how to format phone internal memory from computer

How to format an Android phone - via computer

How to format Android - this question is of interest to users for whom data destruction is the only possible solution. Let's look at methods for formatting information.

The procedure should be approached with caution, since all data is deleted: both necessary and unnecessary. Using this option, issues such as braking, sudden reboot of the device, and sudden closing of programs are resolved.

Before starting the process, it is recommended to run a backup - transfer photos and other important files to a memory card or other media.

Manually

There are several ways to manually format your phone or tablet. Let's look at each in more detail. “Rolling back” to the original settings is the most popular and easiest way. It is easy to implement and does not require much time.

The disadvantages of this method include complete deletion of data. So, the “broken” firmware will be fixed, unnecessary garbage will be removed and other important problems will be solved, but all important data will also be deleted. It is recommended to transfer the necessary files immediately before starting the procedure.

Instructions for method No. 2:

Through the program

In the official Google Play store there are many utilities for destroying device data. The most popular and easiest to use:

Formatting Android smartphones with Google shell

It should be emphasized that this procedure does not delete files from the SD card. But when using encryption on the drive, the decryption key will be destroyed along with the internal memory information. The user will also lose access to the information on the card.

Let's look at how to format Android on a tablet with Google shell:

1. Open the gadget settings, then “Backup and reset”.
2. Go to the factory reset subsection.
3. All you have to do is click on the link to reset your tablet.

The system will warn the user that all his data will be deleted. After confirming the action, you can format Android.

Why format your Android phone?

Due to the fact that smartphone users download a large number of applications, gadgets become overloaded. By installing several utilities with the same functionality, owners install them on their devices.

After a few months, the gadget begins to work unstable. The video slows down and the system runs at lower performance. Uninstalling some programs will not solve the problem. There will be “garbage” left in the system, which negatively affects the operation of the OS.

To restore functionality, you need to carry out a formatting procedure. Formatting methods are described above.

File systems for Android

The Android system supports different file systems. The most common of them:

• FAT32. Most Android products work in this format. The file system is characterized by performance and good speed. Many files in FAT32 format are easily read by peripheral players, so a smartphone or tablet can be used as a standard flash drive.
• exFAT. This format is an improved copy of FAT32, which has no restrictions. For the format, it does not know what size the files are and how many of them are placed in one folder.
• NTFS. This modern file format is supported by many computers. NTFS is better able to protect information. Unlike FAT32, there are no restrictions on the size of downloaded files.

How to format an Android phone

There are different ways to clean your phone. Among them:

The first and last methods are suitable for owners who use the device at the level of confident users. If one method doesn't help, try another. Even if the OS is not functioning correctly, a return to the initial settings will still occur.

Using these methods, problems such as slow software operation and freezing applications will be solved. The most common cause of failures is memory full due to accumulated garbage.

Format a Samsung phone

Samsung manufacturers have figured out how to format the device using special hot codes. Enter a simple combination: *2767*3855#. After pressing the call key, the deletion process is activated.

As a result, you get an OS with initial settings. If your Samsung device does not turn on at all, activate the procedure using recovery mode. The process will begin after entering the password: 12345.

Formatting a device in recovery mode

If the device screen is locked or it does not boot at all, then you will not be able to format the device through the settings menu. In this case, you will have to resort to Hard Reset, that is, a hard reboot or flashing. The consequences of this procedure will be the same - the gadget will return to its original state, i.e. all applications except standard ones, as well as other user data, will be completely deleted.

Let's look at how to format a phone using Samsung gadgets as an example:

1. The gadget turns off, then turns on again.
2. From the very beginning of booting, you need to simultaneously hold down the power key, volume up rocker and .
3. Release the power button when the Samsung logo appears, continue to hold the other two.
4. After the device enters Recovery mode, select the line “Wipe data/factory reset”.
5. Confirm the reset and reboot the gadget by selecting “Reboot system now”.

Navigation through menu items is carried out with the volume down button, and selection with the power key.

