Keeping your smartphone running smoothly is important, especially if you use it for work, online banking, social media, or personal files. If your phone starts slowing down, freezing, or showing errors, one of the best ways to fix it is by performing a factory reset. A factory reset brings your phone back to its original state—just like when you first pulled it out of the box. This process can remove software issues, clear hidden bugs, and protect your data when you plan to sell or give away your phone.
This guide will teach you how to perform a factory reset on Android and iOS devices, step-by-step, using simple language. You’ll also learn the important things to do before resetting, plus common problems you may encounter.
Introduction
What is a Factory Reset?
A factory reset (also called a hard reset or master reset) erases all data on your device—photos, apps, messages, settings, and downloaded files—returning it to its original factory condition. This is different from clearing cache or restarting your device. A factory reset wipes everything.
Soft Reset vs. Hard (Factory) Reset
Here’s the difference:
| Type of Reset | What It Does | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Soft Reset | Simply restarts your device | When your phone freezes or apps crash |
| Factory Reset | Completely wipes your data and settings | When your phone has deep issues, or before selling it |
When Should You Perform a Factory Reset?
A factory reset helps when:
- Your phone is slow or lagging
- There are frequent app crashes
- Your device has malware or suspicious apps
- You’re preparing your phone for resale
- Your settings got messed up
- You forgot your password (Recovery Mode needed)
How Factory Reset Works
A factory reset restores your device to its original settings, just like it was when it left the factory. It works by erasing all user data, apps, and settings stored on the device while keeping the core operating system intact. This process removes personal information, installed applications, and customized configurations, effectively giving you a clean slate. After the reset, you can set up the device as new or restore data from a backup. Factory resets are often used to fix software issues, improve performance, or prepare a device for a new user.
What happens when you perform a factory reset?
When you perform a factory reset, your device is restored to its original settings. It erases all personal data, apps, and custom settings, returning the device to the way it was when it was first bought. This helps fix software problems, improve performance, or prepare the device for a new user.
Is it safe to factory reset your phone?
Yes, it is generally safe to factory reset your phone as long as you take a few precautions. A factory reset erases all personal data, apps, and settings, so it’s important to back up important files like photos, contacts, and documents beforehand. After the reset, your phone will be like new, often running smoother and free from software issues. Just make sure to reinstall apps from trusted sources and update your phone’s software to maintain security.
Important Reminders Before Doing a Factory Reset
1. Backup All Your Data
Use these options:
- Android: Google Drive, Google Photos, OEM cloud (Samsung Cloud, Xiaomi Cloud)
- iPhone: iCloud or iTunes backup
2. Remove Accounts (Google or Apple ID)
This helps prevent:
- FRP Lock (Factory Reset Protection) on Android
- Activation Lock on iPhone
If you skip this step, the next owner may not be able to use the device.
3. Charge Your Battery
Make sure your phone is at least:
- 50% for Android
- 50% for iPhone
Or plug it into a charger to avoid reset failure.
4. Write Down Important Passwords
After the reset, you may need to sign in again to:
- Google account
- Apple ID
- Work email
- Banking apps
5. Try Other Fixes Before Doing a Full Reset
Consider:
- Clearing cache
- Updating the OS
- Restarting your phone
- Removing unused apps
How to Perform a Factory Reset on Android Phones
Android settings may look different per brand, but the steps are generally similar.
Method 1: Factory Reset Using Settings
Follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Open Settings.
- Go to System or General Management.
- Tap Reset or Reset Options.
- Choose Factory Data Reset.
- Review what will be erased.
- Tap Reset Phone.
- Enter your PIN or password.
- Tap Erase Everything.
UI Paths for Popular Brands
- Samsung: Settings → General Management → Reset → Factory Data Reset
- Xiaomi/Redmi: Settings → About Phone → Factory Reset → Erase All Data
- OPPO/Realme: Settings → Additional Settings → Backup & Reset → Erase All Data
- Google Pixel: Settings → System → Reset Options → Erase All Data
Note
Older Android versions may place reset under Privacy or Backup & Reset.
Method 2: Factory Reset Using Recovery Mode
Use Recovery Mode if:
- You forgot your password
- The phone is frozen
- The touchscreen is unresponsive
- The phone won’t boot properly
How to Access Recovery Mode for Popular Brands
The method varies, but generally:
- Turn off the phone.
- Press and hold:
- Power + Volume Up (Samsung, Pixel)
- Power + Volume Down (Xiaomi, some OPPO)
- Power + Volume Up + Home (older Samsung models)
- Release the buttons when logo appears.
You’ll enter Android Recovery Mode.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Use the volume buttons to scroll.
