Resetting Android settings to factory settings is a radical, but sometimes the only way to return your smartphone to functionality. Whether your device is slow after an update, infected with a virus, locked with a password, or simply “glitches” for no apparent reason, a hard reset often becomes a lifeline. However, many users are afraid to perform this procedure: they are afraid of losing data, breaking the device, or simply do not know which buttons to press on their phone.

In this article we will analyze all possible reset methods - from the standard menu in the settings to hidden key combinations for emergency situations. You will learn how to reset on Samsung, Xiaomi, Honor, Realme and other popular brands, even if the screen does not respond to touches. And also - what is the difference between a “soft” reset (via the menu) and a “hard” reset (via Recovery), and why the second method can save the phone when the first is unavailable.

1. When you need a factory reset - and when it won't help

Resetting to factory settings solves most software problems, but is not a universal cure. Here are typical cases when the procedure is justified:

  • 📱 The phone is very slow after updating the OS or installing applications.
  • 🔒 Forgot the pattern/password, and you cannot unlock the device.
  • 🦠 Suspicion of a viruswhich is not deleted antivirus.
  • 🔄 Before selling or transferring the phone to another person.
  • 🛠️ After unsuccessful rooting or firmware (if the phone still turns on).

But there are situations when resetting will not help or even worsens the problem:

  • 💥 Hardware failures: broken screen, non-functional power button, battery problems.
  • 📡 Problems with the networkif they are caused by damage to the antenna or communication module.
  • 🔋 The phone does not turn on at all (no response to charging, indicators do not light).
⚠️ Attention: If your smartphone does not turn on after falling into water or physical damage, resetting the settings may result in complete loss of data. In such cases, first contact the service center.
📊 Why do you want to reset the settings?
The phone is slow
Forgot the password
Virus or malware
Before sale
Other reason

2. Preparing to Reset: What to Do Before Pressing the Buttons

Before resetting, follow a few critical steps. This will protect you from losing important data and unexpected problems.

☑️ Checklist before resetting

Done: 0 / 5

Backup —the most important step. Even if the phone is locked, some data can be saved:

  • 📱 Contact: synchronize with Google Account (if the phone is still working).
  • 📷 Photos/videos: connect the phone to the PC via USB and copy the files manually.
  • 🔑 Passwords: if you use Google Smart Lock, they will be restored after logging into your account.

If your phone already blocked, try connecting it to the computer using ADB (Android Debug Bridge) and copy the data. To do this:

  1. Install Platform Tools from the official Android website.
  2. Connect your phone to the PC and enter in the command line: 
    adb pull /sdcard/ path_to_computer
⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi and Huawei after resetting, you may be required to enter your password for previous account Mi/HUAWEI IDeven if you do not remember it. Make sure you have access to the linked mail!

3. Method 1: Soft reset through the settings menu (if the phone is working)

This is the safest method, as it does not affect system files and allows you to choose what data to save. Suitable for all modern smartphones Android 8.0 and later.

Instructions:

  1. Open Settings (gear icon in the application menu).
  2. Go to section System → Reset (on some models the path may differ: General settings → Reset or Advanced → Reset settings).
  3. Select Reset settings or Reset to factory settings.
  4. The system will prompt you to choose what to delete:
    • 📱 All data (full reset).
    • 🔄 Settings only (photos, applications will be saved, but Wi-Fi passwords, accounts, etc. will be lost).
  • Confirm the action by entering a PIN code or pattern.
  • Wait for the reboot (may take 5–15 minutes).

    • On some phones (for example, Samsung Galaxy), before resetting you will need to enter the password for Samsung account. If you have forgotten it, restore it through the website account.samsung.com.

    Brand Path to reset in the menu Features
    Samsung Settings → General → Reset → Reset data Requires Samsung account password after reset.
    Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Settings → About phone → Reset settings May require linking to Mi account after reset.
    Honor/Huawei Settings → System → Reset On new models, requires entering a password from HUAWEI ID.
    Google Pixel Settings → System → Reset options The “cleanest” reset, without unnecessary restrictions.
    💡

    A soft reset through the menu is the safest method, but it is not available if the phone is locked or does not turn on.