In devices from other manufacturers, formatting is done in a similar way, however, to enter Recovery, you need to study the instructions, since the sequence of actions will still be somewhat different.

How to format your phone

Most often, formatting internal memory or external storage becomes the only effective way to solve problems with gadgets. The mobile phone is no exception. This is the last thing a smartphone owner can do on his own before contacting a service center. Therefore, every user needs to know how to format a phone.

Resetting a smartphone to factory settings is a painstaking process and requires special attention from the user. An unprepared and thoughtless action can lead to unpleasant consequences - loss of personal data (programs, contacts, SMS, photos, videos and much more). After formatting, there will be no trace of its use left in the phone’s memory, as if the device had just been purchased in a store.

There are such ways to reset the memory of a smartphone:

Before you click the “Reset phone settings” button, you need to think about the security of your personal data.

How to recover lost data

If the flash drive refuses to be read or you accidentally deleted a folder with important documents, use the PHOENIX program. This application will help you recover any type of files from removable drives, internal and external hard drives, phones, cameras and tablets.

The PHOENIX program is suitable for recovering any files

PHOENIX will be able to return files lost after a system failure, virus attack, or accidental deletion. Just install the application on your computer, indicate the location with the lost data and scan it to recover it. Detailed manual settings will help to significantly reduce the search time: you can check the possibility of recovery before launch, specify search filters by size and type of lost files, and preview recovered photos. As a result, you will get back your lost materials in a few simple clicks.

Download the best file recovery software now

Formatting memory using the Reset and Recovery section

The easiest way to reset the internal memory on your smartphone is to go to the “Reset and Recovery” section.

To clean your Android phone you need to:

If the user blocked the device using any available method (pattern, fingerprint, etc.), then he will need to confirm the deletion, for example, enter the pattern.

This formatting option does not always give the desired result. For a variety of reasons (for example, stopping important processes), the Android OS may freeze and not respond at all when the user presses the “Reset settings” button. In this case, you should resort to another method of restoring the device to factory settings - formatting through the Recovery Mode boot mode. Using this method, you can perform the process of erasing information without going into the settings.

Note : resetting to factory settings using the Recovery menu is the best option to solve the problem associated with the inability to “bypass” the gadget’s screen lock (for example, if you forgot the password).

Before you start formatting

Before you start formatting your phone, you need to complete some preparatory operations, otherwise the joy of updating your device will be overshadowed by minor and major troubles.

Remove the memory card to avoid losing important data. Save all important information from your phone's local memory to external storage or cloud storage. Connect the device and the charger and plug into the outlet. If during the process of resetting user settings and reinstalling the operating system there is insufficient power, critical malfunctions in the operation of the device may occur. And then you certainly can’t do it without the help of the specialists from the service center. The Internet connection must be maintained so that the system can automatically receive updates and restore applications to the user account.

Formatting an Android Device Using Recovery Mode

To enter the Recovery menu, use the phone's mechanical buttons - you need to press and hold the power (on) and volume up buttons. The exception is tablets and smartphones of the Samsung brand, on which, in addition to the volume and power buttons, you need to hold down the “Home” button. Before logging into Recovery, you must turn off the device.

Important: this procedure, unlike flashing, is absolutely safe and does not constitute a violation of warranty obligations on the part of the user.

In order to clear the gadget’s memory using buttons, you need to do the following:

We format using Recovery

This method should only be used as a last resort. For example, when your phone's desktop stops functioning.

1. You need to start the phone by pressing the “Turn On” button and clicking on the “Power On” button on the display;
2. We hold down the “Increase sound” rocker and, holding it a little, press the “Enable” button, also holding down the press for a couple of seconds. After the picture appears on the display, remove your finger from the “Enable” button. Regarding the sound rocker, we continue to press it until the recovery works;
3. On some phones you need to hold the volume up and down buttons, and on some Samsung phones you need to press 3 buttons at once: volume up, “Home” and wait for the recovery to work;
4. Having entered the recovery, you need to find the Wipe data/factory reset tab, open it (go through the tabs and at the same time press the side buttons);
5. Now, we need to confirm this work by clicking on the Yes tab. You can click on the Wipe data/factory reset tab a second time. In this case, I will enter Yes again so that the work done will be saved;
6. Now we need to wait until the formatting process comes to an end. After that, tap on “Reboot system now”.
7. Our phone will start rebooting again, and will become clean, as if you just bought it!

