Formatting a device on Android OS. How to format your phone without going into settings. How to format your phone via computer. Formatting Android, video What happens if you format your Android phone

How to format an Android phone as quickly as possible and avoid errors? Formatting the memory of any digital device with Android means annihilation (deletion) of all data from the device, except for operating system files. This procedure can be very useful in some cases when it is necessary to destroy a large amount of data in a minimum period of time.

Formatting can be carried out in several ways: directly through Android settings (depending on different versions of the OS and smartphone model, the specifics of this operation will vary); through special utilities that are pre-installed on the device; via Recovery-mode and via a computer. How are these methods different? Theoretically, it is easier to delete all data through the standard “Android” menu.

But what if the device doesn’t turn on using standard methods and it’s impossible to go into the settings? This is where Recovery-mode is needed: with it you go to the smartphone control point, bypassing the standard system tools. You can format without resorting to Android through a personal computer, but only if you have Windows XP or an OLDER version installed. The fact is that file managers in new Windows see the Android OS as such, but cannot format it. This rule does not apply to memory cards: they can be formatted on any device.

In what cases should you format your Android phone?

The first and most common scenario– the device lags a lot. You have already tried different RAM and RAM memory cleaners such as CCLeaner and Clean Master, but the phone is still terribly slow. Then formatting is the only way out.
Second scenario– your smartphone has picked up a virus that has bypassed all security measures and is now “mastering” the system. Here it is better to use formatting via Recovery-mode.
Third scenario– you want to sell your smartphone. To do this, you need to erase all data from it so that the phone looks like new.
Fourth scenario Regarding memory cards: you need a blank flash card to use it in the card reader. In this case, formatting is best done through a personal computer.

If we are talking about formatting the system itself, then the best program is the HDD Low Level Format Tool. From its name it is clear that it resorts to low-level formatting, that is, to the annihilation of data by bypassing the system. It should be used on computers running Windows XP or OLDER. Here we remember the first point: this is due to the fact that new Windows cannot format the smartphone’s memory. The problem with this operation is that when using this utility, ALL data is destroyed, including Android OS files.

As a result, after formatting you get a “brick”: a smartphone that does not turn on. This method is worth using if you know how to then install the operating system on the device from scratch.

How to format Android using system tools

How to format an Android phone through the system without using third-party utilities? It’s simple: go to “Settings”, where from the list of items that appear
Click on “Privacy”. In the submenu that pops up, click on “Reset settings”. In this case, all user data will be destroyed. The system warns him about this by showing a corresponding message. Tip: Before resetting, copy all files to a USB flash drive or MisroSD.

What if there is a virus in your smartphone that prohibits formatting? Then we go to the service menu of the device via Recovery-mode: simultaneously press the on/off button of the smartphone and the volume rocker in the “Up” position. A robot will appear on the display and disappear after a few seconds. Then you need to select “Wipe data/factory reset”. Touch controls are not available in Recovery-mode, so you need to navigate through items using the volume rocker (plays the role of a navigation joystick) and the power button (plays the role of the “Enter” key). After confirmation, the device will freeze briefly during the formatting process.

Important: At this time, you should under no circumstances press the buttons on your Android device: this will cause problems during operation.

It is better to format memory cards for Android in the NTFS format: the system works faster with it, and it will also be able to detect files larger than 4 GB. Other formats, such as FAT32, can be used for flash drives smaller than 4 GB. The HDD Low Level Format Tool formats the device in NTFS.

The nuances of formatting phones for Android from Samsung, lg, htc, Lenovo, sony

How to format Android smartphones from well-known manufacturers? The location of the “Reset settings” item may vary on different devices.
Yes, at Samsung it is not located in the “Privacy” tab, but in “Backup and reset”. The rules for entering Recovery-mode for Samsung also differ from the generally accepted ones. To enter the Samsung service menu, you need to simultaneously hold down the “Power”, “Home” (central) buttons and the top volume rocker.

At LG“Reset settings” is located in the “Backup and reset” tab, and to enter Recovery-mode on the virtual keyboard we dial the combination 3845#*model number#.

For HTC The system menu is entered by simultaneously pressing the volume rocker “Down” and the power button.

For Lenovo– volume “Down” + volume “Up” + power button. You can format your Sony smartphone by entering the following characters on the virtual keyboard: *2767*3855#.

