What Does Factory Reset Do? Here’s What Gets Deleted and How to Protect Your Data

Q: What is the difference between hard reset and factory reset?

A hard reset is typically a hardware-level action used to force restart a device when it's unresponsive or frozen. It doesn’t erase data or change settings. A factory reset, on the other hand, wipes all data, apps, and settings, returning the device to its original software state. This is usually done to resolve persistent issues or prepare the device for a new user.

Thinking about hitting the reset button? Bold move, so you might be asking: “What does a factory reset do, actually?” This action can feel like a fresh start for your device, but this fresh start also refers to your data and settings.

In this guide, we’ll unpack what really happens during a factory reset and how you can secure your important information before and after the process.

VeePN Research Lab

Dec 9, 2024

6 min read

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What is a factory reset?

A factory reset is the process of restoring electronic devices to the same state as it was when first purchased. When you restore factory settings, you erase all the data, app settings, and customizations, reverting the device back to its default configuration. Don’t confuse it with a hard reset because a hard reset is typically a hardware-level reset option that forces your device restart when it’s unresponsive or glitching. It doesn’t erase important data or bring your device to original settings.

Reasons for doing a factory reset

There are several common reasons why you might choose to perform a factory reset:

↩️Fixing software problems or glitches: If your device is having persistent software issues or performance problems, a reset to original factory settings can help resolve these by wiping the slate clean.

↩️Preparing for resale: When selling or donating a used device, performing a factory reset is essential to erase all personal information and return the device to its default state.

↩️Restoring device performance: Over time, accumulated user data, installed apps, and customized settings can slow down a device’s performance. A factory reset can help reclaim storage space and improve speed by removing unnecessary files and apps.

↩️Other reasons: Sometimes a factory reset is necessary as a troubleshooting step, providing a new start to diagnose and address specific issues with the device.

What factory reset erases

A factory reset erases the following data and settings:

❎Personal data: All of your documents, photos, videos, music, and other files stored on the device will be deleted.

❎Settings: Any customized network, app, and system settings will be reverted to their default state.

❎Apps: All user-installed apps, along with their associated data, will be removed.

❎Accounts: Any logged-in accounts, such as your Google, Apple, or other online accounts, will be wiped from the device.

You won’t be able to recover this data. But what information stored in your device will survive wiping data?

What is not affected by a factory reset?

While a factory reset will erase a significant amount of data and customizations, there are some elements that will remain unchanged:

➕Operating system updates: Any updates applied to the device’s operating system will persist through the factory reset process.

➕Pre-installed apps and system software: Apps and system software that came pre-installed on the device by the manufacturer will not be removed after a factory reset.

➕Other device-specific settings: Some settings unique to the device hardware, such as Bluetooth pairings or display preferences, may not be affected by the factory reset.

Pros and cons of a factory reset

Let’s talk about benefits and disadvantages of a factory reset:

Benefits

👍Improves device performance: By removing unnecessary files, apps, and customizations, a factory reset can help restore a device’s speed and responsiveness.

👍Enhances data security: Performing a factory and completele erasing all personal data and accounts from the device can provide an added layer of security, especially before selling or donating the device.

Drawbacks

👎Data loss: The primary downside of a factory reset is the permanent deletion of all user-generated data, which is why it’s crucial to back up important files beforehand.

👎Reinstallation: After the factory reset, you’ll need to reinstall any apps, reconfigure settings, and log back into your accounts, which can be a time-consuming process.

Steps to take before and after a factory reset

Follow these simple steps to ensure your privacy is secure when you complete a factory reset on your device:

Before performing a factory reset

➡️Back up your data: Ensure that all your important documents, photos, and other files are securely backed up to an external storage device or cloud-based service.

➡️Sign out of essential accounts: Log out of any critical online accounts, such as your Google, Apple, or social media profiles, to prevent unauthorized access after the factory reset.

➡️Encrypt data: If your device offers data encryption options, consider enabling them to add an extra layer of protection to your files before the factory reset.

After performing a factory reset

✅Re-enable firewalls and security features: Once the factory reset is complete, make sure to re-enable any built-in security features, such as firewalls or antivirus software, to protect your device.

✅Install or update security software: Consider installing a reliable security suite or updating any existing security apps to ensure your device is protected after the factory data reset.

✅Set up a VPN: Establishing a virtual private network (VPN) connection is an essential step to safeguard your online activities and data following a factory reset.

While first two after-reset recommendations are pretty clear, we need to talk about the role of VPN in shielding your privacy.

What is a VPN and why does it matter for data security?

A VPN is a tool that creates a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the Internet. By hiding your IP address and encrypting your Internet traffic, a VPN helps protect your online activities from prying eyes and potential cyber threats, thereby making reset to factory settings as secure as possible.

This level of security is particularly important after a factory reset, as your device will be in a more vulnerable state with all your data and customizations wiped. Free VPN services often come with limited features and questionable privacy practices, so it’s recommended to invest in a premium VPN solution like VeePN to ensure robust protection for your data.

Why VeePN is go-to solution for post factory reset security

VeePN is a premium VPN service that offers a comprehensive suite of security features to safeguard your online activities after a factory data reset:

🛡️AES 256-bit encryption: VeePN uses the top industry-standard encryption protocol to ensure your Internet traffic remains secure and unreadable to potential attackers.

🛡️2,500 servers in 89 locations: With a vast global network of servers, VeePN allows you to connect to a location of your choice, hiding your IP address and ensuring your Internet privacy.

🛡️NetGuard: VeePN’s built-in NetGuard feature blocks malicious websites and protects your device from malware, further enhancing your security.

🛡️Anonymous Email: VeePN offers an anonymous email service, enabling you to create a secure email account without revealing your real identity.

Compatible with all major platforms and operating systems, VeePN can be your go-to cybersecurity solution you can install on up to 10 different devices with one subscription. Download VeePN today and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee!

FAQ

A factory reset typically erases all data on your device, restoring it to its original state. However, you can back up important files, photos, and settings to the cloud or an external device before proceeding. After the reset, you can restore your data from the backup to avoid losing everything.

A hard reset is typically a hardware-level action used to force restart a device when it’s unresponsive or frozen. It doesn’t erase data or change settings.

A factory reset, on the other hand, wipes all data, apps, and settings, returning the device to its original software state. This is usually done to resolve persistent issues or prepare the device for a new user.

A factory reset deletes most data from your device, including personal files (like photos, videos, and documents), installed apps, and customized settings. However, it doesn’t remove the operating system, pre-installed apps, or system software updates. Data on external storage, like SD cards, is typically unaffected unless explicitly chosen to be wiped. To learn what factory reset deletes and what not, check the article.

Yes, a factory reset can remove most types of malware since it wipes all installed apps, settings, and data, including malicious software. However, it won’t remove malware that has infected the device’s firmware or pre-installed system apps. For added protection, ensure you reinstall apps only from trusted sources and use antivirus software after the reset.

Written by VeePN Research Lab VeePN Research Lab is dedicated to provide you latest posts about internet security and privacy.