In a number of situations, Android users want to erase all data from their smartphones or tablets and restore it to default. This article contains step-by-step instructions on how to reset your Android device and get a blank device.
Restoring the device to factory settings means that after this process the device returns to the state in which it was immediately after purchase. This erases your Google account data, saved application settings, and files (photos, videos, and audio tracks) contained on internal or removable media.
The next four steps will help you erase all your sensitive data from Android and restore your gadget to factory settings.
Warning
Before starting this process, you must back up all your personal data that you want to transfer to your new device in the future. Otherwise, your information will be lost forever. To back up your personal data to your computer, connect your device using a USB drive and save all data to a folder on your PC's hard drive. You can also produce your personal information and data from applications on Google servers, however this is somewhat more complicated.
Step-by-step instruction
Despite the fact that different distributions of the platform differ from each other, resetting the settings on Android is the same, regardless of your software version.
1) To start the process of deleting data on your smartphone or tablet, first touch the Menu key to open a number of available options on the screen.
3) In the "Privacy settings" menu, click the "Factory data reset" option, and on the next menu, choose whether you want to reset the settings on Android and erase all data on the device, information on your external microSD memory card, or on all media by filling in the appropriate checkboxes. When you have made the desired choice, you must confirm it by pressing "Reset Phone".
4) You will be asked to confirm once again that you are really ready to reset your device to factory settings. Click the Delete All button to complete the process. The device will perform a full factory reset to Android and by restarting your tablet or smartphone, you will see that it is ready to work again.
Please be aware that the process of deleting all stored data may take 10 minutes or more to complete, depending on how much information is stored on the device and / or memory card.
Features of different versions
Speaking about how the settings are reset on Android 40, you should take into account some of the menu features. In gadgets with this version of the operating system, the return to factory settings has its own section in the "Settings" menu. Navigate to the menu in the same way as in the previous steps, and scroll down to the items about backing up and resetting data. Similarly, the settings are reset to Android 41.
Slow operation, freezing of applications, or sudden shutdown of the smartphone is a serious problem. To solve it, you need to know how to return or reset the settings on Android to the factory settings, in which they are most often the reason for the incorrect functioning of the gadget.
Resetting settings on Android is an operation during which absolutely all data is erased: photos, cache, videos, RAM, clipboard, applications and various widgets downloaded by the owner himself after purchasing a smartphone.
When you might need to factory reset your Android phone:
- If the owner is going to sell a gadget. In this case, all confidential information will be deleted, which should not get to unauthorized persons.
- When the device "freezes" and glitches on the simplest operations. This usually happens due to clogging of RAM, and it is easiest to clean it in this way.
- A virus has entered the system, and the antivirus program cannot remove it on its own. Only hard reset or factory reset with full memory formatting will help here.
How to find Hard reset on your phone
There are several ways to use the Reset function on Android:
- Through the usual menu. Making a hard factory reset in this way is the easiest way, besides, the process will take a minimum of time and does not require special knowledge and skills.
- Using service codes. In most cases, they are universal and fit with equal success for Samsung, HTC, LG, Sony and other manufacturers of smartphones and tablets.
- By pressing hot keys in a specific combination. Suitable for all brands of devices.
- Using a computer (suitable for hard reset by experienced users only).
Before the procedure, it is recommended that you read the instructions for each method: it will help you understand how best to return to the factory settings of the gadget on the Android platform and avoid fatal errors, because of them the entire system may completely stop working.
Preparing for a factory reset
In order not to lose all data and to make the functioning of the mobile phone optimal after a rollback, it is recommended to carry out preliminary preparation before the procedure:
- Copy important photos, videos and other essential information to a USB flash drive, PC or cloud. If this is not done, all data will be lost, and the foreman will have to pay a lot of money for the restoration.
- Fully charge the device. In the process, it will be discharged if the charge is insufficient, and interrupting the procedure will lead to bad consequences up to the impossibility of starting the OS. If a hard reset is performed through a computer, the amount of charging does not matter, since the phone is connected to the PC via a cord and is charged from it.
- Delete Google account if the smartphone is based on Android 5.1 or higher. The fact is that the company has introduced a new security policy, according to which, after rolling back the operating system, users need to enter the details of their last account. Without this, it will be impossible to turn on the device, and you will have to contact service centers, which take on work only if there are supporting documents for the gadget.
The above steps are relevant for all mobile phones: for example, on Samsung and other brands, Google binding is required, although the owner may not use it.
Backup
There are several simple ways to make a backup before restoring the factory settings on Android:
- Using a Google account.
- Through a PC and using ADB tools.
- With custom Racovery.
- Through the DataSync program.
