There are times when a factory reset becomes necessary—whether you’re preparing your Motorola phone for resale, trying to fix performance issues, or recovering from a forgotten password. A factory reset wipes all data and settings from the device and restores it to its original factory condition.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to factory reset a Motorola phone using two common methods: through the settings menu (when the device is accessible) and using recovery mode (when you’re locked out or the phone is unresponsive).
Before You Begin: Backup Your Data
A factory reset will erase:
- Apps and app data
- Photos, videos, music, and files
- Messages and call logs
- Accounts, contacts, and settings
Make sure to back up important data to Google Drive, a computer, or an SD card before proceeding.
Method 1: Factory Reset via Settings (When You Have Access)
This is the easiest and safest method if your phone is still accessible.
Steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Motorola phone.
- Scroll down and tap on System.
- Tap Reset options.
- Select Erase all data (factory reset).
- Confirm by tapping Reset Phone.
- If prompted, enter your screen lock (PIN, password, or pattern).
- Tap Erase Everything.
The phone will restart and begin the reset process. This usually takes 5–10 minutes.
Method 2: Factory Reset via Recovery Mode (If You’re Locked Out)
Use this method if your phone is frozen, unresponsive, or you forgot the lock screen password.
Steps:
- Power off the device completely.
- Press and hold the Power + Volume Down buttons at the same time until the Bootloader menu appears.
- Use the Volume Down button to scroll to Recovery Mode, then press the Power button to select.
- When the Android robot with an exclamation mark appears, press and hold Power, then press Volume Up once.
- You will now enter Android Recovery Mode.
- Use Volume Down to highlight Wipe data/factory reset.
- Press Power to select.
- Select Factory data reset using Volume buttons, then confirm with Power.
- Once complete, select the Reboot system now.
The phone will reboot and return to its original factory settings.
Important Notes After Reset
If Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is enabled, you’ll need to log in with the Google account previously synced to the phone. This is a security feature to prevent theft.
Make sure to remove your Google account before performing a factory reset (via Settings > Accounts) if you’re giving away or selling the device.
Common Reasons to Perform a Factory Reset
- Forgotten password, PIN, or pattern
- Device lagging or freezing often
- Malware or corrupted files
- Preparing to sell or give away the phone
- Restoring phone after software failure
Factory Reset FAQs
Will a factory reset remove my Google account?
Yes, but if FRP is enabled, the phone will still ask for your Google credentials after reboot.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. Once done, the data is erased and cannot be recovered unless backed up beforehand.
Does factory reset delete SD card files?
No, unless you choose to format the SD card separately.
Is it safe to factory reset a Motorola phone often?
Yes, but frequent resets aren’t necessary. Only reset when needed.
How long does a factory reset take?
Usually between 5–10 minutes depending on the model and data size.
A factory reset is a powerful tool that can resolve many issues and breathe new life into your Motorola phone. Whether you’re troubleshooting performance problems or preparing your device for a new user, following the right steps ensures the process is smooth, secure, and effective.