How to exit Factory Mode on Android: a complete guide with instructions for all brands

Factory mode (Factory Mode) on Android is a service interface designed for testing the device in production or in service centers. They usually get into it by mistake: after an unsuccessful update, reset, or accidentally pressing a combination of buttons. The main problem is that in this mode the smartphone does not work as usual: there is no access to applications, mobile network, and sometimes even to basic settings.

In this article you will find current ways to exit Factory Mode for devices Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Realme and other brands - from simple reboots to manual reset via ADB. We will also look at why a smartphone can get stuck on the Factory Mode screen after flashing, and what to do if standard methods do not help. All instructions are adapted for Android 12-15 and new models of 2023–2026.

What is Factory Mode and why is it turned on

Factory Mode (or Factory Test Mode) is a hidden diagnostic mode that is activated:

• 🔧 When you press special combination of buttons (for example, Volume up + Power + Home on old Samsung).
• 🔄 After incorrect firmware update, when the system cannot load the main interface.
• 🛠️ When hardware failure (damage to buttons, connectors or motherboard).
• 📦 After full resetif the process was interrupted.

Externally, Factory Mode looks like a minimalist menu with inscriptions in English or Chinese (in Xiaomi/Redmi), tests of the display, camera, sensors. The main symptom is the absence of a desktop, notification panels and the ability to make calls or launch applications.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei P40 Pro or Samsung Galaxy S23) Factory Mode may block access to Recovery Mode. In this case, you will need to connect to a PC.

If you are not a service center specialist, it is almost impossible to get into this mode by accident - except for cases when:

• 📱 The smartphone fell or got wetwhich led to the contacts being shorted.
• 🔌 You connected the device to a faulty charger or cable.
• 🛒 You bought a phone "hand-held", and the previous owner did not take it out of test mode.

Method 1: Simple reboot (works in 60% of cases)

The fastest method is Forced reboot. It helps if Factory Mode was activated due to a temporary glitch rather than a hardware malfunction.

Instructions:

1. Press the button Power for 10-15 seconds until the screen turns off.
2. Wait 30 seconds (do not turn on the device right away!).
3. Press Power again to boot normally.

If Factory Mode appears again after a reboot, try:

• 🔋 Disconnect the charger (sometimes the mode is activated when connected to a non-original cable).
• 📴 Remove the SIM card and a memory card —they may conflict with the system.

⚠️ Attention: On Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and new models POCO a simple reboot may not work due to the bootloader being locked. In this case, proceed to method 3 or 4.

Method 2: Exit through the Factory Mode menu (for Samsung, LG, old Android)

On devices Samsung (series Galaxy A/J/M until 2021), LG and some others in Factory Mode there is a hidden exit option. It may be called:

• Exit Factory Mode or Reboot System (in English).
• (in Chinese - relevant for Meizu or ZTE).
• Normal Boot (on old HTC or Sony).

How to find this option:

1. In the Factory Mode menu, scroll down or right (use the touch or volume buttons).
2. Look for items with the words Exit, Reboot or Normal.
3. Select an option and confirm action (usually the button Power or Home).

If the menu is in Chinese, use a translator (for example, Google Lens) to find the desired item. On some devices, the exit option is hidden behind a long by clicking on Menu (if it exists).

Brand	Model (example)	Name of exit point	Confirmation button
Samsung	Galaxy A50, J7 Prime	Reboot System	Power
LG	G6, K40	Exit Factory Mode	Volume up
Meizu	Note 9, 16X		Home
ZTE	Blade A7	Normal Boot	Touching the screen

Method 3: Reset via Recovery Mode (universal method)

If a simple reboot does not help, and the Factory Mode menu does not contain an exit option, you will have to use Recovery ModeThis method works on 90% of devices, but erases all data (photos, contacts, applications).

Instructions:

1. Turn off the smartphone (press Power + Volume Up for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination to enter Recovery:
   • 📱 Samsung: Power + Volume Up + Bixby (or Home on older models).
   • 📱 Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Power + Volume up.
   • 📱 Huawei/Honor: Power + Volume up (on some models you need to hold for 15+ seconds).

In the Recovery menu, select Wipe data/factory reset (use volume buttons to navigate, Power to confirm).

Confirm reset (Yes).

After cleaning select Reboot system now.

If after resetting the device boots back into Factory Mode, this may indicate:

• 🔧 Damaged firmware — flashing will be required via Odin (for Samsung) or Fastboot.
• 🛠️ Hardware failure (for example, closing the button Volume down, which automatically activates the mode).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with with a locked bootloader (for example, Xiaomi linked to an account Mi Account) after a reset, you may need to enter the login and password from the previous owner. Without this data, the phone will become a “brick.”

What to do if Recovery Mode is also in Factory Mode?

On some devices (for example Samsung Galaxy M31), Factory Mode blocks access to Recovery. In this case, the only way out is flashing the firmware via PC using Odin or Smart Switch (for Samsung).

Method 4: Using ADB commands (for advanced users)

If the smartphone is detected by the computer in Factory Mode, you can try to exit it through ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method is suitable for devices with unlocked OEM Unlock and USB debugging enabled.