The best option is to backup through an account, since full synchronization takes place in it, as a result of which the user gets easy access to backups. How it's done:
- We go to "Personal" and "Accounts".
- After selecting your account, put a checkmark in front of all the fields.
- Go back to the previous step again, click on "backup" and "reset", select data archiving and automatic recovery. We make a full check of the work account and go to the synchronization menu, where we click on "Synchronize".
- Log in to your account. Click on reset to roll back to the previous version.
This option is suitable only for those who remember all account information (login and password). You will need it later after a rollback and reboot of the system, otherwise you will not be able to use the device.
As a result of synchronization and creation of a backup copy in "Google", after turning on the device will automatically download all data from the "account".
To perform the operation via ADB RUN, you need a PC and a cable from a smartphone, which must be inserted into the USB connector. The process consists of several stages:
- We activate USB debugging on the smartphone.
- Launch the ADB RUN program.
- If the driver has not been installed before, install it.
- In the program, select "Backup", then - "ADB Backup".
- Find the backup menu in the device and click on it.
After the completion of the procedure, to restore, it is enough to perform two steps:
- In the program, click on "ADB Restore".
- Select "Data Recovery" on your smartphone.
If a custom "Recovery" is installed in the OS, a full copy of the firmware is performed, and not a backup copy. What needs to be done:
- Enter Recovery, click on "Backup and restore".
- Select "Backup" to copy, then "Restore" to restore.
Another copying option is to use the DataSync application. It is suitable for users who only need to migrate data from other applications. If you need to create an archive copy of them, you will not be able to do this using DataSync.
How to reset settings on Android via Recovery
This option is recommended for those who cannot turn on the phone because the system freezes or cannot enter the lock password or pattern. The procedure using Recovery is as follows:
- We activate Recovery by simultaneously pressing two keys - volume down and off. On some gadgets, other combinations can be used: turning on + "home" + increasing the volume (for Samsung); power + volume; volume up and down buttons immediately.
- When the menu opens, we navigate through it using the volume keys.
- Select "Wipe data" or "Clear flash", then - "Yes" or "Yes, delete all user data".
- When the process is complete, select the OS reboot item - "Reboot system now".
Some smartphones come with individual instructions on how to back up or restore settings on Android, and the menu items may differ slightly.
We carry out a Hard Reset from Fastboot mode
To reset all data on Android, there is a Fastboot utility that can be downloaded from the developer's official website. For the correct installation of this program, you must do the following:
- After installing Fastboot, we unzip to the root of the C drive, then download the Java Development Kit, install the package, agreeing to the licensing terms.
- Go to the "Android SDK" folder, open it and find the "Android" file, run it.
- Install the package by choosing "Accept license".
Users of LG, Nexus, Huawei, HTC and Motorola brands will have to pre-unlock the program:
- Selecting the "Fastboot oem unlock" command if the device is LG, Huawei or HTC.
- For other manufacturers of devices, activation is possible only by receiving a code on the official website.
To put the equipment into Fastboot mode, you can use any of the following methods:
- Turn off the mobile phone, then press two keys: the power button and volume down.
- We connect the device to the PC, enter the ADB command in the address bar, working on behalf of the administrator, and press Enter. When the firmware is loaded, you need to do a hard reset using the commands "./fastboot erease userdata" or "./fastboot-w". After the reset, we reboot the smartphone with the "fastboot reboot" command.
other methods
There are several other ways to rollback can be distinguished:
- Via Google Find My Device. Suitable for users who have lost a gadget and want to remotely delete personal information.
- Through the TWRP service. It allows you to clean up individual partitions, not the entire OS.
- Using the numeric key combination.
In the latter case, you must enter the codes
- *#*#7378423#*#8
- *#*#7780#*#*
- *2767*3855#
- press the call key
After that, the machine will perform the operation and reboot. Sometimes the reboot occurs immediately after the final character has been entered, which is normal.
All of the above options are the easiest to use by users without specific skills. If, after the rollback, other problems appear, it is recommended to contact a professional service, otherwise, with independent intervention, the likelihood of complicating the situation increases.
Conclusion
Rollback is an effective way to combat phone freezes and other memory congestion and system destabilization issues. You can reset on Android yourself if you know the detailed instructions and have only one free hour, since the procedure itself will not take much time.
Video
The Android operating system is good in that it allows you to completely reset all settings at any time. This way, you can return to the original state of your smartphone or tablet without resorting to flashing and other complex actions. In this article, we'll show you the easiest way to reset your phone to factory settings.
You may need to do a factory reset on Android for several common reasons. For example, such an action is required if the device is sold to another person. Factory reset on Android is faster and easier than manually deleting all your accounts.
