A factory reset restores a computer, smartphone, etc. back to the state it was in when it left the factory. This includes deleting all data, apps and settings that the user has changed on the device. The next person who uses it should have the same experience as when it was first unpacked.
Depending on the electrical device, the factory reset can be performed in different ways. In some cases this can be achieved by entering the device's service menu. Other gadgets may need to be completely reinstalled. The following sections explain the importance of a factory reset and detail how to restore factory settings for several common devices.
What is a factory reset?
A factory reset is a process of erasing all data and settings from a device and returning it to its default settings, which means resetting the device to the point where it is in the same condition as when it was first taken out of the box.
What does a factory reset do?
Factory reset means restoring a device to its original system state by erasing all information stored on the device in an attempt to restore the device's software to its original factory settings.
It helps users regain control of their devices and resolve issues quickly by permanently deleting all personal information, including contacts, messages, photos and apps.
Factory resetting the device to its original state can resolve any software or configuration issues so that it can function normally again. This may include troubleshooting software updates, fixing operating system bugs, and improving overall performance.
Does the factory reset delete everything?
Performing a factory reset will erase almost everything on the device, including:
- Personal information:This includes documents, images, videos, music and other types of personal files.
- Institutions:All settings you have configured on the device, such as network settings, app settings, system settings, etc., will be reset to the default settings.
- Apps:Installed applications and their data will be deleted.
- A little:All accounts logged into the device (such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, etc.) will be deleted.
However, it is important to note that a factory reset will not erase the firmware/software updates applied to the device. The device is still running the latest OS update after the factory reset.
If the device has a memory card or other external storage device, a factory reset may not erase saved data depending on device settings and user actions.
Some types of data may not be completely erased during a factory reset and can theoretically be recovered using specialized software. This is especially a problem when dealing with highly sensitive data. To completely eliminate data, the device's storage must be securely erased or physically destroyed.
Does factory reset remove viruses?
A factory reset can be an effective way to remove viruses from a device as it will erase all data and settings, including any viruses or malware that may be present on the device.
However, it is important to remember that not all malware and viruses can be eliminated by factory reset. Even after a device has been reset to factory settings, some viruses can persist, especially if they are deeply embedded in the firmware or operating system; In such cases it is necessary to seek professional help.
Reasons to reset your device to factory settings
A factory reset should be a user's last resort as it will completely delete all applications, data, etc. from the device. In case of loss or theft, you can use a remote lock and swipe tool such asFactory reset of Apple LockRemotely locking a device can be a less drastic step, followed by a factory reset if necessary.
However, there are some scenarios where a factory reset may be the right choice. These include the following.
Preparing a device for loan to an employee
For an organization looking to maximize the impact of its IT budget, loan units are a logical choice. Allowing employees to check out devices as needed prevents waste if they use them only sporadically or not at all.
However, shared corporate devices create the potential for employees to gain unnecessary and unauthorized access to corporate data stored on them. Performing a factory reset on devices between owners helps prevent these accidental data leaks.
Viruses, malware and other threats
Some types of malware are designed to be persistent and difficult to remove from a device. Simply removing the malware may not be enough if it has made deep changes to the system settings.
Since a factory reset restores a device to its original state, it can be a solution for these persistent malware variants. Deleting all files and restoring the original settings will remove the malware and its various persistence mechanisms.
You want to sell your device
Information accidentally left on sold or discarded devices is a common source of data breaches. Some cyber threat actors will buy them to collect sensitive information accidentally left on them.
Performing a factory reset before selling or disposing of a device is a good safety practice. Clearing data and applications from each gadget helps protect against data loss and ensures that the next user cannot access the company's applications or systems.
You want to install a ROM or customize the system
Smartphones often have built-in limitations on what their owners can do. The only way to gain root-level access on these phones is to root/jailbreak the device by exploiting a vulnerability in the operating system.
For greater configurability and control, some smartphone users will install custom ROMs. When doing this, a necessary first step is to factory reset the device.
You are experiencing data-related issues with your device
Programs, configuration settings, and other factors that can make a device unusable. If the program runs slowly or freezes, the logical first step is to try to identify and resolve the problem application or setting.
However, a factory reset may be the best option if this does not fix the problem. Since this will delete all applications and data from the device and reset the settings to factory defaults, it is likely to resolve software-related issues with a glitch.
How to perform a factory reset
The factory reset process varies depending on the device type and operating system. The easy way to restore factory settings is includeddata protection toolsthat provides this feature. If such tools are not installed, check out how to factory reset on Android, iPhone, macOS and Windows.
Factory reset for Android devices
Different Android devices and operating system versions have different processes for performing a factory reset. The Reset option is usually found in the Settings app under General Management, but can also be found by searching for the word "Reset" in the Settings app.
In the Reset window there should be an option to reset the factory data. Clicking this option and following the instructions will delete all user-installed apps and data from the device.
Factory reset for iPhone
An iPhone, iPad or iPod Touchcan be factory repairedthrough the following steps:
- Open the Settings app
- Select General
- Click Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Click Reset
- Select “Erase All Content and Settings”
- If prompted, enter an Apple ID password or password
An iPhone can also be reset to factory settingsby connecting it to a Mac computer. Once you connect the device, tell it to Trust This Computer and select it when it appears on the Mac. On the General tab, click Restore iPhone and confirm by clicking Restore.
Factory reset for macOS
On a Mac running macOS Monterey, follow these steps to reset your device to factory settings:
- Select System Preferences from the top menu bar
- Click 'Clear all content and settings'
- Enter your password and click OK
- Click Continue to prevent a backup from being created
- Click Continue to remove all content and settings
- If prompted, enter your password to sign out of Apple ID
- Click Erase all content and settings to erase the device
- Follow the prompts during the reinstallation process
At the end of the macOS factory reset process, the computer should display the Activate Mac screen.
Factory setting for Windows
On aWindows deviceFollow these steps to perform a factory reset. But first: if you're using a laptop or other mobile device, plug it into an electrical outlet to keep it charged. If you cannot plug your laptop into an electrical outlet, make sure the battery is at least 50% charged; otherwise, Microsoft won't let you do a factory reset
- Open the Start menu and click the gear icon to open Settings
- Select Update & security
- Select Recovery in the left pane
- Click Get Started under the "Reset this PC" heading.
- Select Delete all
- Choose Cloud Download for an easier Windows installation
- Click next
- Click Reset
When Windows is reinstalled, all user-installed apps and data, as well as user accounts, are removed from the computer.
Disadvantages of factory reset
Overall, a factory reset can be a useful tool to return a device to its default settings and fix device problems. But it is important to know its potential drawbacks to avoid loss of critical data or further compromise of the device.
- Data Loss: The biggest downside of a factory reset is that it will erase all data on the device, including all contacts, messages, photos, videos and other sensitive information that might be stored there. Therefore, it is crucial to backup all important data before performing a factory reset.
- Time-consuming: Performing a factory reset can be time-consuming, especially if you don't have onethe right tool to do it. After the reset, reinstall all your apps and configure all your settings.
- Software updates: Loss of software updates installed on the device can also happen when you perform a factory reset.
- Persistent malware: As mentioned earlier, some viruses can resist a factory reset, especially if they have infected the device's firmware or operating system.
Simplified remote factory reset
While Android or iOS mobile devices may have built-in support for aremote wipe or factory resetthis does not always apply to laptops. Businesses looking to prepare a laptop for a new employee or minimize the risk of a lost or stolen device can take advantage of remote factory reset functionality. Factory reset is one of the many data protection features available on Prey for Windows devices. Learn more about Prey'sFactory Reset and Kill Switchdata protection tools.
