Factory Reset an Android Device | iProVPN (2024)

Any data on an Android phone, including contacts, pictures, apps, and more, will be erased upon factory reset. You have to make a backup of your device first if you don’t want to erase anything.

In the sections that follow, we have listed and explained some of the simplest techniques. Continue reading to find out how to hard reset your Android phone.

Before You Let Go

Not just advertising businesses and cyberattacks value your info. Since it essentially defines your life, you wouldn’t want to lose it.

Follow these ten guidelines before erasing your data;

1. Store an online or physical backup.
2. Sync your data with your new device by using apps.
3. Log out from every account.
4. Change the main device you use to access your social media or banking accounts.
5. Modify the two-factor authentication (2FA) on your device.
6. Disconnect your gadget from other intelligent gadgets.
7. Take out any microSD or memory cards.
8. Disconnect your device from Google, Microsoft, and iCloud services.
9. Disconnect all wearables.
10. Remove the gadget from your list of trusted gadgets.

To put it briefly, you want to remove any connections to your accounts, network, and other devices while simultaneously transferring and keeping your important data.

You are now prepared to factory reset your phone.

What Is A Factory Reset?

An electronic device can be returned to its original factory settings by performing a factory reset, sometimes referred to as a hard reset or full reset. All user data, settings, and programs that have been added to the device since it was first made are deleted during this procedure. In essence, it puts the gadget back in its “straight out of the box” condition.

Factory resets are frequently carried out to solve problems with a device, erase personal information before selling or gifting the device, or just start over with a blank slate. It is vital to remember that a factory reset will erase all personal data, including installed apps, contacts, messages, and images. For this reason, you should make a backup of any critical data before starting the reset.

Why Would You Reset An Android Phone?

There are several reasons your Android device can benefit from a factory reset. For instance, unneeded files, cache, and program clutter can build up on your phone and affect its functionality. Malware that you can’t remove may be affecting your device. You can get rid of these problems and return your device to its initial configuration by performing a factory reset. A factory reset guarantees your data is erased, protecting your privacy, if you intend to sell or give away your smartphone.

Explore And Try Different Alternatives

Imagine that your Android smartphone is behaving strangely, being a little slow, or being obstinate. First, think about these options before grabbing the factory reset button:

Shut Down Every Android App:

Occasionally, a single malicious program is enough to completely mess up your device. Closing all open apps is the first step to take if your Android device is performing slowly. Look through the list and keep an eye out for any unusual or infrequently used programs that might be the source of the problem.

Clear The Android Cache:

Cache, or those temporary files that make things work better, is what your device uses. On the other hand, performance may suffer from an excess of caching. Get your Android back to life by removing any outdated or superfluous files that may be creating issues.

Reboot Your Android Device:

This is a simple fix that frequently goes unnoticed: just restart your device. Your phone may be causing the lag if it has been operating nonstop without a restart. Holding down the power button while choosing the “Restart” option will restart it.

Remember To Have A Backup:

Your smartphone is a reliable companion that can store an extensive variety of files, including games, emails, notes, and images. Make sure your important data is securely backed up before you consider doing a factory reset. Think about taking these actions:

• Export or sync your contacts to the cloud.
• Establish automated photo and video backups using a cloud service
• Export information from habit trackers and other vital apps.
• Consider backing up your browser’s bookmarks to a different device.
• Remember to back up your passwords; you’ll be glad you did.

Detailed Instructions For Performing A Factory Reset On An Android Device

Note: Since a factory reset is irreversible, always make a backup copy of any crucial data before moving further.

How To Factory Reset Your Android Device Using Settings?

Here are the things to take if your device is working and you can access the settings:

• Use the notifications panel or app drawer to access the device settings.
• Navigate to the System section and choose either Backup & Reset or Reset.
• Select Phone Reset > Factory Data Reset. Verify your selection and provide any passwords or PINs that may be needed.
• The reset will finish, and your device will resume.

How To Factory Reset Your Android Device Using Recovery Mode?

You can utilize recovery mode if your device is having problems that keep it from booting up normally:

• Switch off the device.
• To enter recovery mode, press and hold the relevant button combination, which differs depending on the device.
• To access Wipe Data/Factory Reset, use the volume buttons. Then, to confirm, press the power button.
• Verify once more and permit the gadget to reset.
• After everything is finished, choose Reboot System Now.

How To Factory Reset Your Android Device When It’s Locked?

An Android factory reset is still possible even if your phone is locked. Here’s how to do it:

• To turn off your device, press and hold the power button.
• To access the recovery mode, long-press the corresponding buttons. It’s often the volume up/down and power buttons on most gadgets.
• Use the volume buttons to browse between “Factory Reset” and “Wipe Data/Factory Reset.”
• Press the button for confirmation.
• After the reset is complete, tap “Reboot System Now.”

How To Factory Reset Your Android With Physical Buttons?

Here’s how to manually reset your phone to factory defaults using the physical buttons on the phone:

• Turn off the device you are using.
• Press and hold both the volume and power buttons at the same time. Your Android smartphone will determine this.
• Let go of the buttons as soon as your phone restarts and the device logo appear.
• Doing so will put you in recuperation mode.
• Using the volume buttons as a guide, choose “Factory Reset” or “Wipe Data/Factory Reset.”
• To be sure, press the power button.
• Verify once more.
• Permit the device to reset.
• After finishing, select “Reboot System Now.”

How To Factory Reset An Android If It Does Not Boot?

It will be much simpler to reset your smartphone to its factory settings if you have access to it. However, what happens if your device doesn’t load? If the device isn’t loading, try starting “Recovery mode” once more.

You must turn off your device and simultaneously press the power and volume down buttons, just like in the previous step. Choose “Wipe data/factory reset” when in “Recovery mode,” then press the power button to confirm.

Factory Resetting Older Android Devices

• Launch the Settings application.
• If your Android device is older than version 5.0, use this technique. You can verify your Android version if necessary.
• After swiping down, select Backup & Reset. Depending on the device and Android version, it can be found in the Personal or Privacy section of the menu.
• Factory data reset on Tap. It is located near the menu’s bottom.
• Press the Phone Reset button. Your phone will be formatted exactly as it was when it left the manufacturer after the reset is finished.
• Type the passcode for your screen lock. You’ll be prompted to enter your phone’s pattern, PIN, or passcode if it has a screen lock enabled.
• Press Delete to make sure. This will reset the phone to its factory default configuration and wipe all of its data immediately. The procedure can take a few minutes.

Conclusion

If you decide to enter Recovery Mode, keep in mind that before you can use your freshly reset Android, you’ll need to log in using the Gmail account connected to your smartphone.

No matter what happens, you can easily conduct a factory reset on your Android device by knowing these techniques. Your Android will soon be prepared for a new chapter, whether it’s a straightforward refresh or a mission to rescue a locked device.

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