How to format a flash card for Android

If we are talking about formatting a memory card for Android, then this can be done on a smartphone using the Android USB Tool utility. To use it you need to have developer rights (Root). The advantage of this program is that it can make Flash cards bootable. The principle of its use: you turn on the application and:

If you just want to format the memory card, click on the “Format tool” item, where you select the future file system (tip: choose NTFS - then the memory card will be able to see files larger than 4 gigabytes) and the cluster size. Then you confirm the operation, wait a few minutes, and the formatted memory card is ready;
If you want to make the memory card bootable, format it and then click on the “Create bootable USB Flash from ISO” item. Then select the desired system image and confirm the operation. The resulting flash card can be inserted into a card reader and used as a bootable flash drive.

You can also clear a memory card for Android via a computer. Advice: it is better to use SD Formatter rather than the standard formatting utility for Windows. The principle of its use is similar to the previous program: launch SD Formatter; in the list where the drives connected to the computer are displayed, select the letter that identifies the drive from the Android smartphone (do not confuse it!); go to the SD Formatter settings by clicking on the “Option” item, where we select “Full OverWrite” and click “Format”. In a few minutes, the formatted flash card will be ready.

Any phone accumulates deviations in algorithms and errors during operation. Over time, there are so many glitches that it becomes very difficult to work with the device. In this case, formatting the mobile device will be an effective and simple solution.

How to format Android

Formatting a telephone means clearing its memory and resetting the settings to factory settings. After such an operation, the owner receives the device absolutely without any information, as if brought from the manufacturer. The only difference from the new smartphone is the saved personal data, photos and music. How can I format my phone on Android OS? It is not difficult to carry out general cleaning on your smartphone. When your mobile phone is slow, freezes, or starts turning on and off spontaneously, it’s time to format it.

Formatting methods from your phone

It should be remembered that interfering with the operation of any equipment is a personal decision of the user, for the consequences of which he will be responsible independently. If you are not sure that you know exactly how to format your phone through a computer or in any other way, then it is better to entrust cleaning the memory to a professional. Now it’s easy to reset your mobile device on the Android platform using the following methods:

cleaning the operating system;
bypassing the OS;
using a quick code;
formatting the memory card.

How to format an Android phone using OS cleaning

Before you begin the cleaning process, you need to create a backup copy that will store all the necessary information. The procedure is simple: copy the data to a flash drive or other external storage device. Then the device with the information must be removed, since cleaning may also affect it. So, how to format an Android phone if a failure occurs:

Create a backup copy of the OS. Then go to “Settings” – “Privacy” – “Reset”. You will then be asked to confirm the action. You must understand that after clicking the button, all folders, data, files and applications will be deleted.
After clicking reset, a window will open. It will contain a warning that all information will be deleted.
If the data is not saved, you can still cancel the operation at this stage and save the necessary files. After this, you can return to formatting again.

Sometimes the device behaves so inadequately that it does not turn on at all. In this case, press the volume control (up position) and the power button simultaneously. A robot will appear on the screen, allowing access to the menu. Here select the “Wipe data/factory reset” function. In this mode, all operations should be performed using the volume key. Perform the desired action with the “Home” or “lock/shutdown” button. After formatting, the smartphone will freeze for a while. Wait a moment: the device will reboot and factory settings will be restored.

Quick code for formatting Android

Major cleaning of a mobile device consists of entering unique codes developed for each model. How can I format my phone using them? To use a secret code, you need to open the dialing line in your device, then enter a combination of numbers. As soon as it is entered, the smartphone will automatically be formatted to factory settings. If this does not happen, it means that your phone does not support this code. Combination of numbers for main smartphone models:

Samsung Galaxy (Samsung), Sony (Sony) – *2767*3855#;
Nokia (Nokia) – *#7370#;
Fly – *01763*737381# Reset;
Alcatel (Alcatel) – ###847#;
Siemens (Siemens) – *#9999#.

How to format a memory card on your phone

All Android phones and tablets have a memory card installed: it is designed to expand the ability to save more information on devices. The flash drive adds additional GB (from 2 to 32) to the internal memory of the smartphone. Sometimes devices begin to behave incorrectly with the SD card, and then it needs to be cleared. How to format a flash drive on an Android phone:

Open the menu, select “Settings” - “Memory”. A window will open showing the drive.
Find the item “Memory card” - “Clear”. Some devices may have an "Eject" or "Disable" button.
Confirm the selected action. After this the procedure is completed.

