Reset Android OS to factory settings: 5 ways

When might a factory reset be necessary?

Resetting to factory configuration on Android is carried out for two reasons:

• Selling or exchanging a gadget. To save time and not delete information in separate files, it is better to do a full reset;
• Decreased performance. Over time, performance in smartphones or tablets begins to decline. This occurs when the operating time decreases and overheating occurs. In frequent cases, a huge amount of software garbage accumulates in system folders.

Depending on the functional and design features of the devices, there are many methods for resetting to the original state. The procedure can be performed using standard tools or specialized programs.

What to do if the password is not reset

If you reset your device in order to remove a password from it that you forgot, and after finishing the procedure the system still asks you to enter it, then there are two ways out of this situation. The first is to enter the wrong password five times, a message will appear on the screen stating that the device is locked for 30 seconds, as well as a “Forgot your password?” button. Click on the button that appears, you will be asked to log in to your Google account, which was previously linked to this phone or tablet. If you log into the correct account, you will have the opportunity to reset your existing password.

Recovering the device password via Google account

Reset password via ADB

The second option is to reset your password using ADB. How to install this program is described above in the “Via a computer” subsection. When you are done with the installation, launch a Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following options:

• adb shell
• cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
• sqlite3 settings.db
• update system set value=0 where name='lock_pattern_autolock';
• update system set value=0 where name='lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently';
• .quit

If these commands do not help, then use the command adb shellrm /data/system/gesture.key or adb shell rm /data/system/gesture.key.

Resetting settings on Android through the gadget menu

The obvious way to complete the task is to use the smartphone menu. The user does not have to use applications or button combinations. If your gadget has one of the latest versions of Android OS installed, you will need to do the following:

• Unlock your smartphone;
• Expand Settings Center;
• Use the recovery or reset block. There are OS shells with a different name;
• At the next stage, a page will open in which you need to use the reset button;
• To prevent data deletion, it is recommended to create a backup copy in a timely manner.

Attention! When the user presses the button, the device will roll back to its original state. It is strictly forbidden to remove the battery at this moment or resort to an emergency reboot of the OS.

Method 1: Factory reset via menu

The easiest option to return your Android smartphone to its pre-sale state is to perform a factory reset from the corresponding menu item. This option is relevant for devices that do not experience critical problems navigating through system menu items.

1. Open “Menu” - “Settings” and select “Backup and reset”.

2. Scroll the list that opens to the very bottom and click on the “Reset settings” item (the name of this item may look different on different smartphones: “Reset phone settings”, “Master reset”, “Erase all data”, etc.).

The system will warn you that all personal information, settings, applications and data will be deleted during the reset.

3. Confirm the reset operation by selecting “Erase everything”.

Resetting settings using digital codes

Another effective method to reset your device without using third-party software. For example, for gadgets based on Android OS there is a wide range of different combinations.

It is worth noting that each gadget manufacturer assigns its own reset codes. For this reason, before carrying out the procedure, it is necessary to clarify the combination for a specific model.

It's also important to remember that not all Android devices have this feature. Therefore, if your existing model is not equipped with this function, it is recommended to use another method. The procedure is done as follows:

• Activate the “Phone” application;
• In a new window, insert a combination of numbers;
• Wait for the phone to reboot.

Return to factory state using recovery

Today, every gadget based on the Android operating system has a special recovery mode enabled - recovery. It allows you to adjust some parameters and roll back the phone to the initial configuration. The device owner will only need to perform a few physical keystrokes. It is worth considering that the technique will differ depending on the brand and model of the device.

Many devices have a special button with a return home function. This is one of the controls that will be activated when the mode starts. The startup principle consists of briefly pressing some keys. A factory reset is performed using these instructions:

• Turn off the gadget completely;
• Use the volume and power buttons;
• Wait for the recovery menu to appear;
• A list will open in which you need to select “Wipe data/factory reset”.
• Some manufacturers may say "Clear Flash" and "Clear eMMC";
• Next, you need to tap on the line for deleting user files;
• When finished, click on the system reboot button.

