Resetting settings on Android: what is it, why is it needed and how safe is it. Factory reset and hard reset of Apple iPhone

Smartphones and tablets running the Android operating system have decent functionality and allow you to solve a variety of tasks. They run various applications, store photos, videos and other data. Sometimes there is a need to get rid of everything that is stored in the system at once. Manually deleting data is too time-consuming, so it is easier to return the device to its original state by instantly wiping it.

How to perform a factory reset Android settings OS? There are many ways, which we will talk about in our review. Why do you need to reset the operating system and the entire device to its factory state? This is done in the following cases:

  • When transferring or selling the device to another user;
  • At incorrect operation operating system Android;
  • If it is impossible to start the operating system;
  • With numerous errors in the operation of programs and the OS.

The result is a complete wipe of the Android device to its original state.

Reset via main menu

Do you want to sell a smartphone or tablet? Do you need to get rid of errors in the functioning of your operating system and applications? Then we will tell you how to reset Android to factory settings and clear the device of installed programs and data in memory. The easiest way to perform a reset is to go to the main menu, select “Settings”, select “Activation and reset”, click on the “Data reset” line.

What happens next? So we will receive a warning that all data will now be deleted from the device– accounts, photos taken, downloaded music, work files, as well as access keys to encrypted files on the memory card. All accounts under which you are logged in on this device will also be listed. At the very bottom you will find the “Reset device” button - press and wait until the system returns to its original state.

note that full reset does not affect the data stored on the memory card - photos, videos and data stored here will remain safe and sound. But we recommend removing the memory card when performing a master reset.

Android Engineering Codes - Factory Reset

As a result various errors Some menu items may not be available. And it will be impossible to reset Android to factory settings. What to do in this case? The easiest way is to use one of the engineering commands available in all versions of the Android operating system and on all devices. The command *2767*3855# will help you perform a full reset - she is dialed in a regular dialing program.

If for some reason the command did not work, you can use another command - *#*#7780#*#*. Just like the previous command, it will help you perform a Hard Reset (resetting Android to its factory state. If this does not help, try typing the third command - *#*#7378423#*#*. After the reboot, you will receive a clean device returned to original factory condition.

Do not use commands whose purpose you do not know, as this may lead to the loss of functionality of your device.

Reset via Recovery mode

The Android operating system may become so damaged that it becomes impossible to start. Typical sign damage - endless loading of the device. The only way to bring the device back to life is a Hard Reset (master reset) through Recovery mode. To access this mode, use the following combinations:

  • “Power on” and “Volume down”;
  • “Power on” and “Volume up”;
  • “Power”, “Home” and one of the volume keys;
  • "Power" and both volume buttons.

You need to press the buttons when you turn on your smartphone or tablet. For some models, additional actions are performed by pressing certain buttons after turning on the device using the above combinations. Thus, in order to restore factory settings on Android, you need to look for a key combination that allows you to enter Recovery mode on your device (usually this mode is used to flash Android devices).

Next, select “wipe data/factory reset” and wait until the return to factory settings is completed. Please note that all data on your phone will be deleted. Therefore, you should not neglect creating backup copies to avoid losing this data.

Do not touch other items in the engineering menu or in Recovery mode under any circumstances - this can lead to the most unexpected consequences, including the complete loss of functionality of the device and the impossibility of its further restoration.

The good thing about the Android operating system is that it allows you to completely reset all settings at any time. This way you can return to the original state of your smartphone or tablet without resorting to flashing and other complex actions. In this article, we will talk about the easiest way to reset your phone to factory settings.

You may need to reset your Android for several common reasons. For example, such an action is required if the device is sold to another person. Resetting your Android settings is faster and easier than manually deleting all your accounts.

You can also perform a reset if your smartphone or tablet starts to slow down. Sometimes this really helps solve the problem. Especially if the brakes are caused by the gadget operating for too long - over a year and a half to two years, a huge amount of garbage can accumulate in the operating system, which cannot be eliminated using conventional methods.

Method number 1: using the menu

If your phone is in full working order, then you can use the corresponding menu item to reset the settings. Please note that some item names may differ for smartphones from different manufacturers.

Step 1. Go to the menu and click on the “ Settings" Here you should be interested in the item “ Recovery and reset" In Samsung devices it may be called “ Archive and reset».

Step 2. In the list that opens, find the item “ Reset" It may also be called " Erase all data», « Master reset“and something else - here everything depends on the imagination of the creators of the device. When you press the appropriate button, the system will warn you that all personal information, as well as applications and other data, will be deleted.

Step 3. Confirm that you wish to reset.

Method number 2: using hardware keys

In some cases, the device's touchscreen may not function. Then you can reset the settings on Android to factory settings only with the help of special manipulations, pressing certain combinations of hardware keys. In particular, you will need to get into Recovery mode this way.

Step 1. Hold down the power key, thereby completely turning off the gadget.

Step 2. Go to Recovery Mode. The steps you need to take to do this differ depending on the device manufacturer.