Conclusion: we have reviewed in great detail two methods of how to format an Android phone. I advise you to choose the first one. We use the second one only as a last resort. Good luck!

Sincerely, Andrey Zimin 04/23/2020

How to delete data on your phone using your Google account

Another way to delete all data from a smartphone, even if it is locked, is to format it using a Google account.

You can sign in to your Google account through a computer or any other device. But to delete information in this way, the user must consider the following:

To format the internal memory of an Android phone, you need to follow these steps:

The advantage of this formatting option is that, if the conditions are met, you can clear the gadget’s memory from a distance. This is relevant when you lose your smartphone (you don’t have to worry about the confidentiality of your photos and videos). Additionally, using this service you can unlock or block the device.

Formatting will most often help in solving problems with an Android device, except if it does not turn on.

Source

Preparing to format your phone

Most modern mobile gadgets, after successful formatting, ask you to log in to your Google account. If you do not enter the appropriate information, then the phone will remain in a locked state until the user logs into the account. This function is designed specifically to prevent an attacker from obtaining someone else’s personal data if it is stolen or lost.

To avoid having to contact the service center after formatting, you must first rewrite the login and password for your Google account. When the phone is formatted, you can enter the copied data when prompted by the system. In this case, the user will avoid unnecessary costs and loss of time.

If you format your phone via a PC, you need to get a standard USB cable and specialized software.

How to format Android

Formatting a telephone means clearing its memory and resetting the settings to factory settings. After such an operation, the owner receives the device absolutely without any information, as if brought from the manufacturer. The only difference from the new smartphone is the saved personal data, photos and music. How can I format my phone on Android OS? It is not difficult to carry out general cleaning on your smartphone. When your mobile phone is slow, freezes, or starts turning on and off spontaneously, it’s time to format it.

Formatting methods from your phone

It should be remembered that interfering with the operation of any equipment is a personal decision of the user, for the consequences of which he will be responsible independently. If you are not sure that you know exactly how to format your phone through a computer or in any other way, then it is better to entrust cleaning the memory to a professional. Now it’s easy to reset your mobile device on the Android platform in the following ways:

How to format an Android phone using OS cleaning

Before you begin the cleaning process, you need to create a backup copy that will store all the necessary information. The procedure is simple: copy the data to a flash drive or other external storage device. Then the device with the information must be removed, since cleaning may also affect it. So, how to format an Android phone if a failure occurs:

Sometimes the device behaves so inadequately that it does not turn on at all. In this case, press the volume control (up position) and the power button simultaneously. A robot will appear on the screen, allowing access to the menu. Here select the “Wipe data/factory reset” function. In this mode, all operations should be performed using the volume key. Perform the desired action with the “Home” or “lock/shutdown” button. After formatting, the smartphone will freeze for a while. Wait a moment: the device will reboot and factory settings will be restored.

Quick code for formatting Android

Major cleaning of a mobile device consists of entering unique codes developed for each model. How can I format my phone using them? To use a secret code, you need to open the dialing line in your device, then enter a combination of numbers. As soon as it is entered, the smartphone will automatically be formatted to factory settings. If this does not happen, it means that your phone does not support this code. Combination of numbers for main smartphone models:

How to format a memory card on your phone

All Android phones and tablets have a memory card installed: it is designed to expand the ability to save more information on devices. The flash drive adds additional GB (from 2 to 32) to the internal memory of the smartphone. Sometimes devices begin to behave incorrectly with the SD card, and then it needs to be cleared. How to format a flash drive on an Android phone:

Ways to format a memory card

Option 1: in the device itself (phone, camera, etc.)

In my opinion, all devices (at least those that I have met) that use memory cards can format them to suit themselves. Android smartphones and cameras are no exception.

