Many situations can lead to the need to reset the Android system settings, for example: frequent freezes of the device, the Android system cannot boot, or the gadget unlock password is lost. "Hard Reset" is a radical solution to return your device to working condition.
Looking ahead, I note that "Hard Reset" deletes data only from the device's memory, without affecting the SD memory card, although there is option 2 that allows you to affect it too.
Attention!!! All contacts, installed applications, messages, etc. will be deleted. It is highly recommended to back up your phone data before starting the reset operation! One way to back up is.
Option 1. Recovery Mode
Turn off the device and boot into Recovery Mode by holding several keys together. Each manufacturer has its own buttons assigned:
- "+" on the volume rocker and the "ON / OFF" button;
- "-" on the volume rocker and the "ON / OFF" button;
- Volume "+" and "-" together and the "ON / OFF" button;
- Volume "+" and "-" together, home key and ON / OFF button;
- In Chinese devices, hold down the volume key and plug in the charger.
The volume up / down buttons move up and down the recovery menu, and the command is selected using the ON / OFF button. In recent devices, control in "Recovery Mode" can be normal (touch).
Select "wipe data / factory reset" and confirm the system reset by selecting "Yes - delete all user data". When the wipe completes, select the "reboot system now" option.
It will be a little more difficult to see the reset on Chinese phones. For example, in "iconBIT NetTAB Mercury XL" or clone "Samsung Galaxy S4 GT-I9500" recovery menu in Chinese. If you have the same situation, the picture below shows the Russian translation of the "Recovery Mode" menu.
To navigate the menu, use only the "-" volume key, because the "+" key is used to return one level up. Press the ON / OFF button to select the highlighted command.
To run a full reset of Android settings in Chinese phones, you need to select the 6th item. The funny thing is, after the selection, the command will be executed without confirmation.
After a few minutes of waiting, your Android device will boot up as if it was first launched after purchase, possibly with a request to add a Google account.
Option 2. Recovery and reset
In the Android settings, you can see an item such as "Restore and Reset". It is designed to reset the system settings and restore from a backup saved on the Internet.
Click on the "Factory data reset" option.
Scroll down and optionally check the "Clear phone memory - card" option to delete personal data from your SD card such as photos, music and other user data. Click on the "Reset phone settings" button.
User data will be deleted and factory data restored.
Android is the most demanded operating system today. This system is very easy to use, affordable and convenient. Thanks to Android, you can get the opportunity to use various programs and applications on the Internet. This makes a person's life more varied and interesting, and often also helps in work. Those owners of mobile devices who use them very actively, constantly download something, sooner or later may face the problem of running out of memory on the phone and on the flash drive, because of this, the phone malfunctions, it happens that the phone freezes and does not immediately perform the actions that the owner requires of him.
To overcome various difficulties in the operation of the phone, the owner often turns to private traders, service centers and related services, who promise to deal with errors in the operation of a mobile device. These services cost a lot of money, and the result will not necessarily be good. It is necessary to spend not only money on this procedure, but also time. If the repairmen did not cope, then an appeal to another center follows, which may also end up not in the best way.
In order not to spend money on repairing a mobile device, you can try to deal with the errors that have arisen in its operation on your own. This requires Internet access and free time. In the android operating system, there is the concept of "wipe", in translation it means "Wipe". After completing the sequence of some actions, you can reset the settings in the mobile device. You can make a partial "wipe", or you can make a full one. Partial "wipe" deletes only a specific folder, and full wipe completely formats all data in the section. To carry out formatting, you can apply 2 methods. 1. Normal boot from the Recovery menu; 2. Loading from the settings menu.
The second method is pretty straightforward. You need to go to the "Settings" menu, and then find "Restore and reset" there. Next, a submenu should open, in which there will be a line "Return to factory settings", then click "Reset settings". There will also be an item "Clear SD-card", the user, if desired, can use this item in order to delete the list of installed programs. These programs are deleted both from a mobile device and from a flash drive.