You can also reset if your smartphone or tablet starts to slow down. Sometimes it really helps to fix the problem. Especially if the brakes are caused by too long operation of the gadget - in a year and a half to two years, a huge amount of garbage can accumulate in the operating system, which cannot be eliminated in the usual way.
Method number 1: using the menu
If your phone is in a fully functional state, then you can use the corresponding menu item to reset the settings. Note that some of the item names for smartphones from different manufacturers may differ.
Step 1. Go to the menu and click on the icon " Settings". Here you should be interested in the item " Recovery and reset". In devices from Samsung, it may be called “ Archive and reset».
Step 2. In the list that opens, find the item " Reset". It can also be called " Erase all data», « General reset"And somehow else - everything here depends on the imagination of the creators of the device. When you click the appropriate button, the system will warn you that all personal information, as well as applications and other data, will be deleted.
Step 3. Confirm that you want to reset.
Method number 2: using hardware keys
In some cases, the touchscreen of the device may not function. Then it will be possible to reset the settings on Android to the factory ones only with the help of special manipulations by pressing certain combinations of hardware keys. In particular, you will need to get into the Recovery mode in this way.
Step 1. Hold down the power key, thereby completely turning off the gadget.
Step 2. Go to Recovery Mode... The steps that need to be taken for this differ depending on the manufacturer of the device.
Hold down the power key and the volume down key.
Hold down the power key and the volume down key for 10 seconds. Then, for the same 10 seconds, hold the volume key in the middle, while continuing to hold down the power key. When the company logo appears, release the power key. After the robot with gears appears on the screen, move your finger to the volume up button. Release the key when the green boot status bar appears.
Hold down the power key and both volume control buttons. Then release the buttons and hold down only the power key. Do this until vibration appears. After that, press the volume up button several times. Then it remains only to press together the keys to increase the volume and turn on the device.
Hold down the power key and the volume down button. When the South Korean company emblem appears, release the keys for one second and then press them again. Hold them until you get into Recovery mode.
Hold down the power and volume up buttons. After the logo appears, release the power key while now continuing to hold only one button.
First hold down the power and volume up keys. Then hold down the power and volume down buttons.
Hold down the Home, Power, and Volume Up buttons. Then hold down the power and volume down keys.
Hold down the volume up key and the power button. Then connect the device to the network, waiting for the green indicator. Using a paper clip, press the recessed Reset button, if present. When the screen lights up, hold down the power button for a few seconds. Then release this key and press the button responsible for increasing the sound volume several times.
Step 3. When you get to the Recovery menu, you should select Wipe Data or similar. If the screen does not respond to touch, then navigate the menu items using the volume down and down keys, and the power button.
Step 4. In the corresponding paragraph, you must click on the button Factory reset.
Step 5. Agree with the system, which will warn about the subsequent deletion of data.
Step 6. When the hard reset is complete, select Reboot System... This will reboot the device.
Method number 3: using a digital combination.
Fastest way to factory reset.
Step 1. Open the "Phone" application, with which you usually dial the number of the interlocutor.
Step 2. Enter one of the provided codes:
*#*#7378423#*#*
*#*#7780#*#*
*2767*3855#
You may need to press the call key at the end.
Sometimes it is useful, and in some cases it is necessary to do a factory reset of your Adroid. What for? The most common reason is cluttering your device with all sorts of necessary / unnecessary games and applications, after which your Android begins to behave, roughly speaking, "inadequate." Do you sometimes do spring cleaning at your home? Also here ...
But you must always remember! All installed applications, all information stored on the device will be permanently deleted! All information about user account data will also be erased!
How to Factory Reset Android Settings - 3 Ways:
Therefore, before using this method, it is better to transfer all the necessary information to a memory card, because it will remain intact. And even rewriting personal contacts into a paper diary will come in handy for the future if the device is suddenly lost or broken.
Resetting the settings, the so-called Hard Reset, will bring your device to the original state in which it was after purchasing it in the store. Clean, new, fresh ... As if he had just come out from under Papa Carlo's ax. There is nothing complicated about it, your Android will do all the main work for you, you just need to "tell" it what to do ...
Let's start resetting the settings on Android.
Method number 1
This method will be useful for those whose Android feels very bad ... If it "slows down" very much during work, so much so that it is even impossible to open the settings. Or it even "freezes" when turned on on the company logo, or even does not turn on at all. Also, the method will help you if you, for example, have forgotten what your pattern or lock code looks like.
So, we need to go into Recovery mode, and for this your device must first be completely turned off! After that, you will need to hold down a certain key combination and hold them for 10 seconds.
Keyboard shortcut for resetting your phone on Android
Depending on the device, a specific key combination will work accordingly.