Hold down the Power key and Volume Down key.

Hold down the Power key and Volume Down key for 10 seconds. Then hold the volume key in the middle for the same 10 seconds, while continuing to press the power key. When the company logo appears, release the Power key. After the robot with gears appears on the screen, move your finger to the volume up button. Release the key when the green download status bar appears.

Hold down the power key and both buttons responsible for changing the volume level. Next, release the buttons and hold down only the power key. Do this until vibration appears. After that, press the volume up button several times. Then all you have to do is press the volume up and power buttons together.

Hold down the Power key and Volume Down button. When the South Korean company logo appears, release the keys for one second, then press them again. Hold them until you enter Recovery mode.

Hold down the Power and Volume Up buttons. After the logo appears, release the Power key, now continuing to hold only one button.

First hold down the Power and Volume Up keys. Then hold the Power and Volume Down buttons.

Hold down the Home, Power and Volume Up buttons. Then hold down the power and volume down keys.

Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Power button. Then connect the device to the network, waiting for the green indicator. Using a paperclip, press the recessed Reset button, if present. When the screen lights up, press the power button for a few seconds. Next, release this key and press the button responsible for increasing the sound volume several times.

Step 3. When you get to the Recovery menu, you should select Wipe Data or similar. If the screen does not respond to touch, then navigate through the menu items using the volume up and down keys, as well as the power button.


Step 4. In the appropriate paragraph you must click on the button Factory Reset.

Step 5. Agree with the system, which will warn you about subsequent data deletion.

Step 6. When the full reset is complete, select Reboot System. This will reboot your device.

Method number 3: using a digital combination.

Most quick way reset settings to factory defaults.

Step 1. Open the Phone app, which is where you usually dial the other person's number.

Step 2. Enter one of the codes provided:

*#*#7378423#*#*

*#*#7780#*#*

*2767*3855#

You may need to press the call key at the end.

There are situations when rolling back a device to factory settings - The best decision emerging problem. You can perform a reset in several ways: through the resettable device itself or using a computer. .

Why reset?

Hard Reset - rolls back the operating system to default values. When you perform a reset, all files and third-party applications are deleted from the device's memory, and all settings return to factory settings. By resetting the system, you will receive a clean device, that is, it will be in the same form as it was in the store.

A reset may be useful in the following situations:

  • The device started to freeze due to large quantity installed programs;
  • the system began to freeze due to overloaded memory;
  • there are a lot of files left in the file system from deleted applications that take up free space;
  • the device is for sale, so you need to remove all personal information from it;
  • I need to reset my password because it was forgotten.

As a result, it turns out that the reset must be performed when it is necessary to format the device.

How to save data

Since a system reset erases all data (videos, photos, music, pictures, books and other items) from the device, it is strongly recommended to think in advance about how to save all important information. The easiest way is to transfer all important files to a memory card or computer. When resetting, items stored on the SD card, even if it is inserted into the device, are not deleted, but just in case, it is better to remove the memory card during the operation.

Another way is to create a backup copy in which all files will be stored. After performing the reset, you can restore your system from a previously created backup, and all items and applications will be returned. Positive side This method is that you will not lose not only files, but also applications. Negative side- if the reset is carried out in order to clear the device of unused files, then when restoring from a backup, the files that you wanted to get rid of will also be restored.

Copying is done using Google service and only via Wi-Fi, since the amount of information is too large to be downloaded via Mobile Internet. Go to your device settings, open the Backup & Reset tab and make sure that the automatic backup feature is enabled. The copy will be linked to your Google account, and you can recover from it after you perform the reset. The device itself will prompt you to use the found copy.

Activating file backup

Reset the device

There are several ways to reset your device. The easiest one is through the system settings.

Through settings

This option can be used if you have access to the system. If you have forgotten your password, or the device freezes at the boot stage, preventing you from logging in, then use the method described below.

Video: how to reset Android

Through the recovery menu

If you have a turned off device, but there is no way to turn it on, then this method will suit you:


Via computer

This method will help you enter the recovery menu if the previous method failed for some reason. Connect the device to the computer using a USB adapter and select “Charge only” in the connection type. Download the archive with the ADB program and unpack it into any folder, the path to which does not contain Russian letters. In the resulting folder, create a file called devices.cmd, where cmd is its extension, and write three commands into it:

  • echo off
  • adb devices
  • pause

Run the created file, a command line will open on the screen with the following commands already written:

  • D:\adb>devices.cmd
  • adb devices
  • List of devices attached
  • HT16GV402012 device
  • D:\adb>pause
  • To continue, press any key...

Done, the program is installed. Now open command line as administrator and use the adb reboot recovery command in it. Your Android device will automatically be transferred to the recovery menu, and the further steps you need to perform to reset are described above in the “Through the recovery menu” subsection.


