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 factory settings; these 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 the smartphone.
When you might need to factory reset your Android phone:
- If the owner is going to sell the gadget. In this case, all confidential information that should not reach unauthorized persons will be deleted.
- When the device “freezes” and fails during the simplest operations. This usually happens due to clogged RAM, and the easiest way to clean it is this way.
- A virus has entered the system, and the antivirus program cannot remove it on its own. The only thing that will help here is a hard reset or resetting the settings to those provided by the factory with full memory formatting.
How to find Hard reset on your phone
There are several ways to use the Reset function on Android:
- Through the regular menu. It is the easiest way to do a hard factory reset; moreover, 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 are suitable with equal success for both Samsung and HTC, LG, Sony and other manufacturers of smartphones and tablets.
- By pressing hot keys in a certain combination. Suitable for devices of any brands.
- Using a computer (suitable for hard reset only by advanced users).
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 a gadget on the Android platform and avoid fatal errors, which could cause the entire system to stop working completely.
Preparing for a factory reset
In order not to lose all data and ensure optimal functioning of the mobile phone after a rollback, it is recommended to carry out preliminary preparations before the procedure:
- Copy important photos, videos and other essential information to a flash drive, PC or cloud. If this is not done, all data will be lost, and you will have to pay the specialist a lot of money for recovery.
- Fully charge the device. During the process, it will discharge if there is not enough charge, and interrupting the procedure will lead to bad consequences, including the impossibility of starting the OS. If a hard reset is performed through a computer, the amount of charge does not matter, since the phone is connected to the PC through a cord and is charged from it.
- Delete your Google account if your smartphone runs 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 must enter their last account information. Without this, it will be impossible to turn on the device, and you will have to contact service centers, which will take on the work only if they have supporting documents for the gadget.
The steps presented above 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 factory settings on Android:
- Using your Google account.
- Via PC and using ADB tools.
- Using custom Racovery.
- Through the DataSync program.
The best option is backup through an account, since full synchronization occurs in it, as a result of which the user gets easy access to backup copies. How it's done:
- Go to “Personal” and “Accounts”.
- After selecting your account, check all the boxes.
- We return to the previous step again, click on “backup” and “reset”, select data archiving and automatic recovery. We perform a full check of the work account and go to the synchronization menu, where we click on “Synchronize”.
- Login to your account. Click on reset to roll back to the previous version.
This option is only suitable for those who remember all the account information (username 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 will need a PC and a cord from your 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 previously, install it.
- In the program, select “Backup”, then “ADB Backup”.
- Find the backup menu in your device and click on it.
After completing the procedure, you only need to perform two steps to restore:
- In the program, click on “ADB Restore”.
- On your smartphone, select “Data Recovery”.
If a custom “Recovery” is installed in the OS, a complete copy of the firmware is performed, rather than creating a backup copy. What needs to be done:
- Log in to 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 transfer data from other applications. If you need to create backup copies of them, you won't 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 if it is impossible to enter a lock password or pattern. The procedure using Recovery is performed as follows:
- We activate Recovery by simultaneously pressing two keys – volume down and power off. On some gadgets, other combinations may be used: power on + “home” + volume up (for Samsung); power + volume; volume up and down buttons at once.
- When the menu opens, 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 completed, select the OS reboot option – “Reboot system now”.
Some smartphones come with individual instructions describing how to back up or restore settings on Android, and the menu options may vary slightly.
Performing Hard Reset from Fastboot mode
To reset all data on Android, there is a Fastboot utility; it can be downloaded from the developer’s official website. To install this program correctly, you must do the following:
- After installing Fastboot, unzip it to the root of drive “C”, 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 selecting “Accept license”.
Users of LG, Nexus, Huawei, HTC and Motorola brands will have to pre-unlock the program:
- By selecting the “Fastboot oem unlock” command, if the device is LG, Huawei or HTC.