Important! To move to the recovery menu, you need to use one of the buttons to adjust the volume. You can confirm the selected command with the power button. There are also models in which recovery involves the use of a touch panel.

Using hardware keys

Does your gadget freeze when loading? Can't navigate the menu? Forgot your password? Perform a full clean through Recovery mode. How to activate it? First you need to turn off the device, and then hold down a certain combination of buttons. It differs from one manufacturer to another:

Asus, Acer:

— volume down + power button.

Huawei

— Offers a couple of options for different models:

— Press and hold the volume up and power keys for at least 10 seconds;

- The same thing, only the first one needs to be pressed in the middle. Wait for the logo to appear and release only Power. When you see an Android robot with gears, slide your finger on the volume up and press until the green loading bar appears.

Reset settings with a separate button

The modern mobile technology market is increasingly replenished with smartphones with a separate button for rolling back to the original state. It should be a small hole, inside of which the switch is directly located. To use the key, the user will need to use a thin object - a needle, paper clip, etc.

However, remember - by pressing the hardware switch, all user information from the device will be permanently erased. To avoid this, you need a backup copy of your data packets.

Smartphone models and their hardware keys

Users are often tormented by questions regarding how to perform a hard reset. Below is a list of smartphones that have their own methodology for carrying out the procedure. It is worth noting that even for one manufacturer the instructions will differ. It depends on the OS version, year of manufacture and design features of the model:

• Samsung. Simultaneously hold down the Power, Home and Volume Up keys. On some models you will need to hold down the power button and volume down;
• LG. In this case, you will need to hold down the power button and volume down for a few seconds. When the logo appears, release and repeat the combination again. Hold until the recovery menu opens;
• Huawei. There are two methods for this brand of smartphones. First of all, you need to hold down the power button and volume down for 10 seconds. There is also a method in which you need to hold down the middle of the volume control and the power key;
• Lenovo. In the case of Lenovo models, there are three methods - simultaneously pressing the volume down/up and the power button. You can also hold down the power button until the device vibrates. Finally, you should use the power button and volume up;
• Sony. In the first case, you need to press the power key to increase the volume. It is also possible to use a special button, which is recessed into the body of the device. However, first you need to connect your phone to the network and wait until the Android icon lights up on the display;
• Xiaomi, Meizu. To start the function you need to press the “Start” button and increase the volume. When the logo appears, release the power key and hold down the volume;
• Acer, Asus. Press volume down and power button;
• Prestigio, B.Q. In the case of devices from this manufacturer, you need to hold down the “Start” key, as well as increase or decrease the volume.

Method 3. Through Fastboot mode

The implementation of this method involves the use of a PC. Before resetting to factory settings on Android , you need to install the Fastboot utility on your computer and switch your phone/tablet to the fastboot mode. To do this, hold down the “Power” and “Volume Down” buttons on the device.

Next, you need to issue the appropriate command via the command line or PowerShell. Among the necessary ones:

• adb reboot bootloader – transfer the device to firmware mode;
• fastboot erase userdata – deleting user data;
• fastboot -w – reboot the device.

It is worth considering that to execute a command in PowerShell, you must add “.\” at the beginning.

Reset to factory settings using a computer

This method is used in cases where standard methods are unsuccessful. Before starting the procedure, the user must download and install the “Android System Development Kit” program on the computer. How to reset factory settings on Android:

• Visit your mobile device settings;
• In the developers section, find the “USB Debugging” mode;
• Next you need to check the box on USB tools;
• Install software on your computer to interact with mobile devices;
• Connect the smartphone to the PC using the original USB cable;
• Activate command line;
• Enter the following address “C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\Android\Android-SDK\tools”;
• In recovery, enter ADB reboot;
• Wait for the system to reboot.

