No, a hard reset always deletes user data. However, you can:

• Create a backup via Google Drive or Titanium Backup (required root).
• Copy files to your computer or cloud manually.
• Use the function Reset settings (not Delete all data), but this will only delete the settings, not the files.

After resetting, the phone asks for the old Google password What should I do?

This FRP lock (Factory Reset Protection). Solutions:

1. Enter the details of the old Google account that was linked to the phone.
2. If you don’t remember the password, restore access via Google recovery page.
3. For Samsung you can use the official tool Samsung Find My Mobile to unlock.
4. On some devices (for example, Xiaomi) firmware via Fastboot with disabling FRP.

⚠️ Be careful with “FRP crawlers” from the Internet - many of them contain viruses!

Resetting does not help - the phone still slows down. What to do?

If resetting did not solve the problem, possible reasons:

• 🔋 Worn out battery: replace the battery (check the condition via AccuBattery).
• 🛠️ Damaged firmware: reflash the device through the official utility (Odin for Samsung, Mi Flash Tool for Xiaomi).
• 🦠 Hardware malfunction: for example, damaged flash memory (EMMC). In this case, only repair will help.

Is it possible to reset the settings on a broken phone? screen?

Yes, but the methods depend on the situation:

• If the sensor works: connect the mouse via USB OTG and reset through the menu.
• If the sensor does not work, but the phone turns on: use ADB (method 3).
• If the phone does not turn on: only Recovery Mode (method 2) or firmware via Fastboot.

💡 Tip: On some devices (for example, Samsungyou can control the menu Recovery via the volume and power buttons, even if the screen is broken.

How to reset settings on Android TV or tablet?

The process is similar, but there are nuances:

• 📺 Android TV (for example, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box):
  1. Go in Settings → Device → Reset.
  2. Or use the combination on the remote control: Settings + Up + OK (hold 5 seconds to enter Recovery).

📱 Tablets (Samsung Tab, Lenovo): The process is identical to smartphones, but to enter Recovery you may need Volume up + Power + Home.