- For other device manufacturers, activation is only possible by obtaining a code on the official website.
To put your 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, running as administrator, and press Enter. When the firmware is loaded, you need to do a hard reset using the commands “./fastboot erase userdata” or “./fastboot-w”. After the reset, reboot the smartphone with the “fastboot reboot” command.
other methods
There are several other rollback methods:
- Through Google's Find My Device service. Suitable for users who have lost their gadget and want to remotely delete personal information.
- Via TWRP service. It allows you to clean individual partitions rather than the entire OS.
- Using a number key combination.
In the latter case, you must enter the codes
- *#*#7378423#*#8
- *#*#7780#*#*
- *2767*3855#
- press call key
After this, the device will perform the operation and reboot. Sometimes the reboot occurs immediately after entering the final character, which is normal.
All the options presented above are the easiest to use for users without specific skills. If other problems appear after the rollback, it is recommended to contact a professional service, otherwise, with independent intervention, the likelihood of complicating the situation increases.
Conclusion
Performing a rollback is an effective way to combat phone freezing and other problems associated with RAM overload and system destabilization. You can perform a 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
Resetting an Android phone to factory settings is a procedure in which all data on the device is deleted. This process restores it to the condition it was in when it was purchased. The only thing that remains unchanged as a result is updating the operating system. This means that if you reset your Android device to factory defaults, you won't need to update the platform again.
What does it mean?
For what reason do users restore the factory settings of their Android (smartphone or tablet)?
In many ways, the reset process is similar to having your teeth professionally cleaned by a dentist. All contaminants are removed, leaving cleanliness. For this reason, a hard reset is an invaluable troubleshooting tool. However, there are several other reasons for taking such action. This is worth dwelling on in more detail.
Troubleshooting
The most common reason for resetting an Android phone to factory settings is the need to fix problems that you encounter with your smartphone that cannot be fixed. This could be anything from constant freezing to new apps appearing as default. For example, the Chrome browser stops working, becoming unbearably slow. Before you reset your Android phone to factory settings, first try rebooting it, checking your internet speed, and any other troubleshooting steps. Restoring to original settings is the option you turn to when all else fails.
Sale
Another common reason for a hard reset of a device is when it is sold or transferred to other hands. You probably don't want to hand over your smartphone or tablet without erasing all the data on it, and a factory reset is the best way to do it.
Gadget setup
The question of how to return to factory settings on Android is also relevant if you purchased a used smartphone or tablet, even if the device is already cleaned and ready for use. Unless you received the device from a close friend or family member, you should not assume that the operating system is in a completely clean state. In modern gadgets you can enter data about your payment cards and personal documents, so it is important to ensure security.
How to return to factory settings on Android?
Remember that this procedure will destroy all data on your tablet or smartphone. For this reason, it is important to back up the saved data from the device. From Android Marshmallow (6.x) onwards, your gadget should be set to automatically fall back to Google cloud storage. You can also download an app like Ultimate Backup, which is designed to manually back up your device.
How to reset settings on Android? First, go to the Settings app.
Scroll down and tap Backup & Reset under Privacy. The "Back up my data" option at the top should be set to "On". If the setting is “Off,” switch it.
Before you reset your Android, prepare your device. You need to connect it to a power source and make sure the phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network for backup. It's better to leave it like that overnight. Charge the device for at least a few hours.
Once this time has passed, click "Restore Factory Data" at the bottom of the screen to erase all data and return the gadget to like new condition. You will need to confirm your choice on the next screen.
What to do next?
How to return to factory settings on Android by completing the previous step? Your device should reboot. At this time, an indicator may appear on the screen indicating the process of deleting information. Upon completion, the operating system will restart and boot in the form in which it was configured when it was first turned on out of the box. The whole process will only take a few minutes.
