PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

This wikiHow teaches you how to restore your LG phone, whether it's an Android, Windows Phone, or feature/non-smartphone, to its original factory settings. Resetting the phone will delete all of your custom settings and personal data, so make sure you do a backup if it's possible to do so.

Method 1
Method 1 of 5:

Resetting an Android Phone to its Original Factory Settings

PDF download Download Article
  1. You'll find its gear icon in the app drawer. If you can't access your Settings because the phone is unresponsive, see the "Performing a Hardware Reset" method for your model.
    • Resetting your phone will erase all of your settings, custom apps, and personal data. Make sure you back up your data before you continue with this method. You can learn how to do that by visiting this wikiHow.
  2. It's at the top of the screen.
    • If you're using an earlier version of Android, select the System option from the menu instead. [1]
    Advertisement
  3. You may have to scroll down a bit to find it.
  4. It's near the bottom of the screen. Depending on your security settings, you may have to enter your PIN or passcode to confirm.
  5. If you have an SD card inserted, you may be given the option to delete its data as well as what's on the phone. Choose the data you wish to delete by selecting its radio button.
  6. The phone will now reset and restore to its original factory settings. Once the process is complete, you'll be prompted to log in with your Google account and set it up as new.
  7. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 5:

Performing a Hardware Reset on G8 and G7

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you are unable to open the Settings app on your Android phone, use this method to restore the phone to its original factory settings. If the phone is still on, press and hold the Power button until it turns off. [2]
    • This method will delete all of your personal data from your phone.
  2. You can lift your fingers when the System Recovery screen appears.
  3. Use the Volume Down button to scroll to the option, and then press the Power button to select it.
  4. The phone will now reset and restore to its original factory settings. Once the process is complete, you'll be prompted to log in with your Google account and set it up as new.
  5. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 5:

Performing a Hardware Reset on G6-G2, Aristo, and Others

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you are unable to open the Settings app on your Android phone, use this method to restore the phone to its original factory settings. If the phone is still on, press and hold the Power button until it turns off. [3]
    • This method will delete all of your personal data from your phone.
    • There are a wide variety of LG phones available. If you are unable to reset the phone using this method, search for your specific model on your carrier's website (or on LG's website) for specific instructions.
  2. The LG logo will appear.
  3. Continue holding Volume Down as you do this. You can lift both fingers when the "Factory data reset" screen appears.
  4. You'll use the Volume Down key to move the cursor to Yes and the Power button to select it.
  5. The phone will now reset and restore to its original factory settings. Once the process is complete, you'll be prompted to log in with your Google account and set it up as new.
  6. Advertisement
Method 4
Method 4 of 5:

Resetting an LG Feature Phone

PDF download Download Article
  1. Use this method if you have an LG phone that isn't a smartphone, such as the Extravert or Revere.
    • This method will erase everything on your phone.
  2. Inside the menu screen, just scroll up or down using your phone’s directional/arrow keypads to find this option, and press OK to select it.
    • This may be called Settings & Tools on some phones. [4]
    • If you see an option that says Restore Factory Settings here, just tap it and follow the on-screen instructions to restore the phone.
  3. If you are prompted to confirm your phone lock code, follow the on-screen instructions to do so.
  4. This restores the phone to its original factory settings.
  5. Advertisement
Method 5
Method 5 of 5:

Resetting a Windows Phone

PDF download Download Article
  1. To confirm that you really want to delete all data on the phone, select Yes each time you are asked. Once confirmed, the phone will restore to its original factory settings.
  2. You should only complete the remaining steps if you were unable to reset the phone using the prior steps. Here's how to reset the phone using the hardware buttons:
    • Power the phone off if it's turned on.
    • Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons at the same time until you feel a vibration. It'll be about 10-15 seconds.
    • Lift your fingers when you feel the vibration, and then immediately press and hold Volume Down again.
    • Release your finger when you see a large exclamation point (!).
    • Press and release these buttons in order: Volume Up, Volume Down, Power, Volume Down. This will restore the phone to its original factory settings.
  3. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Resetting your phone doesn’t void any kind of warranty on your phone.
      • Recently installed updates (especially for Android LG phones) will be deleted once you reset your phone to default.
      • Always back up your data first before doing any kind of reset on your phone to avoid any accidental loss of data.
      Show More Tips
        Show More Tips
        Submit a Tip
        All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
        Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
        Advertisement

        Expert Interview

        Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about smartphones, check out our in-depth interview with Brehima Traore .

        About This Article

        Article Summary X

        1. Open Settings .
        2. Tap General or System .
        3. Tap Restart & reset .
        4. Tap Factory data reset .
        5. Tap Reset phone .
        6. Select data to delete.
        7. Tap Delete all .

        Did this summary help you?
        Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 23,420 times.

        Is this article up to date?

        Advertisement