The first method is more complex. It involves deleting various data from Recovery. You can use wipe data / factory resert to remove data from partitions such as data and cache. If you use the first formatting method, then videos, pictures and music will be saved, but absolutely all programs, as well as their folders, will be deleted. The first method is very convenient to use if there are errors in the Android system that interfere with fruitful work. Wipe dalvik cache is used if there are malfunctions with various programs. Wipe dalvik cache is used if you want programs with a lot of different data to remain in the system. For fruitful removal of everything unnecessary from the Android system, you can use wipe data / factory resert. Additional formatting methods can be applied through the mounts and storage menu. Using mounts and storage, you can reset any section of the Android operating system.
If the owner of the mobile device could not figure out how to implement wipe on his own, then it would be more expedient to turn to professionals. Making changes to any of the sections of Android on your own and not competently can further worsen the performance of your mobile device. Professionals will be able to correct the operation of a smartphone or phone in a better quality, which will make it possible to make various downloads of programs and applications via the Internet correctly and without errors.
FULL WIPE is a complex operation on mobile devices, which includes a complete wipe of user data, formatting all sections of the built-in memory. Includes a series of sequentially executed commands ( wipe dalvik-cache + format system + format cache + format / data + wipe cache partition + wipe data / factory reset + wipe battery stats). On devices running Android OS, such an operation can be launched from the Recovery menu, it helps to avoid conflicts that often arise between different firmwares. Strictly speaking, Full Wipe removes all tails left over from the previous firmware.
As a result of this action, all programs, application and user data, settings are deleted from the device. Actually, even the operating system itself is erased, therefore, without having a file with an image of the new firmware, it is strictly not recommended to start this operation. It is better to perform a full backup of the working system before Full Wipe in case the new firmware does not want to function normally. When you erase the operating system, only the external flash drive remains unaffected, with the exception of the .android_secure system folder, in which Android stores applications moved to the memory card.
Full Wipe on android
So, in order to perform Full Wipe, you need to select in turn the following items in the Recovery menu and then answer in the affirmative to the confirmation request. Navigation through the Recovery menu items is carried out using the volume down or volume up buttons, and the selection is done with the Power button. Let's take a closer look at each operation that is sequentially performed with Full Wipe.
1. wipe data / factory reset- deletion of all settings and user data. This clears the / cash and / data sections located in the built-in memory of the gadget, the android_secure folder (storage of applications transferred to the flash drive). This operation is in many ways similar to the analogous Hard Reset function, which is performed on WinMo, although there are some differences. On Android Factory Reset only clears the specified sections, and the firmware itself remains intact. At the same time, if the user out of inexperience or intentionally violated any system functions (for example, deleted some system files), a factory reset will not help restore the lost capabilities - this can be done exclusively by flashing.
On WinMo, however, Hard Reset not only clears all memory, but also rolls in a new firmware, replacing the old one, that is, it completely updates the device system to the "just off the counter" state.
2. wipe cache partition- clearing the cache memory (partition / cache), which serves to speed up access to frequently used files. This is a kind of buffer that allows you to increase the speed of the device.
3. format / data- clearing all user data and settings. This also includes all settings for any installed or previously removed programs, if for some reason their data was not cleared immediately.
4. format / cache- clearing the cache section.
5. format / system- complete cleaning of the system partition, which leads to the deletion of the operating system files (erases it). It should be borne in mind that after performing this operation, the device will not be able to work until the new firmware is installed. When cleaning the system partition, only the factory Recovery menu remains working.
6. wipe dalvik-cache- deleting .dex files. These files are created by the system automatically for all installed applications and are used during their work. It happens that these files are not compatible with the new version of the application - in this case, conflicts may arise. Deleting these files will cause them to be re-created the next time the OS boots, which will eliminate possible problems.