I'll look at how this happens on an Android phone below:

Format memory card // Android

Despite the simplicity of the method, it has certain disadvantages:

Option 2: Windows tools

Any modern laptop has a card reader, usually located on the side panel of the device.

Connecting the card to a laptop

I will say more, now such adapters can be ordered in Chinese online stores for mere pennies (and even if you use cashback.).

Next, a standard window will appear in which you need to specify the file system, volume label, select the formatting method and click the “Start” button.

File system selection

To open Disk Management in Windows, you need to:

Next, you should see all connected drives to the system (even those that are not formatted and that cannot be worked with in Explorer).

To format a drive: select it from the list, right-click on it, and specify this operation in the context menu (see example below). Next you will see a standard window with entering the disk name, specifying the file system, etc.

Select disk, flash drive // ​​Disk management // Windows 10

How to format an Android phone

How to format an Android phone if it won't turn on? In this case, the classic formatting method will be ineffective. But in this situation there is a way out, so you should put aside panic. Even if the phone is frozen and there are no signs of life, you can perform the procedure bypassing the operating system, using the Windows system, for example. This and other formatting methods will be discussed further.

How to format Android via Recovery

It is worth noting that some manufacturers, for example, HTC, block access to recovery, and you will first need to obtain it through third-party utilities.

Now that we have figured out how to get to the system menu, find the item Wipe data/Factory reset , click it and wait for a complete reset. When finished, the smartphone will reboot on its own. It is very important not to touch recovery items whose purpose you do not know, since you can easily turn your gadget into a “brick,” and not every service center will help here.

Format Android via computer and USB connection

Android SDK is a universal kit for developers who work with devices running Android. Finding it is quite simple - right on the manufacturer’s website.

Next we will need:

Then follow the instructions:

We wait for the inscription Done , after which we close the command line, disconnect the smartphone from the PC and try to turn it on.

Please note that during the formatting process you cannot disconnect the cable from the computer, as a software failure will occur and your gadget will turn into a brick. It is advisable not to touch the smartphone at all and not to yank the cable again, since even a slight damage to the wire can interrupt the connection.

If you are trying to turn on your smartphone, but it only shows you the manufacturer’s logo or just clicks when you press the buttons, don’t despair and take it to a service center. In most cases, simply formatting it is enough, and you can do this without unnecessary headaches. All procedures must be carried out with the utmost caution, since inept handling can easily destroy the last signs of life, and then you cannot do without the help of specialists, but even they will not give you a 100% positive prognosis regarding the future device.

Source

On the computer

A removable memory card inserted into the Card-reader can be formatted without problems via Windows Explorer or the Command Line. Typically the FAT32 file system is selected.

If low-level formatting is required, use utilities (www.softportal.com/software-4831-hdd-low-level-format-tool.html).

After selecting the drive, you will be able to view SMART information. Low-level formatting is usually used in cases where they cannot get rid of a virus, and something always breaks.

Please note that under newer generations of Windows, low-level formatting usually does not work. The device only simulates the execution of this operation, but does not actually perform it. You need to run the utility at least under Windows XP. Any SD card can be removed from the phone, inserted into the Card-reader and erased. The internal memory cannot be removed, and although Explorer sees it, it cannot format it.

How to format your phone via computer. How to completely format Android using Recovery

Absolutely every smartphone operating on the Android operating system is equipped with a special boot menu – Recovery.

This mode is turned on when the phone starts and after switching to recovery, you can carry out various procedures, for example, checking the functionality of the screen and speaker, flashing software and formatting.

Before activating formatting, you need to enable boot mode, but how to do this on a particular smartphone remains a constant question.

The problem is that each developer implements their own Recovery activation system. The most common option is to simultaneously press the power button and volume control. But there are also those devices in which the boot menu is launched using the physical “Home” button.

The main advantage of this menu is that it can be activated even if the phone is completely frozen. However, some manufacturers block this feature, since regular use of the boot menu can negatively affect the performance of the gadget. To unlock access, you will need to use specialized applications.

