How to Factory Reset a Locked Android Phone Step-by-Step
Has your Android device become locked or frozen and you can't access it anymore? Factory resetting your device will wipe all its data and restore it to original factory settings. This step-by-step guide shows you how to factory reset both pattern and PIN/password locked Android phones.
What You Need Before Factory Resetting a Locked Android
Before factory resetting your locked Android device, ensure you have the following:
- Your device's USB cable
- A Windows, Mac or Linux computer
- Android SDK Platform Tools installed on your computer
How to Factory Reset a Pattern Locked Android
If your Android device is locked with a pattern lock, use these steps to factory reset it:
- Download and install Android SDK Platform Tools on your computer
- Enable USB debugging on your Android device
- Go to Settings > About Phone and tap Build Number 7 times
- Return to Settings and enable Developer Options
- Go to Developer Options and enable USB Debugging
- Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable
- Open the ADB shell on your computer and type:
adb devices
This will show your connected device. - Now type the following command to factory reset:
adb shell recovery --wipe_data - When the reset completes, your device will reboot with factory settings
Factory Resetting a PIN/Password Locked Android
For Android devices locked by PIN, password or face lock, use the following method instead:
- Boot your Android device into Recovery Mode
- Power off your device completely
- Press and hold the Volume Up button + Power button together until recovery menu appears
- Use the volume keys to navigate and select "Wipe data/factory reset"
- Select "Yes -- delete all user data" to confirm factory reset
- Allow your device to finish the resetting process
- Select "Reboot system now" to restart your device
This will bypass the lock screen and restore your device with factory settings erased.
FAQs About Resetting Locked Androids
Will I Lose My Data If I Factory Reset?
Yes, factory resetting an Android phone wipes all user data from the device, including photos, videos, contacts, apps and settings. So backup any data you need before resetting.
Do I Need to Unlock Before Resetting?
No, you can factory reset a locked Android device using either recovery mode or ADB commands. There's no need to unlock it first.
What If My Device Doesn't Have USB Debugging?
If USB debugging mode is not already enabled, unfortunately you cannot reset some devices remotely using ADB. However, recovery mode reset generally works for most locked Androids.
What If My Device Doesn't Boot Into Recovery?
On some newer Android models, keys to enter recovery mode may be different. Research the correct key combo for your phone model if volume up + power keys don't work.