Nowadays, smartphones have become a part of our daily life just like a morning cup of coffee. However, with frequent use of Android devices, sometimes, things don’t work out. The device can get slow with time, or you might be facing some errors that are not getting resolved despite attempting various fixes. In such a situation, a factory reset is often the go-to solution. A factory reset is a process of wiping all the data on your Android device to its initial state when it was first turned on. In this blog post, we will be discussing how to do a factory reset on an Android device, along with some methods the readers can use.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to Do a Factory Reset on an Android Device
Given below are some reasons why you might want to perform a factory reset on your Android device:
1. The device is running slow, and you are experiencing performance issues.
2. You have an issue with your device, and you have tried all other solutions.
3. Your device is not booting up.
4. Your device is infected with malware.
5. You are selling the device, and you want to remove all your personal data.
Method 1: Using the Settings Menu
The simplest way to perform a factory reset is via the settings menu. Here are the steps to do so:
Step 1: On your device, open the settings menu.
Step 2: Find the “System” option and click on it.
Step 3: Scroll down and find the “Reset options” option.
Step 4: Click on “Erase all data (factory reset)”.
Step 5: If prompted, enter your passcode or pattern to proceed.
Step 6: Click on the “Erase everything” option.
Step 7: Wait for the device to factory reset itself.
Pros:
1. This process is easy to follow.
2. It can be done without any additional software.
3. It is the recommended way to perform a factory reset.
Cons:
1. You might lose some data that has not been backed up.
2. The process might not work in case the device is not booting up.
Method 2: Using Hardware Keys
Another way to perform a factory reset is by using a combination of hardware keys available on your device. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Turn off your device.
Step 2: Press and hold the volume down and power button together for a few seconds, until the device vibrates.
Step 3: Once you see the logo on the screen, release the power button but keep holding the volume down button.
Step 4: Select “Recovery mode” using the volume down button.
Step 5: Click on the power button to proceed.
Step 6: When you see the “No command” message, press and hold the power button and volume up button together.
Step 7: Select “Wipe data/factory reset” using the volume down button.
Step 8: Click on the power button to confirm.
Step 9: Select “Yes” using the volume down button and click the power button to proceed.
Step 10: Once the process is complete, select “Reboot system now” and click the power button.
Pros:
1. This process is independent of the device’s software state.
2. It is useful when the device is not booting up.
3. You don’t need to be logged into the device to perform this method.
Cons:
1. The process can be tricky and hard to follow for some users.
2. It may be dangerous to perform this method if you are not confident with your device’s hardware keys.
Method 3: Using Google’s Find My Device Service
All Android devices come with a service called “Find my device” that allows users to track or wipe their device remotely. Here are the steps to perform a factory reset using Google’s Find my device service:
Step 1: Open the Find my device website on your PC or another Android device.
Step 2: Log in using your Google credentials.
Step 3: Select your Android device from the list of devices.
Step 4: Click on the “Erase” button.
Step 5: Once again, click on the “Erase” button to confirm the action.
Step 6: Wait for the process to complete.
Pros:
1. This method can be used to wipe the device remotely.
2. It does not require you to have the device physically with you.
3. It can be useful when the device is lost or stolen.
Cons:
1. The device needs to be connected to a network to perform this method.
2. This method might not work if the device is offline.
What to Do If You Can’t Do a Factory Reset on An Android Device
If you are unable to do a factory reset on your Android device, here are some fixes you can try:
1. Use a different charging cable or adapter and follow the factory reset steps again.
2. Try waiting for a while and then try doing the factory reset. Sometimes, network issues can interfere with the process.
3. Try doing a hard reset via the hardware keys method.
4. If the device is not booting up, try charging it for a while and then attempt a factory reset.
5. Try contacting your device manufacturer for assistance.
Bonus Tip
Back up your data before doing a factory reset. While doing a factory reset, all the data on your device is deleted, and it’s almost impossible to recover it. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to back up your data before trying a factory reset.
5 FAQs
Q1: Will factory resetting my device remove the OS updates?
A: Yes, factory resetting your device will remove all the OS updates, and the device will revert to its initial version.
Q2: Can a factory reset damage my device?
A: A factory reset will not damage your device unless it was performed incorrectly.
Q3: Is a factory reset the same as a hard reset?
A: No, a factory reset and hard reset are two different processes. A factory reset will erase all the data on your device, while a hard reset will only delete some data.
Q4: How long does it take for a device to factory reset?
A: The time taken to factory reset a device usually depends on the device’s make and model.
Q5: Can I undo a factory reset?
A: No, once the factory reset is done, it is not possible to undo it.
Final Thoughts
Factory resetting your Android device can be a useful tool in fixing any errors, malware issues or performance problems. In this blog post, we have discussed three methods to do a factory reset on an Android device with detailed steps for each one. If you’re facing any issues with factory resetting your device, we’ve also provided some fixes to help you. It’s always a good idea to back up your data before performing a factory reset. We hope this guide provides you the required information to do a factory reset on your Android device successfully.