Precautions before formatting Android

Once you format, all data on your device will be erased. How to save the necessary information if there is no backup function on your smartphone? In this case, you will need to install a third-party utility that will save the necessary data. Download the Easy Backup or Root Uninstaller application from the Play Store. After installing it, save the backup information to a memory card, and then remove it from the smartphone. Then you can proceed with formatting without fear.

How to format an Android phone via computer

If your smartphone does not turn on, you can clear its internal memory using a computer. Connect the device to the PC using a regular USB cable. Next, follow the instructions for clearing the internal memory from your smartphone, only control it using the mouse. The end result will be no different. How to format a flash drive on your phone using a personal computer:

Insert an SD card into the card reader. Click the Start program - My Computer.
All flash drives will be displayed on the screen. Right-click on the desired SD icon, then select the format function.
A window with settings will pop up. Check the box next to “Clear Table of Contents.” Press the "Start" button. This method is universal for SD cards of any format.

Video: how to completely format Android to factory settings

Owners of mobile devices sometimes wonder how to format an Android phone. Deleting all files is an effective remedy for many problems. With the help of such cleaning, it is often possible to remove various system errors and malware.

Preparing to clean your device

Formatting may be needed in the following cases:

The user wants to give or sell his Android to someone. Typically, people do not want their personal information to be shared with third parties.
The owner of the device does not like that some applications take 10 minutes to launch or system errors occur that cannot be resolved. In such cases, formatting seems to be the best solution to problems.
The user has forgotten the screen unlock password. If other methods do not help solve the problem, you will have to perform formatting.

There are 2 main ways to format memory. If the device is operating relatively normally and the operating system is running on it, then performing the operation will be very simple. Otherwise, you will have to delete data through Android recovery mode, which will be a little more difficult. You need to keep in mind that before destroying data on a phone like the Samsung Galaxy S7 or S8, you must first back up the information.

Any of the available methods of cleaning the device erases all user files. This is why you need to back up your files before starting the process. To save information on a personal computer, it is recommended to use the Android Backup Restore program.

Then you need to follow these steps:

After installing the program, launch it and open the Data Backup & Restore panel. Then connect the device you want to format to your computer using a USB cable.
The user will be offered 2 options: Backup and Restore. You need to select Backup and mark on your phone the data you want to save.
Click the Backup button after the files have been selected. After some time, you will receive a notification that the data backup is complete. The program will clearly demonstrate that the files are in the right place.

Several ways to delete data

An easy way to format an Android device is to do a factory reset. Even an inexperienced user can cope with this task. As an example, we will use the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge smartphone, model number – SM-G9350, operating system version – Android 6.0.1. To format the gadget you need to follow these steps:

open “Settings” on your phone;
tap “Backup & reset”, then scroll down the screen and select “Factory reset”;
select the “Reset settings” option to return Android to its original state.

Another way to format a smartphone is through recovery mode. This method will be needed when it gets stuck on the loading screen and cannot start the operating system. It will also be useful for those who have forgotten the screen unlock password. In other words, you need to format Android through recovery mode in cases where you cannot successfully log into the system and reset the settings in normal mode. The same Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge phone will be used as an example. You need to do the following:

turn off your smartphone;
simultaneously press and hold the Power, Volume Up and Home buttons;
release all keys when the logo appears and recovery mode appears;
Scroll down to select the Wipe Data/Factory Reset option using the Volume Down key and use the Power button to confirm the selection.

Once the process is complete, all user information on the device will be deleted. The above guide is just an example of entering recovery mode. In fact, different phone models have different ways to enable this feature. Instructions for activating recovery mode can usually be found in the documentation for your mobile device.

After formatting your phone, you can restore information using Android Backup Restore, all you need is a click of a mouse button. It is enough to connect the device to the PC, select the necessary files and return the lost data. Android Backup Restore allows you to create backups for free. This application stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness.

In most cases, when referring to phones, the concept of formatting means the so-called Hard Reset. After carrying out this procedure, all personal information is erased from the internal memory of the device, including not only installed applications, but also multimedia - photo, video files, music, etc. Viruses and Trojans are removed with them, and performance is restored. We will tell you further how you can format Android in several ways. Perhaps it will be convenient simply.

Formatting Android smartphones with Google shell

It should be emphasized that this procedure does not delete files from the SD card. But when using encryption on the drive, the decryption key will be destroyed along with the internal memory information. The user will also lose access to the information on the card.

