Your phone is crawling, crashing, or you just want to wipe it clean before selling. Whatever the situation, a factory reset is usually the fastest fix.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what a factory reset actually does, when it makes sense, what to do before you hit that button, and step-by-step instructions for Android and iPhone.
What Does “Factory Reset” Mean?
A factory reset is a built-in function that erases all user data and installed apps from a mobile device, returning it to its original out-of-box state.
Think of it as rewinding your phone back to the moment you first turned it on.
When you perform a factory reset, the following are removed:
- Installed apps
- Photos and videos
- Documents and downloads
- User accounts
- Personal settings
What typically remains:
- System software
- Pre-installed apps
- Operating system files
Hard Reset vs Soft Reset
Before proceeding, it’s important to understand the difference.
Soft reset:
A soft reset is simply restarting your phone. It helps fix minor glitches or temporary slowdowns without deleting any data.
Hard reset (factory reset):
A hard reset completely wipes your device and restores factory settings. This is the option you use when selling your phone, fixing serious issues, or removing a forgotten password.
When Should You Factory Reset Your Phone?
You should consider a factory reset if your device is experiencing any of the following:
- Your phone is running unusually slow despite trying other fixes
- You are preparing to sell or give away the device
- Persistent software bugs or crashes
- Suspected malware or virus infection
- You forgot your screen lock password
If one or more of these apply, a factory reset may be the most effective solution.
What to Do Before Factory Resetting (VERY IMPORTANT)
I know you want to get to the main part, but take your time to read this section.
A factory reset permanently deletes your data. If you rush into it unprepared, you may lose important files or even lock yourself out of the device.
Before you proceed, take these precautions:
- Back up your data to cloud storage or external storage
- Sign out of your Google account or Apple ID
- Charge your battery to at least 80%
- Remove your SIM card and SD card
- Disable Find My iPhone (for iOS devices)
How to Factory Reset Android Phones
Because Android runs across many manufacturers, the exact menu names may vary slightly. However, the core process is largely the same on most modern Android devices.
Below are the three most reliable methods.
Method 1: From Settings
This is the easiest and safest method if you can still access your phone.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and tap System (or General Management on some devices)
- Tap Reset options
- Select Erase all data (factory reset)
- Review the information shown
- Tap Reset phone
- Enter your PIN, password, or pattern if prompted
- Tap Erase everything
Your phone will restart and begin the factory reset process.
Method 2: Using Recovery Mode (Buttons)
Use this method if your phone is frozen, stuck, or you cannot access Settings.
Steps:
- Power off the phone completely
- Press and hold Power + Volume Up (some models use Power + Volume Down)
- Release when the Android recovery screen appears
- Use the volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset
- Press the Power button to select
- Choose Factory data reset
- Wait for the process to complete
- Select Reboot system now
Your device will restart as new.
Method 3: When the Phone Is Locked
If you forgot your password, recovery mode (Method 2) is usually your best option.
However, be aware:
- The phone will still require the previously synced Google account after reset (FRP lock).
- This is a security feature, not an error
Always make sure you remember your Google account credentials before resetting.
How to Factory Reset an iPhone
Method 1: From Settings
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap General
- Scroll down and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings
- Enter your passcode
- Confirm Erase iPhone
The device will restart and wipe all data.
Method 2: Using Mac or Windows
Use this if the iPhone is frozen or disabled.
Steps:
- Connect your iPhone to your computer with a USB or USB-C cable.
- On your Mac, click the Finder icon to open a Finder window, or open the Apple Devices app on your Windows device.
- If your Mac is using macOS 10.14 or earlier, or your Windows device doesn’t have the Apple Devices app, open iTunes instead.
- Click the iPhone icon in the Finder sidebar (below Locations), then click General at the top of the window.
- Click Restore iPhone, then click Restore to confirm.
Note: If you’re signed in to Find My, you need to sign out before you can click Restore.
Brand-Specific Reset Guides
While the general Android and iPhone methods work for most devices, some brands organize their settings a little differently. The quick guides below will help you find the factory reset option faster without unnecessary guesswork.
How to Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy Phones
If you are using a Samsung Galaxy phone, the process is very straightforward once you know where to look. Samsung places the reset option inside the General Management menu.
Steps to factory reset a Samsung Galaxy:
- Open Settings
- Scroll down and tap General management
- Tap Reset
- Select Factory data reset
- Scroll down and tap Reset
- Enter your PIN or password if prompted
- Tap Delete all
Your Samsung device will restart and begin wiping all data.
