On our site we often talk about the reset method as a last measure to solve certain problems. Android phones have several reset methods to try to leave things as they were when something starts to fail. It is convenient to know how to identify them and to know which one to use in each case , since restoring the network settings is not the same as a complete resetting of the phone or its settings established by us.
Being able to return our mobile to an initial state when everything was working correctly is fundamental. A few years ago only a hard reset to factory settings was the only option available. However, Android was increasing its possibilities by offering different resets, less aggressive and that did not require erasing all the content of the internal memory of the device. It is important to know how to distinguish between the different methods, to know which one to use at all times.
The three reset methods
Not all Android phones offer all three options, since it depends on the brand and how long you have the device. The path to find them may also vary slightly from model to model, but they are usually present in the system settings / reset. The options we have at our disposal are:
Reset all settings
This reset method will remove any trace of our actions as far as configuration is concerned. That is, no documents or data will be deleted, but it will reset the network settings, registered fingerprints, face data, or the screen lock password. It is a lightweight method that allows you to solve many problems and that avoids the complete erasure of the device.
Reset network settings
It is generally used when we have problems related to connectivity. In this way, performing this function will restore our operator’s network settings related to mobile data, as well as all those related to Wi-Fi networks and their passwords. All Bluetooth related data including paired devices and passwords are also deleted.
Reset the phone
We are facing the most aggressive method of all, since we will jointly eliminate the settings that we have seen previously , added to all the data on our phone. This means that the established accounts, application data and system settings, installed apps, music, photos, videos and files on the internal memory will be deleted. It is a method widely used to try to solve serious problems, or simply when we want to sell or give away our smartphone or another person and we need it to be like the first day and without a trace of our past activity.