Attention! It is not recommended to disconnect the phone from the computer during the reset process. Otherwise, the firmware may be damaged.

Using a home PC

The recovery method via a computer is not particularly simple or fast. Most often, this method is used if others do not help for some reason or some keys or touchscreen on the phone do not work.

• We connect the phone to the PC using the USB cable that comes with the kit.
• We launch ADB mode on the phone, and download the Android Debug Bridge program from the network to the computer.
• We turn on the command line on the computer and write the following in it: adb reboot recovery.
• On the phone, select the reset menu by clicking on the desired line and wait for the process to complete.

After this, the smartphone will turn on in fully working condition and with the settings set by the manufacturer.

How to reboot Android

There are several methods to restart Android smartphones:

• Standard reboot. In this case, the owner of the device will only have to use standard tools. First, you need to hold down the power button for a few seconds, after which a window will open in front of the user with a choice of actions. Among them, you should select “Reboot”;
• Forced reboot. This type of restart is needed in cases where the smartphone freezes or slows down. There may be several reasons for this behavior - overheating of the battery, clogged storage, etc.;
• Emergency reboot. This method should be resorted to when the device stops responding to any actions. For this procedure, you need to remove the battery, let it cool and turn on the device after a while. You can also use the combination to launch the recovery menu.

Why reset?

Hard Reset - rolls back the operating system to default values. When you perform a reset, all files and third-party applications are deleted from the device's memory, and all settings return to factory settings. By resetting the system, you will receive a clean device, that is, it will be in the same form as it was in the store.

A reset may be useful in the following situations:

• the device began to freeze due to a large number of installed programs;
• the system began to freeze due to overloaded memory;
• there are a lot of files left in the file system from deleted applications that take up free space;
• the device is for sale, so you need to remove all personal information from it;
• I need to reset my password because it was forgotten.

As a result, it turns out that the reset must be performed when it is necessary to format the device.

The illusion of data deletion

It is worth noting that rolling back to the initial configuration deletes personal data, but does not do so completely. In this case, the system erases only the addresses of the folders in which the files were located, and the content itself remains in Flash memory. It is for this reason that many specialized utilities allow you to recover deleted information after a reset. To avoid such circumstances, it is recommended that you familiarize yourself with the following procedures.

Data encryption

Smartphones have a special tool responsible for encrypting personal information. As a rule, it is located in the settings. To find it, you need to go to the “Security/Data Encryption” section. The essence of encryption is to install a special code, which can be a graphic key or a classic PIN. If you lock it in a timely manner, then even after recovery the files will be impossible to open without specifying the provided password.

Overwriting unnecessary data

A fairly effective method with which you can encrypt personal information. The bottom line is that the user will need to make several resets. After the first procedure, you need to fill the internal storage of the device with large unnecessary files. Then you will need to do a second hard reset, after which the necessary files in the Flash memory will be overwritten with unnecessary content. You can also use third-party software for this. For example, the Play Market has the “iShredder 6” application, which allows you to fill your gadget’s storage with information garbage. Additional functionality of the utility also includes the ability to delete specific folders, files, applications and caches before resetting.

In the phone settings

You can make a “Hard Reset” - that is, a “hard reboot” of your phone using the regular menu.

• Open the smartphone settings menu and go to the “Restore and reset” section.
• Click on reset parameters, confirm that this is the action we want to perform and wait for the reboot.
• After a short period of time, the device will turn on with the original parameters and will work more stably and quickly.

What to do before resetting your data

First of all, the user must take care of the safety of personal data. Of course, you can connect the device to a PC and copy the necessary information to a stationary device. However, mobile OS has an integrated backup function. What is needed for this:

• Open system settings;
• Go to memory block;
• Find the backup item;
• Go to the “Google Drive” tab;
• Move the slider next to the “Back up data” line. You can also manually transfer the necessary information to a computer or other device.