How to Factory Reset Xiaomi and Redmi Phones
Xiaomi and Redmi phones run on MIUI (or HyperOS on newer models), but the reset steps are still easy to follow.
If you are using a Xiaomi or Redmi device, follow the steps below to perform a factory reset safely.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap About phone
- Select Factory reset
- Tap Erase all data
- Confirm your screen lock if asked
The phone will reboot and return to factory settings.
How to Factory Reset Oppo Phones
Oppo devices use ColorOS, and the reset option is usually found under Additional Settings.
If your Oppo phone has been acting up or you are preparing to sell it, the steps below will guide you.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Additional settings
- Select Back up and reset
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
- Choose Erase data and confirm
Wait for the phone to restart.
How to Factory Reset Vivo Phones
Vivo keeps things fairly simple, although menu names may vary slightly by model.
If you are using a Vivo smartphone, here is the quickest way to factory reset it.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap System management
- Select Backup & reset
- Tap Erase all data
- Confirm your password or PIN
Your device will begin the reset process.
How to Factory Reset Google Pixel Phones
If you are using a Google Pixel device, the process is very close to stock Android, which makes it one of the easiest phones to reset.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap System
- Select Reset options
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset)
- Confirm and enter your PIN if required
The Pixel will restart and wipe all user data.
Factory Reset Problems and Fixes
Sometimes a factory reset does not go perfectly on the first try. You might run into a few hiccups along the way, but don’t panic. Most of these issues are common and can be fixed with simple steps.
Below are the most frequent problems users encounter and how to solve them.
Reset Stuck or Frozen
Occasionally, the reset process may appear to hang on the logo screen for longer than expected.
What usually causes this:
- Low battery during reset
- Software glitch
- Interrupted reset process
How to fix it:
- Wait at least 20–30 minutes first (some resets take time)
- Force restart the phone
- Retry the factory reset using recovery mode
- Ensure battery is above 50% before retrying
Bootloop After Factory Reset
A bootloop happens when the phone keeps restarting and never fully loads the home screen.
Common causes:
- Corrupted system files
- Incomplete reset
- Firmware issues
Fix:
- Boot into recovery mode
- Select Wipe data/factory reset again
- Reboot the device
If the problem persists, the device may need a firmware reinstall.
Forgot Google Account (FRP Lock)
This is where many people get confused:
After a factory reset on most Android phones, you may be asked to sign in with the Google account that was previously on the device. This is called Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
Why FRP exists
FRP is a theft-protection feature. It prevents someone from stealing your phone, resetting it, and using it as new.
What this means for you
If you reset the phone without removing your Google account first, the phone will still ask for that account during setup.
How to fix FRP lock
- Enter the original Google email and password that was used on the device
- If you forgot the password, recover it through Google Account Recovery, preferably on another device.
- If you bought the phone second-hand, contact the previous owner
Without the original Google account, the phone will remain locked.
iPhone Stuck on Apple Logo After Reset
Sometimes an iPhone may freeze on the Apple logo during or after a reset.
Fix steps:
- Force restart the iPhone
- Use recovery mode and choose Restore
- Update the device via Finder or iTunes
In most cases, this resolves the issue.
Factory Reset Not Deleting Data
If your phone still shows old data after a reset, something likely interrupted the process.
Possible causes:
- Work profile still active
- Reset was incomplete
- System glitch
Fix:
- Perform the reset again from recovery mode
- Ensure the reset completes fully
- Remove all accounts before retrying
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a factory reset delete everything?
Yes. A proper factory reset removes apps, accounts, photos, and personal files. Always back up anything important first.
Can data be recovered after a factory reset?
For the average user, recovery is very unlikely. While advanced forensic tools sometimes recover fragments, you should assume the data is permanently gone.
How long does a factory reset take?
Most phones complete the process in 5 to 15 minutes, although older devices may take longer.
Is factory reset safe?
Yes. A factory reset is an official built-in feature designed by the phone manufacturer. It is safe when done correctly.
Will factory reset remove viruses or malware?
In most cases, yes. A full factory reset removes nearly all malware because it wipes installed apps and user data.
Will factory reset affect my Sd Card?
Your SD card generally should not get erased during a factory reset. But it’s still recommended to remove it before starting the reset.