Step-by-step. instructions:

1. Download and install ADB Tools on a PC.
2. Connect your smartphone to the computer via a USB cable (use the original cable!).
3. Open the command line (cmd) in the folder c adb.exe.
4. Enter the commands one by one:

   adb devices

   (your device should be displayed)

   adb shell

   setprop sys.factory_mode 0

   reboot

If the mode remains after rebooting, try an alternative command:

adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/.Settings

This command tries to force open Android settings, which sometimes "push" the device out of Factory Mode.

⚠️ Attention: On Huawei and Honor s EMUI 12+ ADB commands may not work due to manufacturer restrictions. In this case, only flashing the firmware via HiSuite.

Method 5: Firmware via PC (as a last resort)

If none of the previous methods worked, the only option left is complete flashing. This is a radical method that will return the smartphone to its “factory” state, but will require:

• 💻 Computer with Windows/macOS/Linux.
• 🔌 Original USB cable.
• 📥 Firmware (stock ROM) for your model.
• 🛠️ app for firmware (Odin for Samsung, Mi Flash for Xiaomi, HiSuite for Huawei).

General algorithm:

1. Download the firmware from the manufacturer's official website (for example, SamFW for Samsung or Mi UI Download for Xiaomi).
2. Install drivers for your device (for example, Samsung USB Drivers).
3. Run the firmware app and connect the smartphone in the mode Download Mode (for Samsung) or Fastboot (for other brands).
4. Select the firmware file and start the process.

For Samsung:

• 📌 Combination for Download Mode: Volume down + Power + USB cable.
• 📌 app: Odin3 (version 3.14+).
• 📌 Firmware files: BL, AP, CP, CSC (not HOME_CSC, otherwise the data will not be erased!).

For Xiaomi:

• 📌 Combination for Fastboot: Volume down + Power.
• 📌 app: Mi Flash Tool.
• 📌 Important: Select the option Clean All (complete cleaning).

⚠️ Attention: Unofficial firmware (custom) ROM may result in IMEI blocking or loss of warranty. Use only official files!

Where can I get firmware for rare models?

If your device is little-known (for example, Doogee or Ulefone), look for firmware on the forums 4PDA or XDA Developers. Pay attention to the version Android and region (for example, EUR for Europe).

What to do if nothing helps

If after all the attempts the smartphone still boots into Factory Mode, the problem may be hardware. Typical reasons:

• 🔋 Closing the button Volume down (often after a fall or moisture).
• 📱 Damage to the connector charging (for example, oxidation of contacts).
• 🛠️ Faulty motherboard (especially after an unsuccessful repair).

In these cases:

1. Take the device to a service center. Describe the problem in as much detail as possible: when it appeared, what you tried to do.
2. If the smartphone is under warranty, do not hack it this will void the warranty.
3. Before visiting the service make a backup copy important data (if the phone is somehow detected by the PC).

Repair cost:

Problem	Approximate price (2026)	Repair period
Replacement of the volume button	800–1 500 ₽	1 day
Cleaning/replacing the charging connector	1 000–2 500 ₽	1–2 days
Motherboard diagnostics	500–1,000 RUR (free for repairs)	2–5 days
Reflashing in the service	1 500–3 000 ₽	1 day

💡

Before submitting your phone for repair, take a photo of its IMEI (printed on the box or under the battery) and serial number. This will help avoid replacing components.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Factory Mode

Is it possible to exit Factory Mode without losing data?

Yes, but only if it works a simple reboot (method 1) or exit through the menu (method 2). All other methods (reset, firmware) erase data. If there were important files on the phone, try connecting it to the PC in Factory Mode - sometimes you can copy data through ADB pull.

Why does Factory Mode appear again after resetting via Recovery Mode?

This indicates on damaged firmware or hardware malfunction. Possible reasons:

• The firmware was interrupted during the update.
• The phone has unofficial (custom) firmware installed.
• The memory is damaged (eMMC or UFSchip).

Solution: flash the device with the official firmware via a PC.

Factory Mode appeared after replacing the screen. What to do?

Most likely, the technician connected the screen cable incorrectly or damaged the contacts. Return to the service and ask:

• Check the display cable connection.
• Test the buttons (sometimes they are pinched during assembly).
• Reset settings via Recovery (if the screen responds to touches).

If the problem persists, request warranty repairs.

Is it possible to sell phone in Factory Mode?

Technically yes, but:

• The price will be 2-3 times lower market.
• Buyers at Avito or Yule will suspect that the phone is stolen or faulty.
• If the device is under warranty, the sale is in that condition violates the terms of the warranty (it can only be transferred with a working phone).

It is better to restore the phone first and then sell it.

How to avoid getting into Factory Mode in the future?

Follow simple rules:

• 🚫 Do not press random combinations of buttons (especially when the phone is turned off).
• 🔋 Use only original cables and chargers.
• 📱 Do not interrupt the firmware update.
• 🛡️ Before resetting the settings, remove the SIM card and card memory.