Every Android smartphone has a recovery mode that allows you to erase all data from the internal memory of the smartphone and return to factory settings. Nevertheless, this method not always effective.
If you were unable to perform a hard reset (aka factory reset) through recovery mode ( Recovery mode), Google provided special utility team Android strings Debug Bridge to access mobile device and execution of certain commands through the computer. So you can do a factory reset via your computer.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that ADB commands to reset settings via computer are intended for experienced users. But, if you read our instructions carefully, you should not have any problems.
Instructions: How to reset settings via computer?
Step 1
Go to the Android developers website and download the Android System Development Kit. Click right click mouse over the ZIP archive and select "Extract All". Click the Browse button and select the C:\Program Files directory.
Step 2
Go to the folder where the files were extracted and press "F2" to rename it. Give the folder a simple name, such as "AndroidADT".
Step 3
Right-click on "My Computer" and select "Properties". Click on the "Advanced System Settings" option and in the "Advanced" window, click on the "Environment Variables" button.
Step 4
In the System Variables window, select the Path option and click the Edit button. When the window for editing system variables opens, scroll to the very end and write the path to the archive that you unpacked earlier (“;C:\Program Files\AndroidADT\sdk\platform-tools\”) (without quotes). Make sure you add a semicolon at the beginning of the path. Click "OK" to save your changes.
Step 5
Hover over the top right corner of the screen and click the Search button. Write "cmd" in the search field and click on the program icon in the search results to launch the window command line.
Step 6 
Turn on your smartphone and connect it to the computer's USB port. Write "adb shell" and press "Enter". When ADB connects to the mobile device, write “--wipe_data” and press “Enter”. Your phone will reboot into recovery mode and automatically reset to factory settings.
Now you know how to reset settings via a computer.
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 irreversible and it will remove all contact information, history of SMS and MMS correspondence, as well as all installed programs, games and information stored on your 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 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 do 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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There are a number of reasons why you might need to factory reset your phone. Android control. Perhaps your device is overloaded with applications and has begun to work slower than usual (we have given several reasons in this article), or you have installed latest update and this caused problems with some functions of the smartphone or it stopped loading altogether. Or maybe you want to do a factory reset because you're selling your phone (if that's the case, we recommend you check out this article where we show you how).
There are at least two simple ways return the phone to factory settings and today we will tell you about them.
Given the wide variety of phones available on Android, we will give an example of how you can do a reset on Pixel-like devices (the interface of which is identical to the Google Pixel or not much changed), such as Nokia, Motorola, OnePlus or devices of the line Android One. Specifically, in our case, it shows what actions need to be performed on OnePlus phones with the OxygenOS shell. On Xiaomi smartphones, Samsung, Meizu and others, all the steps below may be slightly different, but at the same time have a similar algorithm.
How to restore your phone to factory settings from the settings menu
The easiest way to restore your phone to factory settings is through the settings menu. The location of this item may vary slightly depending on the phone you are using, but once you find the Reset Data menu, you are on the right track.
On OnePlus, to reset data from the settings menu you will need:
- Go to your phone’s “Settings”
- Find and open the “System” section
- Go to “Data reset”
- Select “Delete all data (reset to factory settings)”
- Optionally, check “Delete the contents of the built-in memory”
- Click on the “Reset phone settings” button
- Click on the “Erase everything” button
How to restore your phone to factory settings via recovery mode
If your phone is having problems after updating or has a problem that prevents the device from booting into the system, you will be able to perform a factory reset by going into recovery mode. On many devices, to enter recovery you need to turn off the phone and then simultaneously hold down the Power button and the Volume Down key. In some cases, you need to hold down the Volume Up key together with the Power button. On Google Pixel, Motorola and other smartphones, you must first go to bootloader mode and select recovery mode from there.
On OnePlus, to reset data from recovery mode you will need:
- Reboot your phone into recovery mode
- Enter PIN/password/pattern
- Select language
- Go to the “Wipe data and cache” section
- Select “Reset system settings” only to reset the settings or “Erase everything(Music, pics, etc)” to delete all data from the phone
- Confirm the action by selecting “This can not be undone, continue?”