7. wipe battery stats- deleting battery statistics stored in the batterystats.bin file. The operation helps to re-calibrate the battery. It is best to perform this operation when the battery is at 100% charge. According to Google developers, this file serves only to display statistics on battery consumption and does not affect the duration of the device.
8. format / boot- cleaning the OS kernel.
In this article, we will look at how to properly perform a factory reset or wipe on Android. What types of reset are there and other various nuances.
Reset settings, Hard reset, Wipe - these are all synonyms (the same thing) that mean a partial or complete reset of all data and settings.
Why do you need to perform a factory reset?
A factory reset cleans Android of your data and programs and may be needed for various reasons:
- If Android does not work correctly and fatal errors often occur
- After getting Root rights Android
- After firmware (switching from original to custom firmware, OS update)
- In order not to disseminate personal data (when the device is resold and transferred to other hands)
In the Android ecosystem reset it is customary to call - wipe... The English word Wipe [wipe] - wipe, wipe. For many, the familiar word in this case would be formatting or format. So remember, Wipe in Android is a factory reset, formatting!
Types of wipe on Android
Wipe on Android can be divided into full and partial:
- Full Wipe- completely deletes all data on the partition.
- Partial Wipe- deletes a specific directory (folder) on the partition.
What modes can you perform Wipe on Android
How to do wipe on Android
Performing a factory reset from the settings menu
Go to the settings menu and find the menu " Recovery and Reset " and go into it:
In the menu you can (if necessary) mark " Clear SD card "—This will erase the data on the memory card and internal memory, as well as all programs and their data!
Performing a factory reset using a hardware reset button
To reset, take a thin paperclip and unfold it. Hold the reset button with a paper clip for 15-30 seconds. Then the Android settings are reset.
Wipe on Android from the Recovery menu
Wipe can be performed from both standard Recovery and custom recovery. Executing Wipe from the Recovery menu is more flexible in terms of capabilities than from the settings menu.
Executing Wipe from Standard Recovery
In standard Recovery, you can perform 2 types of factory reset.
- wipe data / factory reset- will delete data from the DATA and CACHE sections and the folder in the internal memory with program data. With a given wipe delete all your programs their data, Personal settings,.
- Wipe cache- delete temporary data of program activities, this reset is needed if you sometimes have errors on Android!
Executing Wipe from Custom Recovery
Custom Recovery also has the same items as the standard one.
If problems persist, then it is worth making a WIPE DATA / FACTORY RESET!
Also in custom recovery there is an extra. reset options, for this it is worth going to the MOUNTS AND STORAGE menu. Here you have the option to wipe to any Android section. 
From the Bootloader menu via the Fastboot utility
It is also possible to execute wipe through the Bootloader menu, using the fastboot utility for flashing Android devices. It looks like this:
fastboot erase cache
More information about wipe on Android
This information is for those who want to know more about wipe.
The intricacies of running Wipe on Android
Many people are faced with the question of when to wipe? Before or after firmware? It is better to perform it before flashing, as many firmwares can have an automatic reboot function built in after installing the firmware! If the firmware contains files that are uploaded to the data section, then it is worth checking how the system will behave, if it boots, well, if not, then run wipe data.
The intricacies of running Wipe on Android 2
From personal observations, I noticed the following feature, in the popular custom firmware CyanogenMod (LinageOS) there is a script that is executed during installation from the recovery menu. This script first backs up the system files (system section) before the firmware and restores after. Because of this script, sometimes errors can occur and wander, from firmware to the next firmware. Therefore, if you use LinageOS firmware or you know that there is a script in the updater-script that performs this backup, then it is better to do the format system before the firmware.
That's all, stay with the site!
A wipe (wipe - to wipe, wipe) in the Android system is called a factory reset. This process is also called "formatting" or "hard reset". Why do I need to reboot on android?
