What is a Factory Reset?

A factory reset erases all data and restores your device to its original settings. Learn why, when, and how to perform a factory reset safely.

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Factory Reset

A factory reset is a process that restores a device to its original state by erasing all data, including apps, settings, and personal files. This method is often used to fix software issues, improve performance, or prepare a device for resale.

Why Perform a Factory Reset?

A factory reset can be beneficial in several situations, helping to resolve issues, improve performance, and secure your data. Below are the main reasons why you might need to perform a factory reset:

Fixing Software Issues and System Glitches

Over time, devices can develop software bugs, crashes, or freezing issues due to corrupted system files, failed updates, or conflicting apps.

A factory reset restores the device to its original state, eliminating these errors and providing a fresh start.

Common software problems fixed by a factory reset:

Apps crashing frequently
Slow performance or lagging
Unexpected reboots and freezing
System update failures
Touchscreen or UI responsiveness issues

Removing Malware or Viruses

If your device has been infected with malware, spyware, or adware, it may exhibit unusual behavior, such as:

Frequent pop-up ads
Unauthorized app installations
Battery draining faster than usual
Personal data being accessed without permission

In such cases, a factory reset can completely remove harmful software and restore your device’s security. However, before resetting, ensure you back up important data to avoid losing necessary files.

Improving Device Performance and Storage Space

As you use your phone over time, it accumulates cache, unused apps, and unnecessary files that can slow it down. Even after manual cleanups, some residual data remains. A factory reset clears everything, optimizing storage and improving speed.

🚀 Performance improvements after a factory reset:

Faster app loading times
Reduced system lag
More available storage space
Better battery efficiency

Preparing Your Device for Resale or Transfer

If you plan to sell, donate, or give away your phone, a factory reset ensures that all personal data is erased, including:

Google Account
System and app data
Settings
Downloaded apps
Music
Pictures
All other user data
Service provider apps and content

To further protect your privacy, make sure to:

Log out of all accounts (Google, iCloud, etc.)
Remove any external SD cards
Disable device tracking features (e.g. Find My Device, Find My iPhone)

Resolving Battery and Overheating Issues

Some persistent battery drain or overheating issues may be caused by background processes, buggy software, or rogue apps consuming too much power. If standard troubleshooting methods don’t work, a factory reset can eliminate problematic apps and settings, restoring normal battery performance.

Signs that a reset may help:

Battery drains rapidly even after charging
Phone gets excessively hot during normal use
Unresponsive or crashing power management apps

A factory reset is a powerful troubleshooting tool that restores your device to its original settings, improving performance, removing security threats, and preparing it for resale.

However, because it erases all data, always back up important files before proceeding.

Things to Consider Before a Factory Reset

Performing a factory reset is a significant step that erases all data and restores your device to its original state. Before proceeding, there are several important factors to consider to ensure a smooth reset process and prevent data loss.

Backup Your Important Data

Since a factory reset wipes everything from your device, it’s crucial to create a backup of your essential data.

What to Back Up?

Photos and videos
Notes and documents
Music and downloaded files
Contacts, messages, and call logs
Saved passwords and account credentials
App data (such as chat history in messaging apps)

Where to Store Your Backup?

Cloud Services

Google Drive, iCloud, OneDrive, Dropbox

External Storage

SD card, USB drive, external hard drive

Computer Backup

Use software like Samsung Smart Switch or iTunes

Some apps like WhatsApp allow you to create cloud backups before a reset. Ensure your backup is up-to-date before proceeding.

Sign Out of Accounts to Avoid Lock Issues

Most modern devices have security features that link them to your personal accounts. If you reset your phone without signing out, you might face Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which will require the original login credentials to access the phone after the reset.

What to Sign Out From?

Google Account (Android users)
Apple ID (iPhone users)
Samsung, Huawei, or other manufacturer accounts
Social media apps (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter)
Cloud storage services

After signing out, disable device tracking features like “Find My iPhone” or “Find My Device” to avoid post-reset verification issues.

Remove External Storage and SIM Card

To prevent accidental data deletion or SIM-related issues, remove:

SD Card
Factory reset won’t erase SD card data, but it’s best to remove it to avoid formatting mistakes.
SIM Card
This won’t be affected by the reset, but removing it ensures no carrier-related settings are changed.

Note Down Wi-Fi Passwords and App Licenses

A factory reset erases saved Wi-Fi passwords, meaning you’ll need to re-enter them manually. Also, paid apps or premium services may require you to re-enter license keys or subscription details after the reset.

What to Save?

Wi-Fi passwords
Software license keys (Microsoft Office, Adobe, etc.)
Authentication codes for two-factor authentication (2FA)

Use a password manager or write down important details before proceeding.

Ensure Your Device Has Enough Battery

A factory reset takes some time, and if your device powers off mid-reset, it could lead to software corruption.

Battery Recommendations Before a Factory Reset:

Keep at least 50% battery charge (preferably 80% or more)
If possible, keep the device plugged into a charger during the reset

Consider Alternative Troubleshooting Methods

Before performing a full reset, try less drastic solutions for common problems:

If your device is slow or lagging

Clear cache files instead of resetting
Uninstall unused apps
Restart the device

If you have malware or viruses:

Use a reliable antivirus app to remove threats
Manually delete suspicious apps

If an app is crashing:

Try reinstalling the app
Update your phone’s software

A factory reset should be your last resort if other fixes don’t work.

Factory Reset Preparation Checklist

Final Checklist Before Resetting

Back up all important data
Ensure you back up all your photos, contacts, apps, and important files to a cloud service, external storage, or your computer.

Sign out from Google, iCloud, and other accounts
Log out of all accounts linked to your device, including Google, Apple ID, and any other third-party accounts to avoid any post-reset issues.

Remove SD card and SIM card
To prevent data loss and ensure your SIM and external storage are not affected, remove both the SD card and SIM card before proceeding with the reset.

Save Wi-Fi passwords and app licenses
Ensure that you save Wi-Fi passwords and app licenses/keys before resetting, as you’ll need them to reconnect and restore apps after the reset.

Charge your device above 50%
Ensure your device has enough battery (at least 50%) or connect it to a charger before initiating the factory reset to avoid power interruptions.

Try alternative fixes before resetting
Before proceeding with a factory reset, try troubleshooting common issues like restarting your phone or clearing cache files.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you’re ready to perform a factory reset safely.

Final Thoughts

A factory reset is a powerful tool to restore your device to its original state, improve performance, and fix software issues. However, it should be used carefully, as it erases all data. Always back up important files before proceeding.

Need a step-by-step guide for your device? Check our model-specific factory reset tutorials!