A hard reset — also called a factory reset or master reset — erases all data, accounts, settings, and installed apps from your phone or tablet and restores it to the condition it was in when it left the factory. It is one of the most reliable ways to fix persistent software problems or to wipe a device before selling it. This guide explains exactly when to use it, how to do it safely, and how to avoid the most common mistake that locks people out of their own phone.
Soft reset vs. hard reset vs. factory reset
These terms are often mixed up, so it helps to be precise:
- Soft reset: simply restarting the device (power off and on, or force-restart). It clears temporary memory and fixes minor glitches. No data is lost.
- Hard reset / factory reset: a complete wipe that deletes all personal data and returns the software to factory defaults. Use this only when a restart is not enough. All data is lost.
- Master reset: another name manufacturers use for a factory reset — functionally the same thing.
When you should factory reset (and when you should not)
Good reasons to factory reset: the phone is frozen, crashing, or extremely slow after other fixes have failed; it is infected with malware; you are selling, trading in, or giving it away; or you want a clean start.
When to avoid it: if the problem is a single misbehaving app (uninstall that app instead), if you have not backed up data you care about, or if you are locked out of someone else’s device — you should never reset a phone you do not own.
Before you reset: three things to do first
- Back up everything. Photos, contacts, messages, and files are erased permanently. See our backup guide to save them to the cloud or a computer first.
- Remove your lock and sign out of your account. This is the step most people skip. On Android, remove your screen lock and remove your Google account (Settings > Accounts) before resetting. On iPhone, turn off Find My iPhone and sign out of your Apple ID. Skipping this can trigger anti-theft protection (described below) and lock you out of your own phone.
- Charge the battery to at least 50% so the device does not power off mid-reset, which can corrupt the system.
How to factory reset your phone
Method 1 — From the Settings menu (recommended)
This is the safest method and works when you can still unlock the phone.
Android: open Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset), then confirm. The exact wording varies by brand (Samsung: Settings > General management > Reset).
iPhone: open Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Erase All Content and Settings.
Method 2 — Using Recovery Mode (when the screen is locked or won’t boot)
If the phone is stuck, frozen, or you cannot reach Settings, you can reset from Recovery Mode using hardware buttons. Power the phone off first, then hold the button combination for your device. The most common combinations are:
- Most Android phones: hold Power + Volume Up until the recovery menu appears.
- Some models: Power + Volume Down, or Power + Volume Up + Home on older devices.
Use the volume keys to highlight Wipe data/factory reset and the power key to select it, then confirm and choose Reboot system now. Find the exact key combo and steps for your specific model in the device guides on this site.
What happens to your data
A factory reset removes everything stored in the phone’s internal storage: accounts, apps, app data, photos, downloads, messages, and settings. A microSD card is usually not wiped unless you specifically choose to format it, but it is safest to remove the card beforehand if you want to keep it untouched.
After the reset
The phone will restart and walk you through initial setup as if it were new. Sign in with your account, then restore your backup when prompted. Reinstall only the apps you actually use — a clean app list is one reason a reset phone feels noticeably faster.
Troubleshooting common problems
Stuck on the logo or in a bootloop after reset: let it sit for 10–15 minutes (the first boot can be slow). If it is still stuck, repeat the Recovery Mode reset, or re-install the firmware using our flash file guide.
It asks for a Google account that was previously synced: this is Factory Reset Protection (FRP), an anti-theft feature. The phone is asking you to sign in with the Google account that was on it before the reset to prove it is yours. Enter that account’s details. If it is your device and you have forgotten the password, recover the account at accounts.google.com first. This is exactly why we recommend removing the Google account before resetting.
A note on safety and ownership
Only reset, unlock, or flash a device that belongs to you, or that you have explicit permission to service. Anti-theft features like FRP and Activation Lock exist to protect owners — please respect them.
Frequently asked questions
Does a factory reset remove a virus? In almost all cases yes, because it wipes the apps and files where malware lives. Avoid restoring a backup made after the infection.
Will a factory reset remove the Google/FRP lock? No. A reset does not remove FRP — that is the point of the feature. Remove the account before resetting, or sign in with the original account afterward.
How long does a factory reset take? The wipe itself takes a few minutes; the first boot and restoring your data can take 15–30 minutes depending on how much you restore.
Is a hard reset the same as rebooting? No. Rebooting (a soft reset) keeps your data; a hard/factory reset erases it.
Disclaimer: follow these steps at your own risk and always back up first. Exact menus and key combinations vary by manufacturer and model — see the model-specific guide on this site for precise steps.