Resetting your LG device back to factory settings can be a useful troubleshooting step if you are experiencing performance issues, bugs, or want to wipe your personal data before selling or disposing of the device. Performing a factory reset restores the phone to its out-of-the-box state by erasing all data, settings, and installed apps. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to factory reset your LG phone or tablet.
When to Force Factory Reset an LG Device
Here are some common reasons to force factory reset your LG:
- You are experiencing bugs, crashes, or performance issues that persist after regular troubleshooting
- Before selling or gifting your device to wipe personal data
- To remove a forgotten lock screen passcode or pattern
- As a step in troubleshooting an unresponsive or frozen device
- To resolve a connectivity issue that apps or software updates cannot fix
- If you forget your login credentials for a Google or other account on the device
Resetting to factory settings will erase all data, apps, and settings on the device and restore it to original factory condition. This includes:
- Google account details and any other registered accounts
- Downloaded apps and associated app data and settings
- System settings and customizations
- Media files, contacts, messages, call logs
- WiFi passwords and Bluetooth pairings
So before factory resetting, be sure to backup any data you want to keep. You’ll need to reinstall apps and reconfigure settings after resetting.
Backup Important Data
To avoid permanent data loss, be sure to backup any important files, contacts, photos or other data before resetting your LG to factory settings. Ways to backup your data include:
- Copy files to a computer via USB cable
- Upload photos, videos, contacts etc. to cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox
- Insert an SD card and use it to transfer files to another device
- Sync contacts and calendar data to a linked Google account
After backing up your data, remove the SD card from your LG phone or tablet before factory resetting.
Factory Reset from Settings Menu
The standard way to factory reset your LG device is through the Settings menu. Here are the steps:
- Open the Settings app on your LG phone or tablet.
- Select General > Backup & Reset (or Backup & Restart on some models).
- Choose Factory Data Reset.
- Tap Reset Phone/Tablet and then Erase Everything to confirm.
This will initiate the factory reset process. Your device will reboot into recovery mode to erase all data. It can take 10-30 minutes to complete.
Reset from Recovery Mode
You can also factory reset from recovery mode on LG devices:
- Turn off your phone or tablet.
- Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons together until you see the LG boot logo.
- Use Volume buttons to highlight Factory reset/Clean all user data and press Power to select.
- Select Yes on the confirmation screens to initiate the factory reset.
Using Hardware Button Combinations
Many LG devices allow you to perform a factory reset by holding certain hardware buttons on startup. Combinations vary by model but may include:
- Power + Volume Down buttons
- Volume Up + Home + Power buttons
- Volume Down + Power buttons
On some models, you may need to then use volume buttons to navigate and select factory reset using on-screen recovery options.
Reset From External Keys Button
Certain LG models have an external pinhole or button to force a factory reset:
- LG Optimus L Series: Insert a paperclip in the pinhole on the back near the camera lens.
- LG G2: Press and hold the Physical Key button on the rear.
- LG G3: Press and hold the reset pinhole on the back cover.
Hold the button or keep paperclip inserted until device powers off. It will reboot and reset to factory settings.
Using LG Flash Tool to Reset
For LG devices that won’t power on or are completely frozen, you may need to use the LG Flash Tool to reset to factory firmware:
- Download and install the LG Flash Tool on a Windows PC.
- Download the correct KDZ firmware for your LG model.
- Connect phone or tablet to PC via USB cable.
- Open LG Flash Tool, select the KDZ file, and click the reset icon.
This will install the factory firmware image, resetting the device. User data will be deleted in the process.
Reset Network Settings
A full factory reset erases all your data and settings. If you just want to reset your network settings and connections, you can do a network settings reset instead:
- Go to Settings > General > Backup & Reset.
- Tap Network Settings Reset.
- ConfirmReset Settings to erase just WiFi passwords and Bluetooth pairings.
This can help resolve connectivity issues without deleting anything else.
Reset App Preferences
You can also reset app preferences and default app associations without fully resetting the device:
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- Tap the 3-dot Menu > Reset App Preferences.
- Confirm to reset defaults like disabled apps, notifications, background data restrictions, etc.
Before Factory Resetting Your LG
Here are some things to check before factory resetting your LG device:
- Back up any data and files you want to keep.
- Make sure you have your Google account credentials if you use Google services.
- Charge the battery to at least 50% to avoid power interruption.
- Write down any important settings you may need again.
- uninstall or remove any zipped files (for MacCX, Garmin, or TrackPhone) that may cause display issues after resetting
- Copy authentication keys for encrypted files to keep access after resetting.
- Remove MicroSD card and SIM card before resetting.
What to Do After Factory Resetting LG
Once you have factory reset your LG device, you will need to reconfigure it:
- Set up Android and Google accounts again
- Reconnect to WiFi networks and Bluetooth devices
- Install apps from the Play Store and restore data backups
- Set up security options like screen lock passcodes
- Customize device settings and preferences
Be prepared to invest some time reinstalling apps and settings after the reset process. Refer to your owner’s manual as needed to familiarize yourself again with your LG device.
Factory Reset Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about resetting LG phones and tablets to factory settings:
Does Factory Reset Delete Everything?
Yes, a full factory reset will delete all user data, media files, downloaded apps, and customized settings. Be sure to backup any data you want to keep before resetting.
Can I Reset Without Deleting Pictures?
No, there is no selective reset option. A factory reset will erase all media files including photos and videos stored on the device. You’ll need to backup photos before resetting.
Will I Lose My Contacts After Factory Reset?
Yes, a factory reset erases all contacts stored locally on the device. Sync contacts to your Google account or export to SIM card to restore after resetting.
Can Someone Bypass Lock Screen After Reset?
No, resetting an LG phone does not allow bypassing the lock screen if you had one set. After a reset, you’ll need to enter the previous passcode or PIN to regain access.
Will Reset Unlock My LG if Forgot Password?
No, factory reset will not unlock a locked LG device without the previous screen lock passcode. You must enter the old PIN or pattern to regain access after resetting.
Will I Lose App Data if I Reset?
Yes, all application data, settings, and associated accounts will be deleted after factory reset. Make sure to backup any app data you want to keep.
Is Factory Reset Bad for the Device?
No, resetting to factory settings is not harmful to the hardware. It just erases data and restores software to original state. It can often improve device performance.
Can I Reset Without a Google Account?
Yes, you can factory reset an LG phone or tablet even if you don’t have access to the registered Google account. However, you won’t be able to use Google services after resetting without re-adding the account.
Conclusion
Factory resetting your LG mobile device erases all user data and restores it to original factory condition. This can help fix issues, remove personal files before selling, or wipe the device for a fresh start. Just be sure to backup important files first.
You can reset your LG phone or tablet from Settings, recovery mode, with hardware button combos, or using the LG Flash Tool if the device is unresponsive. Take the time to reconfigure your device afterwards. And now you know how to force that hard factory reset when you really need it!