- Highlight Wipe Data / Factory Reset.
- Press Power to select.
- Confirm reset.
- Select Reboot System Now after wiping.
What Happens After the Reset
You’ll be taken back to the initial setup screen.
You must:
- Sign in to your Google account
- Reinstall apps from the Play Store
- Restore backup from Google Drive or OEM cloud
- Reconnect to Wi-Fi and carrier network
How to Perform a Factory Reset on iOS (iPhone)
Method 1: Reset Using iPhone Settings
Steps
- Go to Settings.
- Tap General.
- Scroll down and select Transfer or Reset iPhone.
- Choose Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode or Apple ID.
- Confirm reset.
iCloud Backup Reminder
Before resetting, go to:
Settings → Your Name → iCloud → iCloud Backup → Back Up Now
Method 2: Reset Using iTunes/Finder (Computer)
Use this method if:
- You forgot your password
- Your iPhone is disabled
- It’s stuck on Apple logo
Steps for Windows (iTunes)
- Install iTunes.
- Connect your iPhone using USB cable.
- Select your iPhone.
- Click Restore iPhone.
- Confirm to download firmware and restore.
Steps for macOS (Finder)
- Open Finder.
- Connect your iPhone.
- Choose your device under Locations.
- Click Restore iPhone.
Recovery Mode Reset
How to Enter Recovery Mode
- Turn off your iPhone.
- Press and hold the button combination based on your model:
- iPhone 8 and newer: Volume Up → Volume Down → hold Power
- iPhone 7: Power + Volume Down
- iPhone 6s or older: Home + Power
You’ll see the “Connect to Computer” screen.
From Here
Open iTunes/Finder → Choose Restore → Confirm
After the Reset
You’ll need to:
- Log in to your Apple ID
- Restore from iCloud or iTunes backup
- Reinstall apps
- Set up Face ID/Touch ID
Troubleshooting Common Factory Reset Issues
Performing a factory reset can fix many device problems, but sometimes issues arise. Common problems include devices not powering on after a reset, apps or data not restoring correctly, or the device getting stuck during the reset process. To troubleshoot, first ensure your device is fully charged and connected to a stable network. Check for proper backup of important data before resetting. If the device gets stuck, try performing the reset in safe mode or using the manufacturer’s official reset tool. Updating the device firmware or performing a hard reset may also solve persistent issues. Following these steps usually restores your device to normal operation safely.
Security Tips After Factory Reset
After performing a factory reset, your device is like new but also vulnerable until properly secured. Start by setting a strong password or PIN and enabling biometric security like fingerprint or face recognition. Reinstall apps only from official app stores and avoid unknown sources. Make sure the device software and security updates are fully up to date. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for accounts whenever possible. Finally, restore only trusted backups to avoid reintroducing malware or compromised files. These steps help keep your device safe and protected after a reset.
Visual: Mobile Reset User Behavior (Graph)
Below is a simple representation of why most users perform a factory reset:
Reasons for Factory Reset (% of Users)
---------------------------------------
Performance Issues ............ 45%
Full Storage .................. 25%
Malware or Suspicious Apps .... 15%
Preparing for Resale .......... 10%
Forgotten Passwords ............ 5%
This shows that almost half of resets come from slow or lagging performance.
10 FAQs About Factory Reset
1. Will a factory reset remove viruses?
Yes, it removes most malware because it wipes all installed apps and files.
2. Can a factory reset bring back deleted files?
No. A reset erases everything permanently.
3. How long does a factory reset take?
Usually 5–15 minutes, depending on your device.
4. Does a factory reset improve performance?
Yes. It clears junk files, corrupted data, and heavy background processes.
5. Will my SIM card be affected?
No. Your SIM card is not erased.
6. Will VoLTE or carrier settings be removed?
No. These come back automatically after setup.
7. Can you reset a phone without a password?
Yes, but only through Recovery Mode or iTunes/Finder.
8. Do I need the original Google/Apple account after reset?
Yes, for device activation and unlocking.
9. Is factory reset the same as formatting storage?
No. Formatting focuses on storage only; factory reset resets system settings too.
10. What happens to my SD card?
You can choose whether or not to erase it.
Conclusion
A factory reset is one of the most effective ways to fix slow performance, remove malware, or prepare your phone for a new owner. Always remember to back up your files, remove your accounts, and charge your phone before resetting. Whether you’re using Android or iOS, the steps are easy as long as you follow this guide.
Performing a factory reset is a simple but powerful way to give your smartphone a fresh start.
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational purposes only. Resetting your phone may cause permanent data loss. Always back up your information before performing a factory reset. We are not responsible for any data loss, device issues, or activation locks caused by improper reset procedures.