If your Android device freezes or doesn't boot properly
How to return an Android phone to factory settings if it is frozen? This is where things get a little more complicated. You can perform a hardware reset by going into Android recovery mode, but unfortunately, how you can enter it depends on the brand and model of your device. This is usually triggered by holding down a specific set of keys on the device. Most devices require you to hold down the Volume Down and Power buttons, but some gadgets have completely different configurations.
Hard reset methods and procedures may vary
The procedure for resetting a device to factory settings usually involves pressing several keys. The combination of buttons you need to press will depend on the specific make and model of your phone, as well as what version of Android OS the device is currently running. For example, when using a platform distribution up to 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) OS, you may need one method; when updating the device to more modern OS versions, you may need a completely different one. Therefore, it is important to be careful. You may also need to try resetting your device a few times for it to work correctly.
Button commands to reset the phone
Why are there so many different ways to access Recovery Mode? This is not meant to confuse you. Manufacturers just want to make it difficult for users to accidentally trigger a hard reset. Since this recovery mode erases all data, it is best to put some effort into activating it rather than clicking it accidentally. Sometimes the factory settings password “Android” is also used, without entering which you will not be able to launch this action.
When you access recovery mode, use the volume keys to select the desired command. In this case, this may be the menu item “erase” or “delete” data. It may be called and “reset settings”. The exact wording may vary depending on the device manufacturer. Most devices use the power button as the Enter key, so press it after making your selection. It may take a few minutes for the reset process to complete.
Make sure your device is turned off
In most cases, performing a hard reset requires the gadget to be turned off completely. So make sure you turn off your device and don't just lock it. If your device is seriously frozen and you can't turn it off using the power button, you may need to remove the battery, count to ten, and then reinsert it.
Also, make sure that the device is not connected to a charger. Otherwise, the reset will not work.
What's important to remember?
Before you reset your Android to factory settings, be sure to consider a few facts. Remember that a hard reset is permanent and cannot be undone. It will delete all personal data and downloaded content on your phone. However, this process will not affect the contents of your memory card or anything else stored on the SIM card. Such content may include pictures, ringtones, texts, etc.
Resetting your device to factory settings usually fixes software errors, removes viruses, and so on. For this reason, try to back up your device regularly, not just when necessary. It often happens that when you need to perform a factory reset, you will no longer be able to perform a backup because the device's memory is already damaged.
A factory reset may be necessary in several cases. For example: if there is a problem with your device and you cannot solve it, or you want to sell your device and do not want your personal data to fall into the wrong hands.
Navigation
Reset Android to factory settings method 1
Before you reset your smartphone to factory settings, save all information that is important to you (contacts, photos, videos, music, etc.) to a computer or other storage device. Charge the battery to 100% and proceed to reset the settings:
- Turn off your phone
- Press and hold 3 buttons at the same time: volume up, phone power button and the button under the display
After this, the phone turns on in reset mode. A console will open in front of you.
Recovery menu
Use the volume control to select the desired items, and confirm the item with the block button:
- Wipe data/factory reset item
- Next Yes
- Reboot system now
After this, the phone will reboot for a long time. Next, a welcome message will appear on the display, where you will be asked to select a language and make all the settings that you did after purchasing the device when you first started it.
Reset Android to factory settings method 2
Before resetting Android, remove the Flash card:
- go to the “Settings” menu item
- open the “Restore and reset” section
- click “Reset settings”
- if you don’t need to save anything on the phone card, check the “Clear phone card memory” checkbox
- click “Reset phone settings”
- then “Erase everything”
IMPORTANT! Before you reset all Android data:
- open the “Settings” menu item
- Under Accounts, select Google
- click on your account (if you have one)
- make sure all important boxes are ticked
This is necessary to ensure that all data is copied to your Google account. Before resetting, synchronize the data so that it goes to your Google account.
Reset Android to factory settings method 3
Via call dial:
- *2767*3855#
- *#*#7780#*#*
You can also search Google for the required code specifically for your model.