    4. Method 2: Hard reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone does not respond)

    If the smartphone is locked, stuck on the logo or does not respond to touches, you will have to use Recovery Mode. This method works on 99% of Android devices, but requires knowledge of the correct combination of buttons.

    General algorithm:

    1. Turn off the phone (if it is frozen - press and hold the power button for 10-15 seconds).
    2. Press button combination (see table below) and hold until the brand logo or the Recovery menu appears.
    3. In the Recovery menu, use Volume buttons to navigate and Power button to select.
    4. Select item Wipe data/factory reset (on some phones - Clear eMMC or Format Data).
    5. Confirm the action (usually item Yes).
    6. After resetting, select Reboot system now.

    ⚠️ Important: On some phones (for example, Xiaomi) after resetting via Recovery An error may appear "This device is locked". This means that the phone is linked to your Mi account. To unlock it you will need to enter your login and password.

    Brand Button combination to enter Recovery Notes
    Samsung Volume up + Power + Bixby (hold for 10 seconds) On new models (S22 and newer), you may need to connect to a PC.
    Xiaomi/Redmi/Poco Volume up + Power (hold until vibration) On some models you need to release the power after the Mi logo.
    Honor/Huawei Volume up + Power (hold for 10-15 seconds) Can work on older models (before 2018) Volume down + Power.
    Google Pixel Volume down + Power (hold until menu) In the Recovery menu, select Recovery Modethen Wipe data.
    Realme/Oppo/OnePlus Volume down + Power (hold for 10 sec) On OnePlus may You will be required to enter a password after resetting.
    What to do if the button combination does not work?

    If the phone does not respond to the standard combination, try:

    1. Connect the charger and try again.

    2. Hold the buttons longer (up to 20–30 seconds).

    3. Use another combination (for example, on some Samsung works Volume up + Volume down + Power + Bixby).

    4. Look for instructions for a specific model on the forums (for example, w3bsit3-dns.com).

    5. Method 3: Reset via Find My Device (if the phone is lost or stolen). data-i="206">Google Account

    If you can't physically gain access to the phone (for example, it is lost or stolen), but it is connected to the Internet and linked to Google Account, you can reset remotely through the service Find My Device.

    Instructions:

    1. Go to the site google.com/android/find from any device.
    2. Log in to the same one Google Accountthat is linked to the lost one phone.
    3. Select your device in the list (if there are several of them).
    4. Click Erase data (or Erase Device in the English version).
    5. Confirm the action by entering your Google account password.

      6. ⚠️ Method limitations:

      • 📶 The phone must be connected to Internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi).
      • 🔋 The device must be turned on (if the battery is low, the reset will not work).
      • 🔒 After resetting the phone unlink from your account, and you will not be able to track.
    ⚠️ Attention: On phones Samsung with the function Samsung Knox remote reset may not work if the device is turned off or in power saving mode. In such cases, contact Samsung support.

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

    If you have access to USB debugging (usually included in Settings → For developers), you can reset via your computer using Android Debug Bridge (ADB). This method is useful if the screen sensor does not work, but the phone is recognized by the PC.

    Instructions:

    1. Install Platform Tools on the computer (you can download from the website developer.android.com).
    2. Connect your phone to the PC via a USB cable.
    3. Open the command line (Win + R → cmd) and enter: 
      adb devices

      Make sure that your device is displayed in the list.

    4. Run the reset command: 
      adb shell recovery --wipe_data

      or (for new versions of Android):

      adb shell am broadcast -a android.intent.action.MASTER_CLEAR
    5. Wait until the process completes and the phone reboots.

    ⚠️ Important: This method only works if USB debugging has been enabled to a problem occurs. If the phone is locked and debugging is not activated, ADB will not help.