Let's look at how to format Android on a tablet with Google shell:

The system will warn the user that all his data will be deleted. After confirming the action, you can format Android.

Carrying out the process on other Android devices

You can figure out how to format Android on smartphones using the example of Samsung gadgets. The process is performed as follows:

All you have to do is agree to continue the action by pressing the reset button, after which the smartphone will be formatted.

Be careful, because in the latest versions of Android (starting from 5.1), according to Google’s recommendation, after formatting the device will require connection to the account that was on the device before the operation. If you erase all data using the described method, without knowing the password for your account, then unlocking the formatted device will only be possible at a service center. In addition, you will need a warranty card or check, i.e. documents that can prove that you are the owner of the gadget.

You can avoid such problems if you know not only how to format the device, but also understand how to delete an account before carrying out the described process.

To remove an account from your phone before formatting, do the following:

Open the settings folder in the gadget menu.
In the accounts section, select the Google account to delete.
At the top of the window, click on “Options” (sometimes displayed as three dots).
In the pop-up window, select delete account.

Some devices may require you to enter a password during this operation. If you don’t remember it, then even if you know how to format the tablet, avoid this procedure, and delete personal files, for example, when transferring the device to another person, manually. Let us remind you that this is true for gadgets with Android versions 5.1 and higher.

If the device screen is locked or it does not boot at all, then you will not be able to format the device through the settings menu. In this case, you will have to resort to Hard Reset, that is, a hard reboot or flashing. The consequences of this procedure will be the same - the gadget will return to its original state, i.e. all applications except standard ones, as well as other user data, will be completely deleted.

Let's look at how to format a phone using Samsung gadgets as an example:

Navigation through menu items is carried out with the volume down button, and selection with the power key.

In devices from other manufacturers, formatting is done in a similar way, however, since the sequence of actions will still be somewhat different.

Erasing a memory card

If necessary, the gadget’s memory card is also formatted, but separately. This can be done via a computer or laptop in the standard way. For this:

Insert the MicroSD card into the SD adapter. Make sure that writing on it is enabled - the switch should be at the top.
Insert the SD into the card reader, make sure that the system recognizes it as a drive.
Right-click on the map icon to open the context menu and select the desired command.

You can format the SD card in the phone itself. For this.

How to format Android - this question is of interest to users for whom data destruction is the only possible solution. Let's look at methods for formatting information.

The main methods of information destruction are:

Formatting by resetting the gadget to its original settings.
Through mode
Using a combination.
Through special programs.

The procedure should be approached with caution, since all data is deleted: both necessary and unnecessary. Using this option, issues such as braking, sudden reboot of the device, and sudden closing of programs are resolved.

Manually

There are several ways to manually format your phone or tablet. Let's look at each in more detail. “Rolling back” to the original settings is the most popular and easiest way. It is easy to implement and does not require much time.

The disadvantages of this method include complete deletion of data. So, the “broken” firmware will be fixed, unnecessary garbage will be removed and other important problems will be solved, but all important data will also be deleted. It is recommended to transfer the necessary files immediately before starting the procedure.

Method #1:

Instructions for method No. 2:

Visit Dialer.
Use an elementary method that does not require special skills - type a special command. There are several combinations. The simplest one for Samsung models: *2767*3855#.
Once you press the call key, the procedure is activated.

Method number 3:

Through the program

In the official Google Play store there are many utilities for destroying device data. The most popular and easiest to use:

Root booster. The program reconfigures software components, destroys temporary files, removes empty folders, gets rid of garbage, and cleans cash devices.
Application manager. Through this utility, installed programs are analyzed, and it is also possible to remove several at once.
Total Commander. The application has a lot of functionality, including complete deletion of folders or files without the recycle bin.

Why format your Android phone?

Due to the fact that smartphone users download a large number of applications, gadgets become overloaded. By installing several utilities with the same functionality, owners install them on their devices.

After a few months, the gadget begins to work unstable. The video slows down and the system runs at lower performance. Uninstalling some programs will not solve the problem. There will be “garbage” left in the system, which negatively affects the operation of the OS.

To restore functionality, you need to carry out a formatting procedure. Formatting methods are described above.

How to format an Android phone

There are different ways to clean your phone. Among them:

OS formatting;
destruction of files bypassing the Android platform;
clearing the memory card.