Flashing an Android device, method 1
If the previous methods of resetting the settings did not help you, then try flashing the device. For this:
- download the firmware from the site http://4pda.ru
- On the website, open the “Forum” tab
- "Android devices" item
- select your device
- look for the required firmware
- download
Send the firmware to the root of the memory card. To do this, connect the device via a USB cable.
Copy the file to the memory card (fully charge the device). After that, proceed to the next step:
- turn off the device
- simultaneously press and hold down the display lock, power and volume up buttons
- Recovery menu opens
- select Wipe data/factory reset
- click Yes
- after that select wipe cache partition
- further Yes
- after that click advanced
- select wipe dalvik cache
- Yes again
Going back:
- click mount and storage
- here click format/system
Go back and install the firmware itself:
- click install zip from sdcard
- choose choose zip from sdcard
- open the file
- click Yes
After this, the firmware is installed. Your device reboots and the firmware is completely installed.
Android smartphone firmware method 2
Firmware is installed via the ROM Manager program. This method is only available to users who have Root rights. You can download and install the ROM Manager program on Google Play. There are 2 types of programs: free and paid. To flash the device it is enough free versions:
- download the necessary firmware via the Internet
- launch the ROM Manager program
- In the window that appears, confirm the installation of the ClockworkMod program
ClockworkMod program
First you need to make a backup. This can be done through the “Save current ROM” item. You can skip this step and go to the “Install ROM from SD card” section. This program has a “Download firmware” item, but it is only available for the paid version of ROM Manager. So:
- Click the “Install ROM from SD card” button
- then find the firmware that was downloaded to your device (the firmware must have a zip extension)
- check the box “Save current ROM”
Samsung firmware without Root rights
If you are a fan of Stock firmware and developer work, then you have an easy path ahead.
IMPORTANT! During the process, you cannot remove the phone from the computer!
Download the archive with the firmware via the website http://4pda.ru
Then download the ODIN program to your computer:
- open the program
- press the Up button and specify the path to the archive with the firmware
- next Ok
- On your smartphone, hold down 3 buttons: back, power and volume down
- then connect to the computer using the original USB cable
ODIN program
The phone will appear in the ODIN program on the right. Next, click Start if you have not changed your mind.
If all of the above methods did not help you, contact your nearest service center. Resetting settings can always be done, but it is not always possible to do it in time.
Video: Reset Android settings if the device is slow
Resetting a smartphone or tablet to factory settings is the most extreme method, but sometimes, in order to fix a problem or clean the Android OS and delete all information from the device, you need to do this.
It is important to understand that this process is irreversible, and it will delete all contact information from the device, the history of SMS and MMS correspondence, as well as all installed programs, games and information stored on the phone or tablet. The data stored on the memory card will not be deleted and will remain in its original place unless you check the box Erase Memory Card / Format SD Card when reset.
After the process of resetting Android to factory settings is completed, the device will be in the same state as you purchased it in the store, that is, the OS will be completely clean, without settings and programs.
There are several ways to do a reset on Android, let's take a closer look at them.
Method No. 1
Resetting settings using the Recovery partition
This method will be useful for users whose device either does not turn on, or the loading does not go beyond the manufacturer’s logo, or you have set a lock password or pattern and have forgotten it. Then this method is just for you.
I would like to warn you that the steps described below may not be suitable specifically for your smartphone or tablet, since in some devices the Recovery mode is not preinstalled by the manufacturer or it is in a language that is very difficult for us to understand, namely Chinese.
Step 1 Turn off your device completely. For the best effect, if possible, remove and install the battery
Step 2 Go to the Recovery menu. On your device, press and hold one of the following key combinations at the same time until Android boots into Recovery mode:
- Volume Up button and Power button
- Volume Down button and Power button
- Volume Up button, Volume Down button and Power button
- Power button, Home button and Volume Up button
- Volume Up button and Volume Down button
Navigation through the menu is carried out using the Volume Up and Volume Down keys, selection using the Power button. On some smartphones and tablets, moving up/down is Volume Down and selecting is Volume Up
Note! The procedure for launching Recovery differs for different devices and there is no guarantee that this method will work specifically for your smartphone or tablet!
