How to Factory Reset a Windows Phone

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

Factory resetting your Windows Phone is a process that wipes all the data and settings on the device, returning it to its original, out-of-the-box condition. This can be useful when you want to sell your phone, give it to someone else, or resolve software issues. Here's how to perform a factory reset on your Windows Phone:

Factory Resetting a Windows Phone

Note: Performing a factory reset will erase all data on your phone, including apps, settings, and personal files. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Method 1: Factory Reset from Settings

This method works for Windows Phone 8 and 8.1 devices:

Backup Your Data (Optional)

Before proceeding with the factory reset, consider backing up your data to avoid losing important information. To do this, follow these steps:

Go to "Settings."

Scroll down and tap on "Backup."

Ensure that "App list + settings" and "Text messages" are turned on for backup.

Perform the Factory Reset

Open the "Settings" app on your Windows Phone.

Scroll down and select "About."

Tap on "Reset your phone."

Read the warning message carefully, then tap "Yes" to confirm.

Your phone will restart and begin the reset process. This may take some time, so be patient.

Once the reset is complete, your phone will reboot, and you'll be presented with the initial setup screen.

Method 2: Factory Reset with Hardware Buttons

If you can't access the settings on your phone, you can perform a factory reset using hardware buttons. This method is typically used for devices running Windows Phone 7 or for situations where the phone is unresponsive:

Turn Off the Phone

Ensure your Windows Phone is powered off.

If it's unresponsive, remove the battery (if possible), wait for a few seconds, and then reinsert it.

Perform the Factory Reset

Press and hold the "Volume Down" button.

While holding the "Volume Down" button, press and release the "Power" button.

Continue to hold the "Volume Down" button until you see an exclamation mark (!) on the screen.

Release the "Volume Down" button.

Press the following button sequence in order: "Volume Up," "Volume Down," "Power," and "Volume Down."

Your Windows Phone will display a gear and a progress bar, indicating that it's resetting.

Once the reset is complete, your phone will reboot, and you'll be presented with the initial setup screen.

Method 3: Factory Reset Using Find My Device

If you've enabled the "Find My Device" feature on your Windows Phone and you have access to a web browser, you can perform a remote factory reset:

Open a Web Browser

Open a web browser on a computer or another device.

Go to the "Find My Device" website (account.microsoft.com/devices).

Sign In

Sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your Windows Phone.

Select Your Device

From the list of devices associated with your Microsoft account, select your Windows Phone.

Erase Data

Click on the "Erase" button.

Confirm the action.

Your Windows Phone will be remotely wiped, and it will return to its factory settings the next time it connects to the internet.

Performing a factory reset on your Windows Phone can help resolve various issues and prepare your device for a new owner. Be cautious, as this process erases all data, and it cannot be undone. Make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble, refer to the Step-By-Step Guide below or consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.

STEP-BY-STEP Guide For Factory Resetting a Windows Phone

1. Introduction

If your Microsoft Smartphone is not working properly and you've exhausted all other possible repair steps or you want to give it to someone else, you can reset it to factory defaults.

2. Factory Reset

Resetting the device to factory defaults will erase all your personal information and settings on it.

Method 1:

1. From the Start screen, tap on Settings or open the apps list by tapping the rightward pointing arrow in the bottom right corner of the screen.
   

1. If you opened the apps list, then scroll up and down to find Settings and tap on it, or you can search for that option by tap on the magnifying glass in the top left corner of the screen and typing in its name in the search field.
   

1. Under System scroll up and down to find and tap on About.
   

1. On the About screen tap on Reset your phone.
   

1. You will get a warning that all data will be erased. Tap on Yes if you want to proceed.
   

1. 
   
2. You will get a second warning asking if you want to erase all the data. Tap on Yes once again if you want to proceed.
   

1. 
   
2. The smartphone will restart and perform the factory reset. Wait for the process to complete. It can take between 5 to 20 minutes.

Method 2:

1. This method involves using the smartphones side buttons. There are two different button layouts on Microsoft Smartphones as shown below.
   

1. Turn off the smartphone by pressing and holding the Power button until a message shows up on the screen that says Slide to power off. Go ahead and slide downwards.
2. Once the smartphone is turned off, press and hold the Power button to turn it back on but quickly release as soon as it vibrates.
3. Quickly press and hold the Volume Down button until a big exclamation mark shows up on the screen.
4. Press and release the following buttons in sequence:
5. Volume Up
6. Volume Down
7. Power
8. Volume Down
9. The smartphone will restart and perform the factory reset. Wait for the process to complete. It can take between 5 to 20 minutes.