Reset your mobile: the definitive guide you need
Sometimes giving your phone a hard reset is the only solution. When apps are stuck, storage is full, or you suspect malware, formatting can be a lifesaver.
But beware: this is not a game. If you do it wrong, you lose everything. Photos, contacts, conversations… everything disappears forever. You could even render the device unusable.
When do you really need to format?
Telefónica explains it clearly:
“It is appropriate to reset a cell phone when the cell phone has been infected with malware or viruses, does not have enough storage space to use it normally or has performance problems”
The benefits are real:
- Radical performance improvement
- Deletion of unnecessary data
- More storage space available
- Goodbye to slowdowns
- Decongested operating system
- Virus and malware removal
- Resolving persistent software problems
Experts recommend doing it at least once a year. It’s like a digital deep cleaning.
Preparation is EVERYTHING (don’t skip it)
Before touching any button:
- Back up EVERYTHING – Photos, documents, important apps. Use Google Drive, iCloud, or any trusted cloud service.
- Secure your credentials – You will need the email and password associated with the device to reactivate it later.
- Turn off ‘Find My iPhone’ if you use Apple (this is crucial).
Step by step: Android vs iPhone
For Android:
From settings:
- Settings → Phone system → Phone/factory reset
- Confirm and wait (it may take minutes)
- The mobile will restart like new
With physical buttons (if it does not start):
- Turn off the device completely
- Press and hold power + volume down for several seconds
- Use the volume buttons to navigate to ‘Recovery Mode’
- Select ‘Wipe data/factory reset’ and confirm
- Choose ‘Reboot system now’
- Sign in with your account when restarting
For iPhone:
From the phone:
- Settings → General → Transfer or reset iPhone
- ‘Delete content and settings’
- Enter Apple code and password if prompted
- Decide on the eSIM (keep or delete)
- Confirm and wait
From computer (more secure):
- Connect by cable to Mac/PC
- Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes/Apple Devices (Windows)
- Select your iPhone → General → Restore iPhone
- Confirm the complete procedure
Important warning
Some devices may automatically format as a defense mechanism against serious system failures.
That’s why always having an updated backup is not a suggestion—it’s mandatory.
If you don’t feel confident doing this alone, seek professional help. A technician can guide you safely.