Step 3 When we are in Recovery mode, select wipe data/factory reset
Step 5 Then reboot the device by selecting reboot system now
Ready! After rebooting, the smartphone and tablet will be reset to the manufacturer's factory settings.
Method No. 2
Hard Reset using the Android system itself
This method is almost the same for all devices, regardless of the manufacturer.
Step 1 Open the Settings application and select Backup and reset
Step 2 Move to the bottom of the page and select Reset settings
Step 3 Now click the Reset phone button
Step 4 We agree that all data will be erased. Click Erase everything or Delete everything
After the phone reboots, the data will be formatted and you will receive a device with default settings.
Method No. 3
Resetting settings using service commands
This method is the latest and simplest. In order to make a Hard Reset using this method, go to the Phone program and enter one of the following service codes in the dialer:
- *2767*3855#
- *#*#7780#*#* or ####7780####
- *#*#7378423#*#* or ####7378423####
Unfortunately, although these are universal combinations, they may not suit you, it all depends on the device manufacturer.
That's all! Now, if problems arise with your device, you can easily reset Android to factory settings and within a few minutes get a completely stable working smartphone or tablet. You should not have any difficulties or problems performing this operation.
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If your Android-based smartphone begins to glitch and freeze, do not rush to take it to a service center or perform warranty repairs. Perhaps this problem can be solved with a banal hard reset. In this case, all system settings will be restored to factory settings, and all contacts, installed applications, messages, etc. will also be deleted.
What is a hard reset and why is it needed?
A complete reset of Android settings to factory defaults is called a hard reset. It is recommended to do this if the smartphone does not work stably (it often freezes, glitches, etc.). It can be done in three different ways, each of which will now be discussed. Before starting a hard reset, do not forget to back up all your data.
You can make a complete copy of all smartphone data using the program.
Android software reset method
It consists of using a standard function that is in the settings of any Android system. To use it, you need to go to “Settings”, then select “Backup and reset” and click “Reset settings”. After this, a warning will be displayed about deleting all existing data, and at the bottom there will be a confirmation button “Reset phone settings”.
You need to confirm the selected action by clicking the “Erase everything” button.
In some older versions of Android below version 2.1, finding the factory reset may be slightly different. It could be found in the “Privacy” - “Data Reset” section.
Method without applying settings, using code
To do this, dial *2767*3855# in the number entry menu. This will lead to an immediate, complete restoration of the smartphone’s settings without any additional confirmation from the user.
Resetting Android settings when the smartphone does not respond
Sometimes there are cases when the gadget does not respond to any commands. In this case, you may need the third reset method. When you turn on Android, simultaneously hold down three buttons: “Power”, “Home” and “Volume Down”. This combination should be held until the “ ” mode appears. In it, select the “Wipe” section (which means a complete reset) and confirm your choice by pressing the “Home” button.
After a hard reset, you may be tempted to restore your Android from a backup. However, this should be done with great caution - after all, perhaps the problem that caused the problem lay in previous settings or in one of the installed applications. Therefore, it is better not to take risks, but to set up your smartphone as new by entering your Google account information. After this, contacts, mails, etc. will be synchronized with your smartphone. You can install the necessary applications yourself from PlayMarketa.
Fans of alternative firmware for Android should remember that a full reset does not affect areas that store installed additional firmware. This means that any mods and changes to the operating system software will not be deleted from the phone's memory. A similar fact should be taken into account if a complete restoration is performed, for example, in order to return the gadget under warranty.
In addition, a full reset does not affect the contents of the memory card. You will have to delete the information from it yourself. However, remember that any deletion with the “Delete” command is easily reversible, and if there is confidential data, it is better to take additional care of the card.