The first and last methods are suitable for owners who use the device at the level of confident users. If one method doesn't help, try another. Even if the OS is not functioning correctly, a return to the initial settings will still occur.

Using these methods, problems such as slow software operation and freezing applications will be solved. The most common cause of failures is memory full due to accumulated garbage.

Format a Samsung phone

Samsung manufacturers have figured out how to format the device using special hot codes. Enter a simple combination: *2767*3855#. After pressing the call key, the deletion process is activated.

As a result, you get an OS with initial settings. If your Samsung device does not turn on at all, activate the procedure using recovery mode. The process will begin after entering the password: 12345.

How to format an Android phone via computer

Use the instructions on how to format an Android phone via a computer:

If the method does not work, then the problem lies in the device itself. In this case, you should only visit the service center.

Most often, owners of brand new smartphones using the Android OS, immediately after purchasing the phone, begin to download a wide variety of and not always necessary games and applications into its internal memory. At the same time, few people think about the fact that such actions clog the system, as a result of which it begins to malfunction.

After a certain time, having fully enjoyed the “delights” of working with a device that is always slow and inadequately responding to commands, the user decides to restore the normal functioning of his mobile phone. To do this, owners turn to service center specialists, although there is no particular need for this. In order to achieve what you want, it is enough to know how to format your Android phone yourself.

Formatting Methods

Currently, an Android mobile device can be formatted in the following ways:

cleaning the OS itself;
bypassing the OS;
formatting the memory card...

The first method involves using the settings, as well as selecting a subsequent master reset, as one of the possible options is returning to the manufacturer’s settings. This procedure can be performed if the mobile device starts without problems and access to the menu called “Settings” is provided.

The second method is somewhat more complicated; it involves returning the device's operating system to the manufacturer's settings in full. This method is possible even when the operating system is not working. This happens in cases where the phone does not turn on, freezes or does not work properly. Let's take a closer look at both methods.

Precautionary measures

Before you begin the process of formatting your Android device, you need to create a backup copy. This procedure will correct the situation in which the rollback is performed with errors. In addition, the process will delete all, including necessary, files and necessary data. A backup copy will allow you to save useful information.

The process of saving existing data is quite simple. To complete it, you need to copy all available information to a memory card or some other external storage device. Before proceeding with the operation, the memory device with the copied data stored in it should be removed, since the progress of the operation may affect it.

You also need to create a backup copy of the OS. This procedure will not cause any difficulties; it is possible for all OS versions.

In addition, you need to make sure that the device's battery is fully charged.

Formatting from OS

Let's get started. All necessary data is saved, the device is ready for use. First, you need to go to “Settings”, after opening the list, you should select the item called “Privacy”. The result of these actions will be the appearance of a submenu, within which you should find the “Reset settings” button and press it. Once you are asked to agree, you must understand that all existing data, folders, files and applications will be deleted. Only those folders that belong to the operating system will remain untouched.

If you forgot to copy the necessary files, after clicking reset, an additional window will appear within which a warning message will appear stating that all information will be deleted. In this case, the user can cancel the execution, save the data, and then return to the procedure.

Formatting bypassing the OS

How to format an Android phone in cases where it behaves inappropriately or does not turn on at all? It is clear that in this situation formatting in the traditional way is impossible. However, you should not be upset, since the necessary formatting can be performed bypassing the operating system.

When formatting using this method, it is also necessary to create a backup copy, which will allow, if necessary, to return to its original state.

In order to enter the subsystem space, you should simultaneously press the device power button and the volume control in the “up” position. As a result of this action, a robot will appear on the device screen, which will provide access to the internals and menu. Here you need to select “Wipe data/factory reset”. In this mode, touch control is not possible, so the necessary movements must be made using the volume key. The required item must be selected using the “lock/shutdown” or “Home” button. As a result of these actions, formatting will be performed.

In both the first and second cases, the device will format and then freeze a bit. In this case, you should not press the buttons, as such actions will cause the initial settings to fail. The user should wait a little, after a while the device will reboot and the OS will appear with factory settings.

It is necessary to remind once again that before starting the process, you should create backup copies of existing data, and also ensure that a point of return is created.

Erasing all data from the SD card

You can also delete all data from your smartphone's SD card. To do this, you need to go to the settings menu, then to the memory card menu. Here you need to click the “Clear SD card” button.

This way, you will delete data not only from the phone, but also from the memory card.