You’re going to want to be sure that this is the right thing to do, as it’s not something you can easily come back from. It’s absolutely imperative that you back up your device first. Once you’ve identified that it’s something you want to do, you have two key options:
Hard reset Android
A hard reset will clear the memory and delete all your files, returning your device to its factory settings. Unless you are getting rid of the phone and tablet, it’s typically used as a last resort for a misbehaving device.
Ensure your phone or tablet has at least 30 percent chargeOpen the Settings appScroll down to and select Backup & resetTap Factory data resetSelect Reset phoneSelect Erase everythingIf you have a password you will be prompted to enter it now
Your device will take a few minutes to reboot, and then it’ll be ready to go as it was when you first received it.
Soft reset Android
A soft reset is very different to a hard reset in that it simply closes your open apps and reboots the device. It’s useful if your phone or tablet has frozen and refuses to reboot via the normal method using the power button. When the device reboots your files should remain intact.
A soft reset is usually performed by pressing and holding down the power button and volume-up button together for a few seconds (remember that power and volume-down instead takes a screenshot).
You will need to hold the combination for several seconds for the soft reset to occur. If you’ve done this and it hasn’t worked, there may be an alternative way to trigger a soft reset on your device. Google your model name and the term ‘soft reset’ for instructions.
Marie is Editorial Director at Foundry. A Journalism graduate from the London College of Printing, she’s worked in tech media for more than 17 years, managing our EMEA and LatAm editorial teams and leading on content strategy through Foundry’s transition from print, to digital, to online - and beyond.