- Then click "done"
- Wait until the operation is completed and agree to reboot the smartphone by selecting “Reboot”
On different devices, as mentioned above, the steps may vary, but the principle is the same everywhere - reboot the phone into recovery mode, select data reset from the menu and reboot the phone.
After some time, the device will reboot and you can begin initial setup phone (by the way, we advise you to read), and all data will be deleted.
As you can see, there is nothing difficult in returning the phone to its factory state. In this case it is advisable to do backups all necessary user data and only then proceed to reset the settings.
Hard Reset, also known as Hard Reset, is done in two main ways. Regardless of the method you choose, take care backup personal information, and also remove the memory card from the tablet and, just in case, a SIM card, if any.
1. Using the menu (if the tablet turns on)
If the tablet is fully operational, the pattern key is not locked, and you have the opportunity to get into the settings, be sure to use this method to do a Hard Reset (hard reset) and reset the user settings to factory settings.
1. All you need to do is go to the settings and find the item Recovery and reset.
2. Then you need to select the item Reset settings.
4. As a result, Android will issue a final warning that you want to destroy everything and will not be able to restore anything. If you haven't changed your mind, choose a team Erase everything.
5. The tablet will reboot, and to show you the full depth of the process, you will see a screensaver of atoms and molecules spinning in the belly of the Android robot.
6. This is normal, after a couple of minutes the screensaver will disappear, the tablet will start with factory settings and applications, as if you had just brought it from the store.
2. Through the Recovery menu (if the tablet does not turn on)
If a software failure occurs in the tablet, it stops starting, it’s “eternally loading”, or the device is locked graphic key- you have only one way out - get into Recovery mode, i.e. recovery mode. The Recovery menu can only be accessed when the tablet is turned off. To do this, use a special combination of simultaneously or sequentially pressed physical buttons on the tablet, which are located on the device body. Typically this is the volume rocker +/-, the power button, and/or the Home key. The general procedure is as follows:
1. Turn off the tablet. The battery must be fully charged. If you are not sure about fully charged, or a weak battery, it is better to carry out all manipulations by connecting the tablet to the network
2. Press and hold the key combination (examples of such combinations for your device model will be below), and wait until the Recovery mode opens
3. Navigate through the menu using the volume rocker (in some tablets it is possible touch control). Choosing a team wipe data/factory reset(translation: erase base/reset settings to factory settings). To do this, you need to press with your finger if the control is touch-sensitive, or with the power key, which in this case serves as a button OK.
5. After this, you must give the reboot command. To do this, select the item reboot system now(translation: reboot the system now)
6. The tablet will think for a while, all data and settings will be erased, and it will turn on itself.
It is worth noting that each tablet manufacturer sets its own set of keys to access Recovery menu, therefore, only general methods relevant for different brands of devices were collected.
Attention! In the descriptions of options for how to get into Recovery, I will mention that the reset is carried out according to a standard, general procedure, or according to a preparation. This means that you will need to use the blank with the photo described above.
How to do a Hard Reset on tablets from different manufacturers:
1) Samsung
Method No. 1
- At the same time, press the buttons: “Home” - the central button, the volume key “+”, and the power key.
- We wait a couple of seconds for the Samsung logo to appear, then we wait for Recovery mode to start.
- Release the previously held keys.
- Using the volume +/- keys, go to the wipe datafactory reset line. To select an item, briefly press the power key. Next we do everything according to the preparation.
Method number 2, if there is no Home button, or when the key combination does not work
- Press and hold two keys: volume down “-” and power
- As soon as you see the Samsung logo, you can release the Power key. At the same time, hold the volume button. When a recumbent Android appears with an exclamation mark, you can release the button
- We do a Hard Reset (hard reset) according to the standard procedure
2) Asus
Method No. 1
- Press the power and volume down buttons at the same time
- Release the keys when the recovery menu appears
- In the menu, look for the Factory Reset line, select it using the power button. We are waiting for the operation to complete and the tablet to reboot.
Method No. 2
- Press and hold the power key and volume down rocker at the same time
- Wait until small text appears at the top of the screen, then release the keys
- As soon as you see the words Wipe Data, immediately press the volume key once (the main thing is to do this without delay). We are waiting for a reboot and using it.
