Does a factory reset remove viruses from your phone?

Running a factory reset on your phone can potentially clear out a persistent virus that is otherwise hard to remove. But does it remove all viruses?

If your phone has fallen prey to a virus, you might consider performing a factory reset to remove it. While a factory reset can be an effective solution, it’s never an easy choice. You lose all your data as you revert your phone to its original state.

Practically, a factory reset should erase all viruses from your phone, but it’s not always the case. Not all viruses go away during a reset.  It’s better to understand the odds of success before initiating the process. So what does a factory reset really do? 

A factory reset allows you to revert your smartphone to its original state. It erases all the information, including photos, movies, system files, and apps on your device. Factory resets only leave the most basic set of software that came pre-installed from the manufacturer.

Since factory resets basically clear everything stored on a phone, viruses and other malware can also be removed with it. But does it remove all viruses from the phone? The short answer is “yes”! By returning the phone settings to the factory model, the reset option automatically deletes viruses and any infected file or program on your device.

How to factory reset an Android phone

Doing a hard reset is quite similar on most Android devices. Here are the steps you need to take to start the process.

1. Open the Settings app on your phone.
2. Tap System > Reset options. The wording may be different depending on your phone’s brand.
3. Among the reset options, select Erase all data (factory reset).
4. A dialog box appears showing you all the content that will be affected by the full reset. Tap Erase all Data at the bottom of the screen.
5. Enter your PIN or password and press Continue. This appears only if you’ve set up an authentication method on your phone.
6. Tap Erase all Data to initiate the process.

If the above method doesn’t work for you, kindly send us a mail ([email protected]) by attaching your telephone number to it.

How to factory reset an iPhone

Just like Android devices, there are a few ways to reset your iPhone. To perform a hard reset from the device itself, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. You will see different reset options. Tap Erase all Content and Settings.
3. A new screen asks you to update your iCloud backup. If you haven’t already backed up your data, select Back Up Then Erase. Otherwise, tap Erase Now.
4. Enter your passcode and tap Erase in the dialog box that appears.
5. Another dialog box shows up to confirm that you’re about to wipe your device. Tap Erase and the reset process will start.

Source: MUO