If the user managed to launch the Recovery menu, then you will need to find the “Factory Reset” or “Wipe Data” section. After clicking on this option, the phone will automatically be reset to factory settings, and existing files, applications and documents will be deleted.

It is not recommended to use unknown commands as you may accidentally uninstall the operating system.

We format the smartphone using the settings

1. Let's start our phone. Then, tap on “Display Settings”;
2. Now we need to go to the “System” tab;
3. Let's look at the window that appears. We need to go down and tap on the “Reset” tab.
   

   Important: if you cannot find a similar command in the settings of your mobile gadget, you need to search through the menu using the word “Reset” (quotes are not needed);

4. Now, you need to tap on the “Factory Restore...” command;
5. We carefully read the inscription on the phone display and if you agree, in this case you need to click on the “Reset settings...” tab;
6. It is quite possible that the phone system will ask you to enter a password in order to unlock the display. You must confirm this action by tapping on the “Reset settings...” tab;
7. So what's next? It remains to wait a little. The phone will begin to reboot and clear the information. At this moment, you should not reboot yourself! The mobile gadget will reboot again and after that the system will ask you to configure it.

How to reboot Android via computer. How to reboot an Android smartphone or tablet

If you reboot your Android device periodically, it clears the memory and speeds up the operation. It can also be a quick fix for minor problems such as app crashes. Here's how to reset your Android smartphone or tablet to fix common problems.

Perform a standard restart

"Standard restart" means that you reboot the device using the firmware. Press and hold the power button on your device (it's usually on the top or right, but can also be on the left) for a few seconds to open the OSD power menu. You don't need to unlock your device to do this.

OSD power menu options may vary slightly depending on your device and which version of Android you are using. Click Restart if there is an option to do so, and then wait for the device to restart.

If you don't see the reboot option, move on to the next method.

Turn off and on again

You can also reboot your Android smartphone or tablet manually by following the proven method of turning off the device and then turning it on again.

The effect is the same as the previous method, and it is a good alternative if your device does not have a reboot option in the power menu.

As before, hold down your smartphone or tablet's power button for a few seconds to see the power options. Click “Turn off” (or its equivalent on your device), and then wait until the phone or tablet turns off completely.

When the device is turned off, press the Power button to turn it back on.

Perform a hard restart (or hard reboot)

If your device isn't responding or you're having trouble with a normal reboot, you can perform a hard restart instead.

To do this, press and hold the Power button for at least 20 seconds, this will force your device to reboot manually.

Remove the battery

Manufacturers are now using built-in non-removable batteries to reduce the overall size of the equipment.

If you're lucky enough to have a device with a removable battery, but it still won't reboot, you can remove the battery. We recommend that you try turning off the device before removing the battery.

To begin, carefully remove the back panel from your device. Each manufacturer has their own way of doing this, but usually there are small areas that you can use to separate the two pieces. Avoid using any tools that could puncture the battery or otherwise damage your device.

After removing the battery, reinsert it and then press the power button to turn the device back on.

Use ADB to reboot using PC

If the power button is not working, you can connect your device to your computer and use the Android Debug Bridge (ADB) tool to reboot it. This tool, provided by Google, allows you to perform several remote operations, including rebooting your smartphone or tablet.

Firstly, you need to install ADB with Android SDK along with the drivers of your Android device. You also need to make sure that USB debugging is enabled in the Developer Options menu in Android Settings.

If other methods don't help

When you troubleshoot your Android device, a reboot should always be your first step. This is often all that is required to get things back to normal. But not always.

When is formatting needed?

• During operation, any device accumulates small inaccuracies in algorithms, deviations and other troubles. After some time, the number of errors will become such that the phone will not be able to work productively.
• In addition, mechanical damage may cause urgent measures (the device fell into water or onto a magnet and other external influences). And then you will need to make an effective decision.
• The device that fails will need to be formatted. First you need to determine whether you need to format the memory card. If there is no need to format it, then you need to immediately remove the card from the device.

Devices made by different manufacturers are formatted differently. Earlier models can only be returned to their original settings in a specialized center using special equipment.

