How to Factory Reset Android with Buttons: A Step-by-Step Guide


Steps to Factory Reset Android Using ButtonsPin

If your Android phone is on the fritz and you need to factory reset it but your screen is out of action, fear not: you can reset Android phones using their hardware buttons – here’s how it’s done…



Key Takeaways

  • Factory resetting your Android phone using buttons is a straightforward process
  • This method is useful when your phone is unresponsive or locked.
  • Always remember to back up your data before proceeding.
  • Follow the steps carefully to avoid any issues.

Last year, in the space of two months I had two Android phones go completely unresponsive on me: one was a Pixel phone, of course, and the other was the OnePlus 11. 

I have no idea why this happened. But I do know one thing: it wasn’t much fun. Nothing worked. Not even the screen. 

Mercifully, this ain’t my first rodeo. When you use as many Android phones as I do, you’ll know that plenty of them do this from time to time. 

And this is when you know it’s time to enact a button-based factory reset. Think of it as the nuclear option when your Android phone completely craps out.

Factory resetting your Android phone is like giving your device a fresh start. And below, you’ll learn exactly how to do it. Also: this method works on ALL Android phones too. Winner, winner.

Why Factory Reset Using Buttons?

  • Quick Solution: Sometimes your phone freezes. The touch screen won’t respond. In such cases, using buttons is a quick fix.
  • Bypass Locks: Forgot your password? You can still reset your phone using this method.
  • No Need for Software: You don’t need a computer or any software. Just your phone and its buttons.

Precautions Before You Begin

  • Backup Your Data: Factory reset will erase everything. Make sure to back up your data. Not sure how to do that? Here’s a guide on how to backup an Android phone.
  • Charge Your Phone: Ensure your phone has at least 50% battery. You don’t want it dying midway through as this will create all kinds of headaches you do not want.

Steps to Factory Reset Android Using Buttons

Steps to Factory Reset Android Using ButtonsPin
  • Step 1: Turn Off Your Phone: First, switch off your device. Hold down the power button and select “Power Off.”
  • Step 2: Enter Recovery Mode: Hold down the volume up and power buttons simultaneously. This will take you to the recovery mode.
  • Step 3: Navigate to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”: Use the volume buttons to navigate. Select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset.”
  • Step 4: Confirm the Reset: Use the power button to select “Yes.” This will initiate the factory reset.
  • Step 5: Reboot
  • Once the reset is complete, select “Reboot System Now.”

Troubleshooting Tips 🔫

error message when factory resetting android phonePin

Stuck in Recovery Mode?

At times, our smartphones can act unpredictably, causing frustration and confusion. One of the most straightforward and effective solutions to address minor glitches and hiccups is to restart your Android device.

Here’s how and why:

Why Restarting Helps:

  • Memory Clearing: Restarting your phone can clear out the RAM (Random Access Memory), which might be clogged with background processes that are no longer needed.
  • System Refresh: A restart can refresh the system and close any apps that might be causing issues.
  • Connection Reset: If you’re facing connectivity issues, a restart can help re-establish connections to Wi-Fi or cellular networks.

How to Restart Your Phone:

  1. Locate the Power Button: This is typically found on the side or top of most smartphones.
  2. Press and Hold: Hold down the power button for approximately 10 seconds. This action will usually trigger the phone to shut down and then power back up.
  3. Wait: Once you’ve initiated the restart, give your phone a minute or two to complete the process. You’ll know it’s done when you see the phone’s startup logo or home screen.

Note: The exact method and duration might vary depending on your phone’s make and model. Always refer to your device’s user manual for specific instructions.

Error Messages?

Error messages on Android phones, especially after a factory reset, are not good. I had a OnePlus 6T a few years ago that got stuck in a boot-loop and, despite my best efforts, neither I nor OnePlus could fix it. 

Does this mean your phone is completely ruined? No. But you will need to contact the manufacturer or a phone repair service to potentially solve the problem. 

One nuclear option, if you’ve got the stones for it, would be to install a custom ROM, something like LineageOS, and run the phone on completely fresh software. Again, though, there’s no guarantees this will work – the error could be hardware related. 

Even Google is slightly terrified of this guide of error. Here’s an expert from its help forums discussing the dreaded “error after factory reset” issue:

You could try resetting the phone once again to see if that helps or you could leave it alone for a few days and then try entering the email and password again but if that doesn’t work then there is no workaround we can offer as Factory Reset Protection was set up to prevent an unauthorised person from taking a phone, factory resetting from Recovery Mode and making it his/her own.  

Wrapping Up…

Factory resetting your Android phone using buttons is a lifesaver. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it gets the job done. Just remember to back up your data and follow the steps carefully. Remember, this method is a last resort. Use it wisely. And if you do run into issues, like error messages, it could indicate a more serious problem with your phone’s hardware and/or software. In this context, you’ll need to reach out to your phone’s manufacturer for guidance.

