How to Factory Reset your Smartphone

Factory resetting your smartphone is essential for several reasons. Whether you want to erase all your data and start fresh, you're selling or giving away your device, or facing unresolvable software issues, performing a factory reset can be a quick fix to many problems.

If you're unsure of how to go about factory resetting your phone, don't worry, it's easy. In this post, we'll guide you through the process of factory resetting your smartphone.

What is a Factory Reset?

A factory reset is the process of erasing all data, settings, and apps from a mobile phone, restoring it to its original state when it was first taken out of the box. Essentially, it's like starting with a brand new phone.

You can restore your phone to its factory settings by going through the phone's settings or using recovery mode.

Reasons to Perform a Factory Reset on your Smartphone

Several reasons might prompt you to carry out a factory reset on your smartphone. Some of these reasons include:

1. To Erase All Personal Data

Performing a factory reset is one of the most effective ways to get rid of your personal data on your phone. If you're selling or giving away your device or you're about to recycle it, you might be worried about other people accessing your personal data such as bank details, passwords, messages, contacts, emails, and other sensitive information you've stored on your phone.

Performing a factory reset on a smartphone will erase every personal information from the device, making it practically impossible for someone else to retrieve it.

2. To Fix Glitches and Malfunctions

If you've tried everything possible to fix any glitches, slow performance, unresponsive touch screen, or malfunctioning apps on your smartphone with no success, a factory reset might be the solution.

3. To Avoid Viruses and Malware

If your smartphone has been acting strangely, for example, installing unwanted apps, browser redirects, or pop-ups, it could be a sign of a virus or malware. Doing a factory reset will wipe out any malicious software from your phone.

How to Factory Reset your Android Smartphone

Android smartphones are more customizable than iPhones, but they tend to become laggy and buggy over time. With that said, resetting your Android phone regularly will help restore its original speed and performance.

Method 1. Factory Reset through Phone Settings

Here's how to reset a smartphone via phone settings:

Step 1: Backup all important data before resetting your device. Go to Settings > System > Backup and select Backup now to save all your important data on the cloud or an external device.

Step 2: Go to Settings > System > Reset options.

Step 3: If you want to erase all phone data, select the 'Erase all data (factory reset)' option, or if you want to erase only phone account data, select 'Erase account data.'

Step 4: If prompted, input your password, PIN, or Pattern lock.

Step 5: Select 'Erase everything' to confirm.

Step 6: Wait for the phone to reboot. After the reset is complete, you'll need to input your Google account details again to access Google services.

Method 2. Factory Reset via Recovery Mode

If you can't access the phone settings, you can use recovery mode instead. Here's how:

Step 1: Turn off your phone.

Step 2: Press and hold the volume up button and power button simultaneously until the phone vibrates, and the boot menu appears.

Step 3: Use the volume buttons to navigate through the list and select 'Recovery Mode.'

Step 4: Wait for the phone to reboot. You'll see an Android bot logo with the word 'No Command.' Press the power and volume up button simultaneously to enter the recovery console.

Step 5: Use the volume buttons to navigate the menu and select 'Wipe data/factory reset.'

Step 6: Wait for the phone to reboot. Your phone is now reset to its factory settings.

How to Factory Reset your iPhone

If you're an iPhone user, you can use the following methods to factory reset your device:

Method 1. Factory Reset through the Phone Settings

Step 1: Backup all important data before resetting your device. Connect your iPhone to a computer and launch iTunes to create a new backup. Alternatively, go to Settings > iCloud > iCloud Backup and select Backup Now to save all your important data on the cloud.

Step 2: Go to Settings > General > Reset.

Step 3: Select 'Erase All Content and Settings.'

Step 4: If prompted, input your password.

Step 5: Tap 'Erase iPhone.'

Step 6: If prompted, enter your Apple ID password to disable the 'Activation Lock.'

Step 7: Wait for the phone to reboot. After the reset is complete, you'll need to input your Apple ID details again to access App Store, iCloud, and other Apple services.

Method 2. Factory Reset via iTunes

Step 1: Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable.

Step 2: Open iTunes and select your iPhone.

Step 3: Select Summary > Restore iPhone.

Step 4: Click 'Restore.'

Step 5: If prompted, enter your Apple ID password to disable the 'Activation Lock.'

Step 6: Wait for the restore process to complete. Your iPhone is now reset to its factory settings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, performing a factory reset on your smartphone can be incredibly useful in several scenarios. Whether you want to erase your personal data, fix software issues, get rid of a virus, or improve your phone's performance, a factory reset will help you achieve this.

If you're still unsure about how to factory reset your smartphone, don't hesitate to get in touch with JTG Systems, located at 577 Niagara Street in Welland, Ontario. You can call (905) 892-4555 for expert help and support.

FAQs

1. Is it safe to do a factory reset?

Yes. Factory resetting is safe as it erases all data, settings, and apps from the device and restores it to its original state. However, it's important to back up all important data before resetting the device as it will be lost during the process.

2. How often should I factory reset my smartphone?

There's no definitive answer to this question as it depends on how you use your phone. However, it's recommended to reset your smartphone once every six months to a year to keep it running smoothly.

3. When is it time to reset your smartphone?

If your smartphone is experiencing software issues such as unresponsive apps, slow performance, or a virus, it's time to reset it. Additionally, if you're selling or giving away your device, it's crucial to reset it to erase all your personal data from the phone.