3) Lenovo
Method No. 1
- It is necessary to simultaneously hold down two more keys - volume control (i.e. press the rocker in the middle) and hold for several seconds
- Then simply release these buttons and make a single press on the volume down or up rocker
- We look for the Wipe data/Factory reset item, select it with the power key, and wait until the reset process is completed.
Method No. 2
- Press the Power key until you feel a slight vibration
- Immediately after this, you need to quickly press the volume up key several times (it may not work the first time)
- The Recovery menu will appear, then we reset according to the standard procedure
Method No. 3
- Press and hold the volume and power keys at the same time
- We release only when the Lenovo logo appears
- When you wait for the recovery menu to load, follow the standard procedure according to the template
4) Prestigio
Method #1 (works in most cases)
- Press the volume rocker up and the power button at the same time
- Release when the Android logo appears
- After recovery appears, perform a standard reset
Method No. 2
- Press and hold the volume down rocker together with the power key.
- Wait until the tablet starts up, after which you can release the power button, do not release the volume rocker
- When the recumbent Android appears, release the key and immediately press the volume rocker all the way. (That is, decreasing and increasing the volume at the same time). If nothing happens, repeat the procedure again until it works
- If you're lucky, you'll get to the Recovery menu, and then everything is as usual
5) Texet
Method No. 1
- The volume up rocker “+” must be pressed simultaneously with the power button
- When the tablet responds with vibration, you can release the power rocker and continue to hold the volume button
- As soon as the menu appears, you can release the button
- Further according to the standard
Method No. 2
- Press and hold the Home key at the same time as the Power button
- When the Android logo appears, release the Power key and press it for a couple more seconds. Then press the volume key
- Next, we reset according to the template
Method No. 3
- Press and hold the Home and Power/Lock buttons at the same time. Release “Power” after a couple of seconds, while continuing to hold the “Home” key
- When you see the Recovery menu, you can release the button and perform a reset according to the standard template.
6) Sony
Method No. 1
- The power and volume up keys must be pressed simultaneously
- As soon as the screen turns on, release the power button while simultaneously holding down the entire volume key
- After the menu appears, the button can be released, and then the standard procedure
Method No. 2 (for tablets with a Reset button)
- Connect your tablet via charger to the network, and wait until the green power indicator, which is located near the device’s power button, lights up
- On the case we find a hole with a Reset button, and press it with a thin object, such as a paper clip
- When the screen is turned off, press and hold “Power” for a couple of seconds
- Before the tablet starts to turn on, press the volume up button several times in a row
- When the recovery menu appears, do a factory reset
7) Huawei
Method No. 1
- Press and hold the Power and Down buttons at the same time for about 10 seconds until the menu appears
- We reset the workpiece
Method No. 2
- Press the volume button in the middle, followed by the power button. At the same time, do not release the volume rocker
- Hold for up to 10 seconds until the Android screensaver appears. At this time, you need to release the power key, but the volume button must remain pressed
- As soon as the image of the Android robot with gears appears, move your finger press from the center of the volume rocker to increase it
- Release the button only when the green loading bar appears
- Next, all you need to do is observe the process. When everything is demolished and the hard reset is performed, the tablet will restart.
8) Ainol
- Press and hold two buttons at the same time: power and volume rocker
- You will see a green robot on the display - the buttons can be released
- After this, the Recovery menu should appear. If a miracle does not happen, press the power button once, or “Home”
- Further everything is according to the standard.
9) On Chinese tablets (including noname)
There are so many tablets made in China that it is simply impossible to describe all the options on how to get to the recovery menu. Try to try all the methods described above on your tablet - one will do anyway.
Also note that most Chinese devices simply do not have Recovery mode. All you can do in this case is to find the firmware for your tablet or a program for it, as well as instructions for it, and. Fill your tablet with pure Android and it will work again.
How to do a Hard Reset on a tablet without volume keys
There are devices that nature has deprived of a volume rocker. General Tips in this situation:
- At random, try to get into recovery mode by holding down “Power” and “Home” with the tablet turned off. For example, hold down two buttons at the same time and wait. Or this: hold down the “Home” button. At the same time, press (but do not hold) the power button once, then release the “Home” key. When the Android splash screen appears, press the “Home” button again.