Latest Smartphone Releases


  • Xiaomi 15S Pro

    The Xiaomi 15S Pro didn’t come with a flashy launch, but it brings some seriously heavy hardware to the table. A custom 10-core chip, Leica-engineered cameras, and one of the brightest displays on the market

  • Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

    At just 5.8mm thick, it’s one of the thinnest Android phones ever made—but don’t let the slim profile fool you. This phone is all flagship under the hood.

  • Nothing Phone (3a) Pro

    It’s got the same slick design and OLED display, but adds a periscope zoom camera and a 50MP front-facing shooter.

  • Nothing Phone (3a)

    The Nothing Phone (3a) nails the formula: give people what they actually want, keep the price low, and make it look cooler than anything else in its class.

  • Motorola EDGE 60 Pro

    With a bold design, flagship-like display, and surprisingly refined camera system, it’s one of the most interesting mid-range phones of 2025.

  • Google Pixel 9

    I’ve been using the Pixel 9 for a few weeks now, and honestly? It nails all the basics—and a bit more. Killer stuff all round!

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro

    I’ve used the Pixel 9 Pro as my daily device, and it’s hands-down the best balance of power, practicality, and photography you’ll find on Android right now.

  • OnePlus 13

    I’ve been using the OnePlus 13 as my daily driver for a few months now—and I’ve got to say, it’s easily one of the best Android phones I’ve tested this year.

  • Xiaomi 15 Ultra

    After using the Xiaomi 15 Ultra for over a week, I can confidently say: this phone is an absolute beast. It’s made for camera nerds, power users, and creators.

  • iPhone 16 Pro Max

    If you’ve been holding out for a truly complete iPhone, the 16 Pro Max delivers—hard. After using it daily, I won't be going back…

  • Google Pixel 9 Pro XL

    Big screen, big battery, and even bigger brains—this is the Pixel to get if you want Google’s best hardware and longest support.

  • Google Pixel 9a

    The Pixel 9a brings Google’s flagship-level smarts to a budget-friendly package, and it’s easily one of the best-value Android phones of 2025.

Best SIM-Only Plans & Deals


  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Premium Plan

    Boost’s top-tier option brings the heat: 50GB of premium data, hotspot, North America roaming, global talk & text, and $430 off select devices. All-in at $60/month with no contract.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (50GB premium speed)

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited+ Plan

    Level up with 40GB of premium data, hotspot access, global calling, and up to $300 in device savings. All for just $50/month. No contracts and flexible phone options included.

    +

    Data: Unlimited; Speed Caps After 40GB

  • Boost Mobile Unlimited Plan

    Start strong with 30GB of premium data, unlimited everything, and a killer intro offer: just $15/month for the first 3 months, then $25/month forever. No contracts. No fluff. Big value.

    +

    Data: Unlimited (Speed Caps Over 30GB)

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    Another high-data, low-cost option with no contract. 108GB for just £9, full 5G access, and the same goodies you get with 12-month deals.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 20GB

    The lowest price option. 20GB for £6 with all the same perks as pricier plans. Great if you don’t use much data and want to save every penny.

    +

    Data: 20GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 110GB

    This plan gives you big data and zero commitment. 110GB for just £10 with all perks intact. If you need more data but want the freedom to cancel, this is the one.

    +

    Data: 110GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    More data, same price. For just £8/month, you get 60GB on a no-strings 1-month rolling plan. Ideal for users who stream often but don’t want long commitments.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 1 Month SIM-Only: 40GB

    Perfect if you want full flexibility. You get 40GB and all of iD Mobile's perks with no lock-in, annual increases, or setup fees. Great for short-term users.

    +

    Data: 40GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 60GB

    One of the best pound-per-GB plans around. You get 60GB for £8 with £25 cashback, which means you’re effectively paying closer to £6/month. Includes roaming and data rollover.

    +

    Data: 60GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: 108GB

    This deal gets you a healthy 108GB of 5G data for less than a tenner, with no upfront costs and £24 cashback. All the perks are included too: data rollover, roaming, and loyalty rewards.

    +

    Data: 108GB

  • iD Mobile 12 Month SIM-Only: Unlimited Data

    This iD Mobile plan doesn’t just compete on price, it’s up there with the best of them. Unlimited everything, a year-long lock-in with no price rises, and £42 cashback straight to your pocket. It’s like getting nearly 3 months free.

    +

    Data: Unlimited, No Speed Caps

  • Mint Mobile 20GB Plan

    If you're looking to save some cash on your bills, this plan is an awesome option. You'll get 20GB of data per month and 20GB hotspot data allowance. For moderate to heavy users, that should be more than enough. I seldom use more than 10GB of data a month, and I'm always using my phone

    +

    Data: 20GB