The fact is that after this action, the device will be completely cleared of the preinstalled programs, and will help get rid of the following problems:
- Possible failure of work as a result of obtaining root rights;
- Incorrect functioning and the appearance of system errors;
- Deterioration of performance as a result of operating system updates;
- Malfunctions due to flashing, i.e., after switching from original to bone-based firmware;
- Deleting all personal data (hard reset) during the pre-sale preparation of the device.
Types of "reset" on Android
Hard reset on android can be roughly divided into two types:
- Full (aka hard reboot on android) - deleting all programs and data on the device itself, or in any of the selected sections.
- Partial - removes a specific folder (directory).
Ways to execute wipe
You can run Android wipe from the following modes:
- Settings menu: go to the settings menu, then "restore" and "reset", tick the "clear SD card" checkbox (data stored on the memory card, programs and files are deleted, information will also be deleted from the phone's memory).
- Using the "reset" button located on the device (if the presence is provided by the manufacturer): using a paper clip (or a similar object), hold down the reset button and hold it for 15-30 seconds (the settings are reset to factory settings).
- Recovery menu: to get into the recovery menu, turn off the power, hold down the "home" key and the volume rocker to increase, simultaneously with the "power on" button. Important: different devices may have different key combinations. We move through any menu by decreasing or increasing the volume, and the choice of actions is carried out by pressing the “power” key (turning on). In addition, it is possible to use a PC and the ADB program, which is universal for all devices. First, enable USB debugging.
a) In the standard Android recovery menu: select Wipe data / factory reset, then “Wipe cache partition”, reboot the smartphone (Reboot system now);
b) In the Recovery CWM menu (or similar):
- Partial Wipe (in the case of a "glitch" of some program), with the preservation of all data or programs: "Wipe cache partition", then "Advanced", then "Wipe Dalvick Cache", finally reboot, or reboot on android
- Full Wipe or hard reset android (removing all programs and their data): select "Wipe data / factory reset", then "Wipe cache partition", and reboot the smartphone (Reboot system now). The content is saved.
Wipe through recovery
Now directly about wipe through the recovery. In the classic version of Android recovery, two types of reset are available:
To delete all data stored in DATA or CACHE sections and folders containing program data. In this way, we permanently remove all applications along with the root directories and personal settings, but keep the media files (image, video, music).
Wipe cache - erase temporary information about the operation of programs and applications. This action is mandatory in the event of a malfunction in the functioning of the system.
And if all else fails? Do not blame the fact that "hands do not grow from there", you just need to perform "WIPE DATA / FACTORY RESET". In this case, it is possible to make wipe applicable to any section of the system.
And the last, fourth mode from which you can run the wipe is the Bootloader menu, but in this case you need to use the fastboot tools.
Additional information about wipe on Android
Often on sites that publish information about android, you can find instructions for flashing, as well as getting root-rights. These guides instruct you to perform a factory reset as follows: wipe data, wipe cache, wipe dalvik cache, format data... However, this is a frankly incorrect recommendation, because it does not reveal the full structure of the recovery menu and speaks of ignorance of the file structure of the Android system. The wipe data / factory reset action removes the data partition holding the dalvik cache directory. This means that performing some manipulations will be completely unnecessary. The fact is that wipe and format are terms that have the same meaning, for example, the system / xbin section does not contain format files, but the wipe file is there.
Some of the nuances of performing a wipe on Android
Often users are faced with a dilemma: when is the factory reset, before flashing the device, or after? The answer lies on the surface - of course before flashing, because any firmware usually has a built-in function that automatically reboots the system after the installation has been completed.
If the firmware in the section " data"There are uploaded files" wipe", We look at how the system will perform its functions after loading, if it is bad, then we execute" wipe data».
And a little more information about the intricacies.
Many experts agree that the focus of CYanogenMod custom firmware can be called a script - part of the installation from the recovery menu, which initially backs up the system files, and after flashing it restores them. As a result, errors may occur. Therefore, if you decide to use this firmware, then first run the format system.
That, in fact, is all that we wanted to tell, we very much hope that our information was useful.
