Home

PDF

Reset and erase your cellphone

Posted on 05 February 2010. Last updated on 09 February 2010.

 

How to reset your cellphone to factory defaults and wipe all your files, SMS, emails and contacts.

When you send away your cellphone, because you sell it or you have to send it in for repairs,
you should always remove all your personal info, inlcuding but not limited to:
contacts, SMS, emails, pictures, ...

You never know where it ends up and who will be using your device.

Most cellphones have a function that allows you to reset to the factory default settings and wipe all your personal info.
Below I added a list of the commands I know about.
The commands are different for each manufacturer and model.
If you have a model that isn't listed below, and you know how to reset it?
Please send me a mail, so I can add it.

Ofcourse you need also to remove your SIM-card and any (mini)SD-cards or other memory cards.

Before you continue make a backup first!

Android
Reset to factory default settings:
settings > privacy > Factory data reset
On the Factory data reset screen, tap Reset phone and then tap Erase everything if you want to remove all your personal info.

To reset the phone using phone buttons, with the phone turned off, press and hold the HOME, END CALL/POWER, and BACK buttons. The reset process will start after a few seconds


Blackberry (8800)
To reset and erase all personal info:
Options menu > Security Options > General Settings > Menu > Wipe handheld
Enter password ('Blackberry' or your business-assigned security password)


I-phone
Reset to factory default settings:
General > Reset > Reset All Settings.
To reset and erase all personal info:
General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings.


Nokia (N73, N95)
Reset to factory default settings:
Go to Settings > phone > general > reset factory settings.
Or,
type:*#7780#.
In both cases default lock code is:12345.
To reset and erase all personal info:
Dial *#7370# now it will ask restore original device settings


Samsung (SPH-I350)
To reset and erase all personal info:
Push and hold the power button until the Shutdown box appears then touch OK to power down the handset
Press and continue to hold the Enter/Settings key while pushing the power button to restart the handset (Do NOT let go of either key until the format screen appears)
Touch the green Talk key to format the handset while deleting all data and restoring the factory default settings


Windows Mobile (HTC touch)
To reset and erase all personal info:
Settings > System > Clear storage

 

TOP