How to Do a Hard Reset on an Android

This How.com.vn teaches you how to reset your Android device to its original factory settings using either a basic reset or if you're experiencing more serious issues, Recovery Mode, which operates outside the Android OS.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Performing a Factory Reset

2
Scroll down and tap Backup & reset. It's in either the Personal or Privacy section of the menu, depending on your device and its Android version.
- If you're using a Samsung Galaxy device, tap General Management and then tap Reset.
It's at the bottom of the menu.
4
Tap Reset Phone. Once the reset process is complete, your phone will be formatted as it was when it left the factory.
- On a Samsung Galaxy device, tap Reset.
If your phone has a screen lock enabled, you will be asked to enter your phone's pattern, PIN, or passcode.
6
Tap Erase everything to confirm. This will immediately erase all of the phone's data and reboot the device to the factory default settings and configuration. The process can take several minutes.
- On a Samsung Galaxy device, tap Delete All.
Advertisement

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Performing a Recovery Mode Reset

1
Press and hold the Power button.
- It's recommended that you only use the Recovery Mode method if a factory reset via the Settings menu did not work.
2
Tap Power Off. Depending on your device and version of Android, you may need to tap "Power Off" again to confirm.
- If the touchscreen is unresponsive, you can hold the power key until the device shuts down.
3
Press and hold the Recovery Mode button combination. For most phones, this is the Power button and the Volume Down button, but every phone is different. Other common button combinations are:^{[1]XResearch source}
- Nexus devices - Volume Up, Volume Down, and Power
- Samsung devices - Volume Up, Home, and Power
- Moto X - Volume Down, Home, and Power
- Other devices generally use Volume Down and Power. Some devices with physical user interfaces may use the Power and Home buttons.
Typically, it's an image of an Android on its back and is usually the same logo you see when installing a system update.
Use the volume buttons to scroll through the menu options.
This selects the reset option.
This confirms your selection.
This starts the reset process and reformats your Android device to its factory settings.
Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
How can I skip the step where I need to put in an email address during the reset?
Community Answer
Turn off the phone and then turn it back on. When you do, hold the power button, volume up button, and the home button. This brings you to a screen where you can wipe it from there.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 9 Helpful 19
Question
Is there some way to do this remotely?
Community Answer
Yes. If your phone is connected to a Gmail account, you can log onto your gmail from any computer or device and choose to erase the data on your phone. Your phone would reset as soon as it was connected to the internet.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 2 Helpful 0
Question
How I can reset if I forget a pattern?
Community Answer
Go to Recovery, First you have to power off your device. When powered off, at the same time hold power+volume up/volume down button some devices support volume down or up after going into recovery select wipe data/factory reset.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 6 Helpful 0