Copy important information from your device

The procedure used depends on which device the information will be copied to:

• Computer. In this case, you will need a USB cable with which you can connect your smartphone. Next, you need to select important data and transfer it to the specified folder on your PC. However, this applies exclusively to media content. If we are talking about copying contacts and other similar data, you will need to install a special manager. AirDroid is considered one of the most popular;
• Another smartphone. You can use Bluetooth to transfer files to another mobile device.

Reset the device

There are several ways to reset your device. The easiest way is through the system settings.

Through settings

This option can be used if you have access to the system. If you have forgotten your password, or the device freezes at the boot stage, preventing you from logging in, then use the method described below.

1. While in the device settings, select the “Backup and reset” block.

   
   Open the “Restore and reset” section

2. Click on the "Reset" function.

   
   Click on the “Reset” section

3. The reset procedure will begin. It can last several hours, but is usually done faster. Do not interrupt the process under any circumstances, otherwise errors may occur due to which the system will stop working and starting. No action is required from you; the entire operation is performed automatically.

   
   The device firmware is reinstalled

   Read also:  Setting up the Internet from Rostelecom, rules for connecting to the global network

Video: how to reset Android

Through the recovery menu

If you have a turned off device, but there is no way to turn it on, then this method will suit you:

1. Above, the device is in the off state. You need to enter Recovery Mode, but the entry buttons may differ on different models. So try the following combinations: volume up or down + lock, volume up or down + lock + Home button, volume up or down + lock.

   
   Enter the device into Recovery Mode

2. Once you manage to enter the recovery menu, select wipe data/factory reset and confirm the reset. Movement is carried out using the volume buttons, and selection is made through the Home and Menu buttons.

   
   Select wipe data/factory reset

3. When the reset is complete, select the reboot system now section to restart the device. It will turn on normally, ready, reset completed.

   
   Exit the recovery menu by selecting reboot system now

Via computer

This method will help you enter the recovery menu if the previous method failed for some reason. Connect the device to the computer using a USB adapter and select “Charge only” in the connection type. Download the archive with the ADB program and unpack it into any folder, the path to which does not contain Russian letters. In the resulting folder, create a file called devices.cmd, where cmd is its extension, and write three commands into it:

• echo off
• adb devices
• pause

Run the created file, a command line will open on the screen with the following commands already written:

• D:\adb>devices.cmd
• adb devices
• List of devices attached
• HT16GV402012 device
• D:\adb>pause
• To continue, press any key...

Done, the program is installed. Now open a command prompt as an administrator and use the adb reboot recovery command in it. Your Android device will automatically be transferred to the recovery menu, and the further steps you need to perform to reset are described above in the “Through the recovery menu” subsection.

Enter Recovery Mode via computer

Remove your Google account from your device

Situations arise when the owner of a mobile device needs to disconnect from his Google account. For example, this may be related to the sale or exchange of smartphones. To complete the procedure, it is recommended to follow these instructions:

• Open device settings;
• Select the section with accounts and go to the “Users and Accounts” tab;
• Find your profile;
• Click on the delete key;
• To confirm the procedure, you will need to provide a security code.

Results

The most effective and safe way to reset is to use the device settings. It is only recommended to use it when the phone does not freeze and responds to commands. Otherwise, users resort to the recovery menu for help.

Based on expert opinion, a hard reset needs to be performed several times a year. This approach will allow you to get rid of excess debris that has accumulated during operation. In this case, it is recommended to make a backup copy of important information.

How to reset settings if you forgot your phone password

If the phone is locked and the password is forgotten, and all recovery methods do not help, you can use two reset methods after which the phone will not ask for a code.

The first option has already been described above - to restore the phone to factory settings via Recovery. But there is another one.

Have someone dial your phone number, or do it yourself from another device. When a call is made, a completely different image will appear on the screen, as well as a button to go to the menu. Once you go there, it’s very easy to open the desired section and select the item responsible for resetting the data. After this, we wait until the process is completed and the phone starts up in fully working condition and without the requirement to enter a password.