Enter Recovery Mode via computer

What to do if the password is not reset

If you reset your device in order to remove a password from it that you forgot, and after finishing the procedure the system still asks you to enter it, then there are two ways out of this situation. The first is to enter the wrong password five times, a message will appear on the screen stating that the device is locked for 30 seconds, as well as a “Forgot your password?” button. Click on the button that appears, you will be asked to log in to your Google account, which was previously linked to this phone or tablet. If you log into the correct account, you will have the opportunity to reset your existing password.

Recovering the device password via Google account

Reset password via ADB

The second option is to reset your password using ADB. How to install this program is described above in the “Via a computer” subsection. When you are done with the installation, launch a Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following options:

  • adb shell
  • cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
  • sqlite3 settings.db
  • update system set value=0 where name=’lock_pattern_autolock’;
  • update system set value=0 where name=’lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently’;
  • .quit

If these commands do not help, then use the command adb shellrm /data/system/gesture.key or adb shell
rm /data/system/gesture.key.

How to recover data after a reset

It was previously described that in order to save data, you need to back up your files in advance or transfer all important elements to another medium. If you did not do this, but at the same time reset the device, then you most likely will not be able to recover the lost information. But it’s worth a try: get root rights on the device, and download to your computer some program designed to recover deleted files on Android. For example, you can use EASEUS Mobisaver for Android Free.


We restore deleted files using EASEUS Mobisaver for Android Free

There are two ways to restore your device to factory settings: through the device settings or the recovery menu. You can enter Recovery Mode both from the device itself and using a computer. Before resetting the system, be sure to transfer all important information to a reliable third-party storage device. .

It's no secret that when using Windows for a long time, the system begins to work slower, or even outright lag. This may be due to the clogging of system directories and the registry with “garbage”, the activity of viruses and many other factors. In this case, it makes sense to reset the system parameters to their original state. Let's see how to restore factory settings on Windows 7.

There are several methods for resetting Windows to factory settings. First of all, you need to decide how exactly you want to reset: return the original settings only to the operating system, or, in addition, completely clear the computer of all installed programs. In the latter case it will happen complete removal all data from PC.

Method 1: "Control Panel"

Reset Windows settings can be done by launching the tool required for this procedure through "Control Panel". Before activating this process, be sure to.

  1. Click "Start". Go to "Control Panel".
  2. In the block "System and safety" choose an option "Archiving computer data".
  3. In the window that appears, select the lowest item "Restore system parameters".
  4. Next, follow the inscription "Advanced Recovery Techniques".
  5. A window opens containing two parameters:
    • "Use a system image";
    • "Reinstall Windows" or .

    Select the last item. As you can see, it may have a different name on different PCs, depending on the parameters specified by the computer manufacturer. If your title is displayed “Return the computer to the state specified by the manufacturer”(most often this option occurs on laptops), then you just need to click on this inscription. If the user sees the item "Reinstall Windows", then before clicking on it, you need to insert the OS installation disk into the drive. It is worth noting that this must only be the copy of Windows that is currently installed on the computer.

  6. Whatever the name of the above item, after clicking on it, the computer restarts and the system is restored to factory settings. Don't be alarmed if your PC restarts several times. After completing the specified process, the system parameters will be reset to their original settings, and all installed programs will be deleted. But if desired, you can still return the previous settings, since files deleted from the system will be transferred to a separate folder.

Method 2: Restore Point

The second method involves using a system restore point. In this case, only system settings will be changed, and downloaded files and programs will remain intact. But the main problem is that if you want to reset the settings exactly to factory settings, then to do this, you need to do this as soon as you purchased a laptop or installed the OS on your PC. But not all users do this.

  1. So, if you have a restore point created before you started using your computer, then go to the menu "Start". Choose "All programs".
  2. Next, go to the catalog "Standard".
  3. Go to the folder "Service".
  4. In the directory that appears, look for the position "System Restore" and click on it.
  5. The selected system utility is launched. The OS recovery window opens. Just click here "Further".
  6. Then a list of restore points opens. Be sure to check the box next to "Show other restore points". If there is more than one option, and you do not know which one to choose, although you are firmly convinced that you created the point with factory settings, then in this case, select the earliest date point. Its value is displayed in the column "Date and time". Having highlighted the appropriate item, press "Further".
  7. In the next window, all you have to do is confirm that you want to roll back the OS to the selected recovery point. If you are confident in your actions, then press "Ready".
  8. After this, the system reboots. It will probably happen several times. After completing the procedure, you will receive a functioning OS on your computer with factory settings.

As you can see, there are two options to reset the operating system to factory settings: by reinstalling the OS and returning the settings to a previously created restore point. In the first case, all installed programs will be removed, and in the second, only system parameters will be changed. Which method to use depends on a number of reasons. For example, if you did not create a restore point immediately after installing the OS, then you only have the option that was described in the first method of this guide. In addition, if you want to clean your computer from viruses, then only this method will do. If the user does not want to reinstall all the programs that are on the PC, then you need to use the second method.

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:

  1. Turn off your phone
  2. 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:

  1. Wipe data/factory reset item
  2. Next Yes
  3. 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 it exists)
  • 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:

  1. *2767*3855#
  2. *#*#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 in 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