At some point, we all face the situation where our Android mobile starts giving problems or just doesn’t work as well as it used to. It is then when we consider how to format an Android mobile to solve these problems. By resetting Android, we can restore factory settings and erase all data, which allows us to recover the optimal performance of the device.
In this article, I will explain step by step how to carry out this process. efficiently and smoothly. You will see that it is not only easier than it seems, but it will also allow you to enjoy your mobile as if it were new. In addition, I will give you some tips so that you do not lose your most important data.
Don’t worry if you’ve never formatted a phone before, because I’m here to guide you through every step of the process. So let’s get started!
What to keep in mind before resetting the mobile and returning to the factory settings
Before making the decision to reset your mobile and return to the factory settings, it is important to consider some key aspects to make sure the process is done successfully and without loss of important data. Here I mention the most important points to take into account:
- Make a full backup on Android: This is the most important step before resetting your mobile. Make sure that you keep all your important data, such as contacts, photos, videos, documents, messages, and applications, in a safe place, such as a Google Drive account or a cloud storage service.
- Charge the phone: Before starting the reset process, it is essential that your mobile battery is fully charged or, at least, with a level of charge greater than 50%. This will prevent the device from powering down during the process, which could cause software issues or system damage.
- Have your account information handy: Once the mobile has been reset, you will need to re-enter the credentials of your email accounts, social networks and other services to synchronize and access your information.
- Unlink your Google account: Before resetting your mobile, it is important to unlink the Google account associated with the phone. Otherwise, you might encounter Factory Reset Protection (FRP) activation lock when trying to configure the device after the reset.
- Remove the SIM card and external memory card: Although the factory reset process should not affect the SIM card or external memory card, it is recommended to remove them before starting the process to avoid possible errors or data loss.
- Know the reset process for your device: The factory reset method may vary depending on the manufacturer and model of the Android device. Make sure you know the specific process for your phone and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Format Android: How to Factory Reset
All the information that I have provided you so far contains everything you need before discovering how to reset an Android mobile. But theory must go hand in hand with practice.
It is time for me to explain how to format a mobile phone step by step and what are the most effective methods to factory reset your device android.
How to Delete All Data From a Mobile From Settings
All mobile devices have an option to delete all data in settings. It does not matter if you are wondering how to format an iPad or an Android phone. In all cases you will find a section dedicated to this need.
But, in the case of Android terminals, the procedure may vary depending on the brand and model. Therefore, here I leave you the instructions for three of the best-known brands.
How to Format a Samsung
Well, if what you want is to format a samsung galaxy phone, this is what you should do:
- Go into the settings.
- press on General Administration.
- Click on Restore.
- Continue playing on Factory reset.
- Review the list of accounts and applications that are going to be deleted.
- press on Restore.
- Follow the additional steps that appear on the screen.
How to Format a Xiaomi
And what if your mobile is Xiaomi, POCO or Redmi? So, to format it you should do this:
- Go into the settings.
- Tap on over the phone.
- press Factory reset.
- Tap on delete all data and follow the instructions that appear on the device.
How to Format a Google Pixel
Finally, I think it is convenient to talk about the Google Pixel and, in general, about any brand that uses the popularly known as pure android. Here’s how to restore your phone on these phones:
- Go into the settings.
- Tap on System.
- Choose the option recovery options.
- press on Return to factory state (delete everything).
- Confirm with the button Clear all data.
- Follow any additional prompts that appear.
Of course, I am aware that there are more brands on the market. However, I am convinced that the three procedures that I have explained will serve as a guide, even if you have a device from another manufacturer.
How to Factory Reset a Phone From Recovery
He recovery mode or recovery is a tool that all Androids include and that allows you to manage the device beyond the operating system. And, of course, among its functions is to restore the phone to the factory.
The instructions that you will have to follow to get to this recovery of your phone are very similar in all terminals. Generally, this is what you should do:
- Turn off the mobile completely.
- Press the necessary buttons to access the recovery. In XDA Developers they have published a guide with the combinations for each model.
- In the recovery, enter the section wipe. Navigate between items with the volume buttons and select options with the power button.
- Choose the option Wipe All Data.
Wait for the process to finish. Your phone will automatically reboot and you will have to set it up from scratch.
How to Delete Everything From the Mobile with ADB Commands
ADB is a mode intended for developers that allows you to send commands to the device to execute certain tasks. One of them, how could it be otherwise, is to delete all the content of the mobile.
You will need the following:
- Activate USB debugging on your mobile, from the developer options. It’s as easy as going to Settings > Phone info > Build number and touch that section several times until the developer options. Then go to Settings > System > Developer options and turn on USB debugging from there.
- Discharge Minimal ADB & Fastboot on your computer.
- Connect your device to PC via cable.
When you’re all set, open Minimal ADB & Fastboot, which should already be installed on your computer. So, run the following commands:
- adb devices (authorize the connection from the screen of your phone).
- adb shell
- recovery –wipe_data (If that doesn’t work, try recovery –wipe data)
Then the phone will reboot.
Remember that with ADB it is also possible to reboot the device in recovery mode and thus continue the steps on the device. It is done with these commands:
- adb devices
- adb reboot recovery
When you are in recovery mode, follow the steps that I explained to you in the previous section of this guide.
What does it mean to Format an Android Mobile?
Formatting an Android device involves going through a process of hard reset, returning the phone to its original factory settings. This means that all data stored on the mobile, including applications, media files, custom settings and user data, will be deleted.
When formatting the phone, the stored information is completely erased in its internal memory, and the operating system and applications pre-installed by the manufacturer are reinstalled.
Why Format an Android Mobile?
Sometimes, it is necessary to perform a factory reset on the phone to solve problems or simply give the mobile a “face lift”. If you are considering formatting your Android mobile, I will tell you about some of the most common reasons and how they can help you improve your experience with the phone:
- Optimize and speed up mobile: Over time, our device slows down due to the accumulation of files, applications and caches. Formatting your phone and performing a factory reset will get it back to working optimally by removing all data and leaving your device like new.
- Fix software problems: Sometimes, we find problems on our mobile that are not resolved with restarts or app updates. Formatting the device cleans up any errors or issues that may be affecting performance.
- Remove virus or malware: If our phone has been infected by a virus or malware, formatting it is one of the best solutions to eliminate any trace of these problems and protect our information.
- Sell or give away the device: When we decide to sell or give away our mobile, it is important to make sure that we delete all our personal data and leave the phone clean for its new owner.
- Update to a newer version of Android: Sometimes, when updating our mobile to a new version of the operating system, we may encounter compatibility problems or errors in the process. Formatting the phone before upgrading can help avoid these issues and ensure a successful installation.
Keep in mind that formatting your Android mobile will delete all your data and applications, so it is important make a backup before carrying out the process.
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