Nokia phones and smartphones are formatted by entering the combination *#7780#. This will return to factory settings, and personal information on the phone will remain intact.

Reset Meizu settings via PC. How to apply Hard Reset on Meizu M3 Note

Resetting the settings to factory settings (hard reset) on Meiza allows you to get rid of many software failures, restore access to your mobile device if you lose the login password, or completely clear the internal and external memory of the device before selling it. This procedure is integrated into the proprietary Flyme shell, so you do not need to install third-party software to activate it. Let's look at how to hard reset Meizu M3 Note or any other phone from this company.

Preparing for a complete cleaning of Meizu

Modern smartphones are used not only for communication between subscribers. They are full-fledged media devices, the memory of which often stores information important to the user (SMS messages, contacts, notes, photos, etc.). Therefore, before doing so, it is recommended to make a backup of the system with all data.

Like a hard reset, backup to Meiza is also built into the OS and is done through standard settings:

The backup process will begin, the duration of which will depend on the amount of data being processed. After its completion, the backup file will be written to the backup folder in the root directory. It will need to be transferred to an external drive (for example, USB flash) or computer.

Once you have created a backup, you can perform a factory reset.

How to do a hard reset on Meizu?

There are two ways to run a hard reset on Meizu M5:

The first method is used when the phone is in good condition and the user has the opportunity to get into its settings. If the device constantly reboots or freezes at the Meizu logo, Recovery Mode will come to the rescue.

To activate the hard reset procedure on Meiza using the first method, you must:

Formatting via settings

The fastest and most common method of formatting an Android phone is to use standard services or otherwise reset to factory settings. This method has gained wide popularity due to its ease of use.

However, it is impossible to call this option safe, since when resetting to factory state, all files will be deleted along with unnecessary applications. Therefore, first of all, you need to create a backup copy of the information or reset it to a removable drive.

It is also worth remembering that if the system is severely clogged or malfunctions, this method will not help. There are several options for manual formatting.

Method one

1. Open system settings on your mobile device.
2. Find the privacy or recovery section.
3. Open the option to reset settings.
4. Press the appropriate key and confirm.
5. Wait until the procedure is completed.
6. Restart the device.

Method two

1. Open the dialer.
2. In the field that appears, enter the combination *2767*3855#
3. Activate the code and wait for formatting to complete.
4. Reboot your phone.

It is worth remembering that the current formatting method only helps if the phone is slightly dirty. In situations where system errors appear in the device, you should resort to a more effective option.

Why do gadgets start to work poorly?

The Android operating system is constantly being improved by developers. Many updates make life easier for users, but often optimization leads to the fact that there is no space left on the disk for innovations. For this reason, the gadget (especially if it is an old model) begins to work much more slowly, and the waiting time for command execution becomes longer. Hence the need to format the device - remove old and unnecessary programs, reduce updates and clean up memory.

Also, many experts note that background processes that follow installed programs cannot be ignored. Animated screensavers, widgets, programs and applications lead to slower device performance. An inactive program uses the device's resources in one way or another, and therefore the work becomes less fast. Of course, if the user has time, he can manually remove programs and applications and clean up widgets. But the labor-intensive process is exhausting, and I want to find optimal and quick ways to deal with the problem.

Full reboot

In other words, this function is usually called Hard Reset. Thanks to a full reboot, you will delete previously downloaded applications and files and return the device to its original state (as if the gadget had just been purchased). Please keep in mind that a full reboot affects the operation of the device and shortens its service life. But sometimes users have no other choice (problems with logging in due to the loss of the graphic password and PIN code, the device freezes while the application is running), and they use Hard Reset.

Before rebooting, be sure to back up and remove the card. Then turn off your phone or tablet, hold down the volume, quick menu and gadget on/off buttons at the same time. Select Delete data (factory reset), and then delete user data. Reboot the system and wait until the device turns on completely. Then check the functionality and start filling out the gadget from scratch. Simple steps will help return the gadget to good condition, it will stop constantly freezing, and the condition will stabilize.