Resetting your phone can fix many problems—slow performance, glitches, freezing apps, network issues, and storage errors—but many people worry about losing photos, contacts, messages, and apps.
The good news: you can reset your phone safely without losing your personal data as long as you follow the right steps.
This guide explains everything you need to know for both Android and iPhone, including backups, types of resets, step-by-step instructions, and common mistakes to avoid.
1. Why Resetting Your Phone Helps
A reset can fix:
- Slow performance
- Freezing or crashing apps
- Battery draining issues
- Network or Wi-Fi problems
- Overheating
- Storage clutter
- System errors
Most of these problems can be solved with a soft reset or a settings reset, which do not delete your data.
2. Types of Resets (and Which One Saves Your Data)
Not all resets are the same. Here’s the difference:
A. Soft Reset (Restart) — No Data Loss
Restarting your phone clears temporary files and refreshes memory.
- Fixes many minor issues
- Safe and quick
B. Settings Reset — No Data Loss
Resets system settings like:
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
- Network
- App preferences
Your photos, contacts, apps, and files stay safe.
C. Factory Reset — Deletes Everything
This erases:
- Photos
- Apps
- Messages
- Accounts
- Files
- Settings
Only do a factory reset if you have a full backup.
3. Back Up Your Phone Before Any Reset
Even if you are doing a safe reset, always make a backup first.
A. Back Up an Android Phone
1. Back Up to Google Drive
- Open Settings
- Tap Google
- Select Backup
- Turn on Backup by Google One
- Tap Back up now
This saves:
- Contacts
- App data
- Messages
- Photos (if Google Photos sync is enabled)
- Device settings
2. Back Up Photos
- Open Google Photos
- Go to your profile photo
- Tap Photos settings → Backup
- Turn on Back up
3. Back Up WhatsApp (if needed)
- WhatsApp → Settings
- Chats → Chat Backup
- Tap Back Up
B. Back Up an iPhone
1. iCloud Backup
- Settings → Your Name
- iCloud
- iCloud Backup
- Turn on Back Up This iPhone
- Tap Back Up Now
iCloud saves:
- Photos
- Messages
- Contacts
- App data
- Settings
- Notes
- Safari data
2. Backup with Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
- Connect your iPhone to your computer
- Open Finder/iTunes
- Select Back Up Now
4. How to Reset Your Phone Without Losing Data (Android)
You have two safe reset options.
A. Reset Wi-Fi, Mobile, and Bluetooth (No Data Loss)
- Open Settings
- Tap System
- Tap Reset Options
- Choose Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth
- Confirm
This fixes:
- Wi-Fi issues
- Hotspot errors
- Bluetooth problems
Your photos and apps stay safe.
B. Reset App Preferences (No Data Loss)
- Settings
- Apps
- Three-dot menu (or More)
- Tap Reset App Preferences
This resets:
- Disabled apps
- App notifications
- Default apps
Your files stay untouched.
C. Reset All Settings (No Data Loss)
- Settings
- System
- Reset options
- Reset all settings
- Confirm
This resets:
- System settings
- Keyboard settings
- Display settings
Nothing is deleted.
5. How to Reset Your Phone Without Losing Data (iPhone)
iPhone also offers resets that keep your data safe.
A. Reset All Settings (No Data Loss)
- Settings
- General
- Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Reset
- Choose Reset All Settings
This resets:
- Wi-Fi
- Location
- Keyboard
- Display
- Home screen layout
Your photos, accounts, and apps stay safe.
B. Reset Network Settings (No Data Loss)
- Settings
- General
- Transfer or Reset iPhone
- Reset
- Reset Network Settings
This fixes:
- Wi-Fi issues
- Data problems
- Bluetooth issues
C. Reset Home Screen Layout (No Data Loss)
Only rearranges icons to default layout.
6. When You Must Do a Factory Reset (But Keep Your Data Safe)
A factory reset is needed when:
- Phone has a malware infection
- Severe software problems
- You want to sell or give away your phone
- The phone freezes constantly
- System errors are unfixable
How to Avoid Data Loss Before a Factory Reset
- Make a full backup (Google/iCloud).
- Sync photos to Google Photos or iCloud.
- Export WhatsApp backup.
- Save important files to your computer or cloud.
After the reset, you can restore everything easily.
7. Steps for a Factory Reset (ONLY if you have a backup)
Android
Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset)
iPhone
Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings
Restore your backup afterward.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Resetting the phone without backing up
❌ Forgetting to back up WhatsApp
❌ Resetting with low battery
❌ Logging out of iCloud/Google before backup
❌ Not checking storage limits before backing up
❌ Removing the SIM or SD card during reset
9. Tips to Make Resetting Safer
- Charge your phone to at least 50%
- Use Wi-Fi instead of mobile data
- Double-check that photos are synced
- Log in with the same Google/Apple ID after reset
- Keep your backup password safe
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I reset my phone without losing photos?
Yes. Use Reset All Settings or back up your photos to Google Photos/iCloud before resetting.
2. Will I lose my apps after resetting settings only?
No. Apps remain installed.
3. Does a soft reset delete anything?
No. It’s just a restart.
4. Does a factory reset delete everything?
Yes—but you can restore your data if you have a backup.
5. How long does a reset take?
- Soft reset: seconds
- Settings reset: 1–2 minutes
- factory reset: 5–15 minutes
6. Why is my phone still slow after a reset?
Possible reasons:
- Old battery
- Low storage
- Too many background apps
- System bugs
- Outdated software
7. Do I need an SD card to back up my phone?
No. You can use Google Drive, iCloud, or a computer.
8. Will I lose my contacts?
Not if they are synced to your Google or iCloud account.