- Decrease the volume + turn on the device (Volume Down + Power) - the most popular combination.
- Increase the volume + turn on the device (Volume Up + Power).
- Volume up + volume down.
- Volume up + volume down + turn on the device.
- Turning on the device + home button + volume up (Power + Home + Volume Up).
Your Android device will enter Recovery Mode. Moving is carried out using the volume buttons, and "Enter" is the power button or the context menu. If your Recovery is touch-sensitive, it will be controlled in standard mode using your fingers.
After your Android has completed all the necessary manipulations, select "Reboot System" and enjoy a clean Android system.
Some names may differ from those described above, but only slightly. In any case, it will not be difficult to figure it out.
Method number 2
This method is very simple and will suit everyone who can get to the settings of their device. We go into the settings, and look for the items "Reset settings" or "Reset settings to factory settings." Depending on the device, these items may be in different places, for example, in "Privacy Settings" or in the menu "Restore and reset". The first step is to go to the "Settings".
After you find it, click on this "Reset ...", the system will ask you if you are sure of what you want to do. Warns you that all data will be permanently deleted. You will again think carefully and click - "Erase everything ...".
Android will go through the process of uninstalling and resetting to factory settings, then automatically reboot, and again appear in front of you as if fresh from the store only without packaging.
Method number 3
Well, the last method is probably the simplest, because it does not require either searching for the desired keyboard shortcuts or searching for the desired settings. We go into the dialer (where you dial the phone number), and dial one of the following codes:
*2767*3855#
*#*#7780#*#*
*#*#7378423#*#*
After that, data collection will begin, and the information will be automatically deleted from your device.
That's all, as you can see, there is nothing complicated. However, we remind you once again that it is better not to use these methods unless absolutely necessary. Although sometimes it is useful even for prevention to carry out such a procedure, especially if you have been using your Android for a long time.
And of course, always remember that everything you do with your device is entirely your responsibility!
There is nothing catastrophically scary about completely resetting Android, especially if your phone or tablet has synchronization of your personal data enabled. A reset will delete your contacts, and most likely delete all your data in your phone or tablet memory. In other words, you will return your phone to factory settings and inside it will be like you just bought it.
As already mentioned, if you have activated the synchronization of Google or the developer of your device, then you can easily return all the data back to the device and reinstall all the games. If synchronization is not worth it, and you want to save the information before resetting, back up your mobile device data using the developer's software (Sumsung Kies, Sony PC Suite, HTC Sync, etc.). You can find it on the official website of your device developer.
Hard Reset Android
The entire procedure for a complete reset can be divided into 2 parts: Getting into the menu and selecting the desired item. Let's say right away that sometimes it turns out to launch the wrong menu. You will understand this by the absence of some points. First you need to get into the software menu of your phone or tablet.
First, take out the memory card and Sim card. Then turn off your phone.
Be sure to turn off the phone before performing any key combination. Different devices have different combinations of calling the system menu, so we will try to perform different ones until the menu appears successfully. In parentheses, we have given examples of phone and tablet manufacturers on which the combination worked. But this does not mean that in case of failure, you should not try others.
Below are the combinations. ATTENTION needed not letting go certain keys hold down the on / off key. Thus, you must hold 2-3 keys pressed for 5 seconds until the Android logo appears or some action on the phone screen.
1. Hold the Volume down + Press the power key ( Samsung, HTC, Asus, Archos)
2. Hold the Volume up + Press the power key ( Huawei, ZTE, Prestigio, Archos)
3. Hold down both sides of the Volume + key Press the power key
4. Keep the Center keyboard. + Press the power key ( Samsung, Sony)
6. Keep the Center keyboard. and Volume up + Press the power key ( Samsung, LG)
7. Clamp the two buttons on the sides under the screen + Press the power key ( Sony Ericsoon)
8. Keep the Center keyboard. and both volume buttons + Press the power key ( Samsung)
After either the Android Icon appears or some other actions begin to be performed on the screen, the pressed keys can be released.
As a result, a menu with several items in English should appear. It should be so. Let's move on to the second part of the Reset.
Now in the menu that appears, find one of the items:
Reset factory setting
wipe data / factory reset
Factory reset
WIPE DATA
Clear storage
Select the found item. Moving through the points is carried out with the volume up / down key, and the selection - with the power key.
After the selection, a small submenu may appear, where you have to press delete all user data or reboot system now. Select these items with the volume key and execute them by pressing the power key.
After selecting, the phone should reboot. I must say right away that the reboot can take a long time, the phone can be out of order from 1 to 5 minutes. This is also normal since can be considered as the first launch of the phone.