- Even if you manage to get into Recovery, there is a problem with navigating the menu. Is being decided USB connection keyboard via OTG cable.
- If you still can’t get into recovery mode, the most clumsy option is to reflash the tablet.
Please note that this article is not exhaustive information on all tablet models. Therefore, if you do not find the manufacturer of your tablet in the list, try all the keyboard shortcuts described above, perhaps some method will be suitable for your device. If you still haven’t managed to get into Recovery mode, write the model of your tablet in the comments, and we’ll try to help if possible.
There are several ways to restore your phone to factory settings. The most common one is the “Reset” button, available in the gadget menu. A special mode is also often used that allows you to return to the original parameters of the device if it does not boot. In addition, you can act through a computer or a numerical combination.
Reset via setup menu
The main rule that the user must adhere to is: before returning to the settings specified by the manufacturer, the device must be charged. If you do not do this, it may not boot after completing the procedure.
The easiest way to reset your phone or tablet to factory settings is the built-in function Android systems. Depending on the brand of the device, the path to the button that activates it may differ. The procedure is as follows:
- Open menu.
- Go to settings.
- Find the tab where the factory reset button is hidden. For example, for Samsung it is " General settings", and for OnePlus - "System". In other models, the name “Restore and reset” may appear, etc.
- Click on “Reset Data”. Some phones and tablets make it possible not only to return to the original state, but also to delete only part of the information. For example, Samsung allows you to reset settings to default values or erase network settings. Therefore, a Reset button is available in its General Settings menu. After clicking on it, the “Data Reset” button required to go to the initial parameters will appear.
- Read the message that appears informing you that the information will be destroyed without the ability to cancel the action. Click on the button located below the notification. It may be called “Device reset”, “Settings reset”, etc.
- Enter your PIN code or pattern.
- Confirm intent to restore original condition gadget.
After this, the phone or tablet will begin to reboot on its own. When it turns back on, it will only have the manufacturer's settings. The user information will disappear.
Reset with buttons via recovery mode
This function will be needed by those people whose gadgets do not work due to a failure in the update process or other problems with the software. It will also help if the cause of the problem is a virus.
First of all, you need to determine how to activate this mode on the device you are using. Possible combinations with the power button:
- increase volume;
- volume reduction;
- both volume keys.
For most smartphones, you need to turn off the gadget and then simultaneously lock the indicated buttons. For some devices, for example those released by Motorola, this function can only be called from bootloader mode.
More complex options may also occur. For example, on LG devices you need to hold down the combination of the power and volume down keys, release both when the logo appears, and then repeat the action.
The keyboard shortcut depends not only on the manufacturer, but also on specific model. Therefore, on some gadgets from this company, you only need to release the power, and the volume control must be held continuously. The transition to this mode is made as difficult as possible to prevent the risk of accidentally pressing the required combination.
When the device is transferred to the required state, you need to follow the following instructions:
- select Wipe data / factory reset;
- if the model supports the reset function without deleting multimedia files located on the gadget and complete cleaning data, click on the desired option;
- confirm the action.
If the phone screen does not respond to attempts to select the required menu section, you can use the buttons located on its body to reset the device. In this case, they act as analogues of the cursor and Enter on a computer. Use the volume keys to move around, and press the power button to confirm your selection.
Factory reset protection
On devices using Android version 5.0 and higher, protection against reset to original parameters is installed. This was done to minimize damage from device theft. When reverting to factory settings, previously recorded information is no longer available. However, the information is saved on the gadget. They can be obtained using special programs, scanning internal memory and a removable SD card and allowing you to extract data.
The proposed protection boils down to the fact that after resetting the device, the owner will have to enter the login and password for Google account, to which it was attached. If this is not done, the gadget will remain locked. You will not be able to access it or try to restore the information stored on it.
Therefore, if a reset to manufacturer settings is performed before selling the phone or tablet, the user must delete their account Google. Only after this can you begin to destroy data and reset settings.