    💡

    If after resetting via ADB the phone is stuck on the logo, try flashing it through Fastboot Mode (combination Volume down + Power).

    7. What to do after the reset: first steps

    After a successful reset, the phone will return to its “out of the box” state. You will need:

    1. Set up the language and region (select Russian or English).
    2. Connect to Wi-Fi (required to restore data from backup copy).
    3. Login to Google Account, which was associated with the phone before the reset.
    4. Restore data:
      • 📱 Contacts, calendar, notes - automatically synchronized with Google.
      • 📷 Photo/video - copy back from your computer or from the cloud (Google Photos, Yandex.Disk).
      • 🎮 Applications - restored from Google Play (in the section Library).
  • Update the software to the latest version (Settings → System update).

    • On phones Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei after resetting, you may be asked to enter the password from manufacturer (Samsung Account, Mi Account, HUAWEI ID). If you have forgotten it:

    • Go. to the manufacturer's website and restore access via email.
    • If there is no email, contact support with proof of purchase.
    ⚠️ Attention: On some models Xiaomi after resetting, you may need wait 72 hours before re-linking your Mi account.

    8. Common mistakes and how to avoid them

    Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes when resetting settings. Here are the most common ones and how to prevent them:

    • 🔋 Dead battery: If the phone turns off during the reset, this can lead to damaged system files. Always check that the charge is not lower than 50%.
    • 🔒 Forgotten Google account: After resetting, Android 5.1+ requires entering data from the last linked account (FRP protection). If you don’t remember it, the phone will turn into a “brick.”
    • 📱 Wrong combination of buttons: On some phones (for example, Sony Xperia), you need to connect the charger to enter Recovery. Always check the instructions for your model.
    • 🗃️ Data loss without backup copies: Many users forget that a reset deletes all local files, including messages in instant messengers (WhatsApp, Telegram).

    If after resetting the phone:

    • 🔄 Stuck on the logo → Try flashing via Fastboot or Odin (for Samsung).
    • 📵 Does not catch the network → Check the APN settings or reset them via ##4636##.
    • 🔋 Discharges quickly → Calibrate the battery (discharge to 0%, then charge to 100% without interruption).
    💡

    The most common mistake is resetting without a backup. Even if the phone is locked, try connecting it to a PC and copying the data via ADB or a file manager.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    Can I reset the settings if I forgot my phone password?

    Yes, but only through Recovery Mode or Find My Device. If it is turned on on your phone FRP protection (Android 5.1+), after the reset you will need to enter data from the last linked Google account. Samsung, Xiaomi and Huawei an additional manufacturer account may be required.

    Will removing the battery reset the settings?

    No, physically removing the battery (if it is removable) will simply turn it off phone. To reset you need to use settings menu or Recovery Mode. The exception is old phones (before 2014), where sometimes removing the battery for 10+ minutes helped.

    How to reset a phone without a power button?

    If the power button is broken, but the phone turns on (for example, from charging), try:

    1. Connect the charger - some phones turn on automatically.
    2. Use ADB (if USB debugging was enabled earlier).
    3. On some models Samsung you can turn on the phone by holding Volume down + Bixby.

    If all else fails, contact a service center to have the button repaired.

    Why does the phone ask for the old password after resetting?

    This is FRP protection (Factory Reset Protection), which appears on all Android phones 5.1+. The system requires you to enter data from Google accountthat was linked to the phone before resetting. If you don't remember it:

    • Try to restore access via accounts.google.com.
    • On Samsung You can try to bypass FRP through TalkBack (instructions are on w3bsit3-dns.com).
    • If all else fails, contact the service center with proof of purchase.
    Is it possible to cancel a factory reset?

    No, reset after confirmation irreversible. The only way to get your data back is to restore it from a backup (Google Drive, local copy on your PC, or the manufacturer's cloud). If there is no copy, the data is lost forever.