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Factory Reset

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BenG
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Overview:

This document provides information regarding performing factory resets for Republic Wireless phones. A factory reset will reset your phone to a cleared state - apps, internal memory, contacts, photos/videos, or other personal info will not be backed up or synced automatically. Any firmware updates you have installed will still be on your phone.

If your phone is currently running on KitKat, you can find the instructions for a Factory Reset here: Factory Reset (KitKat 4.4.4).

Before You Perform a Factory Reset

Since performing a factory reset will erase anything you've added to your phone, it's important to back up anything that you want to keep. Using the links below, you can learn how to back up contacts, photos, videos, apps, music, messages, or other miscellaneous files.

Back Up Contacts

Back Up Photos and Videos

Back Up Messages (SMS and MMS)

Back Up Miscellaneous Files

 

 

Back Up Contacts

 

The easiest way to back up your contacts is to automatically sync them to your Gmail account. Once synced, you'll be able to perform a factory reset without losing your contacts. Once you get your Gmail account set back up, your contacts will be retrieved in the Contacts app.

 

  • You may confirm that your contacts are synced to your Google account by using a computer to visit contacts.google.com
  • Any contacts showing on this page will be the contacts that are synced to your Google account.
  • Be sure that you're using the same Google account as the phone when logged onto Google's site using your computer.

 

If your phone has an SD card, you can also import/export contacts to and from your SD card.

 

For step by step instructions for both of the items mentioned above, please go to Manage Contacts

Back Up Photos and Videos

The easiest way to back up photos and videos is to automatically sync them to your Google Photos account. Once synced, you'll be able to perform a factory data reset without losing your photos and videos. Once you get your Google account set back up, you can view your photos and videos from the Photos app.

  • You may confirm that your photos are synced to your Google account by using a computer to visit photos.google.com
  • Be sure that you're using the same Google account as the phone when logged onto Google's site using your computer.

For step by step instructions, please go to Photos and Videos

Back Up Messages (SMS and MMS)

There currently isn't a way to move SMS and MMS to your computer or SD card. However, there are multiple third party apps that make it easy to backup and restore your messages. 

Back Up Miscellaneous Files

You may have additional files, notes, settings and music that you'd like to keep and restore to your phone when possible. If you don't have a phone with a micro SD card storage option, here are some ways you can easily store miscellaneous files:

Factory Reset Instructions

A factory reset will reset your phone to a cleared state - apps, internal memory, contacts, photos/videos, or other personal info will not be backed up or synced automatically. Any firmware updates you have installed will still be on your phone.

You can perform a factory reset two different ways. The first way is through the Settings app, which is the most widely used method. The second way is through Recovery mode, which is typically used if your phone is frozen or locked up.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

 

Due to the "Kill Switch" regulation that protects consumer's information from lost or stolen phones, if you have a screen lock set up on your phone, you'll need to verify ownership of your phone when performing a factory reset.

 

  • If you're performing a factory reset prior to selling your phone, giving your phone to someone else, or returning your phone, please ensure you have removed any screen locks and have removed the "Kill Switch" protection by performing your factory reset through the Settings menu. Performing a factory reset through recovery mode or from a remote source won't remove the "Kill Switch" protection feature. If you're sending your phone back to Republic for any reason, you must remove this feature in order to be eligible for a refund or to avoid being charged for a replacement phone. Please review our Return and Replacement Policy‌ for more info.

  • If you're performing a factory reset through the Settings app, you'll need to verify your screen lock (pin, pattern or password) before your phone will perform the reset.

  • If you're performing a factory reset through Recovery mode, you'll need to verify with the Google email address and password that was entered during the phone setup process before you can get back into your phone. If you have not set up a Google account with your phone, please do so before performing a factory reset through Recovery mode.

Please click on the link below that best describes your situation for instructions on how to perform a factory reset. 

Perform a Factory Reset through the Settings App (most popular)

Perform a Factory Reset through Recovery Mode (typically only used if phone is frozen/unresponsive)

Perform a Factory Reset through the Settings App

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones Samsung Phones Huawei Phone
  • Google Pixel and Pixel XL
  • Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY
  • Moto G5 Plus
  • Moto X Pure Edition
  • Moto Z and Z Play
  • Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P
  • Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.)
  • Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.)
  • Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.)
  • Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge
  • Huawei Ascend 5W
DOC-1953.png DOC-1953.png DOC-1953.png

Google, Motorola, and Nexus Phones The following info refers to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY, Moto G5 Plus, Moto X Pure Edition, Moto Z and Z Play, Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P, Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge, Moto E (1st and 2nd Gen.), Moto G (1st and 3rd Gen.), and Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.) phones only.
  1. Tap Settings_Icon.png Settings from the app drawer.
  2. Tap Backup & reset.
    Note: For a complete reset, make sure Back up my data and Automatic Restore are set to off if given the option.
  3. Tap Factory data reset.
  4. Tap RESET PHONE.
  5. Tap ERASE EVERYTHING.
    Note: If you have a screen lock set up (pin, pattern or password), you'll need to verify that first.

Samsung Phones:

The following info refers to the Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge phones only.
  1. Tap Samsung_Apps_Icon.png Apps.
  2. Tap Samsung_Settings_Icon.png Settings.
  3. Tap Backup and reset.
    Note: For a complete reset, make sure Automatic Restore is set to Off.
  4. Tap Factory data reset.
  5. Tap RESET DEVICE.
  6. Tap DELETE ALL.
    Note: If you have a screen lock set up (pin, pattern or password), you'll need to verify that first.

Huawei Phone: The following info refers to the Huawei Ascend 5W only.
  1. Tap Settings_Huawei.png Settings.
  2. Tap Advanced settings.
  3. Tap Backup & reset.
    Note: For a complete reset, make sure Back up my data and Automatic Restore are set to off.
  4. Tap Factory data reset.
  5. Tap Reset phone.
  6. Tap Reset phone again.

Note: When going back through the setup screens, once you sign back into your Google account, tap Skip when asked if you want to restore default settings.

Perform a Factory Reset through Recovery Mode

 

You should only need to perform a factory reset through recovery mode if your phone is frozen/unresponsive. If you have a pin, pattern, or password set up on your phone and you're selling your phone, giving it to someone else, or returning it from where you purchased it, DO NOT perform a factory reset through recovery mode as it won't remove the Google protection feature called the "Kill Switch" and will make the phone inaccessible to anyone other than you. Instead, you'll need to perform a factory reset through the Settings menu on your phone (instructions above).

 

Tip: Please ensure that you have a minimum battery level of 25% before performing a factory reset through recovery mode. After performing the reset, test your phone before adding any apps or accounts.

 

Motorola Phones Google and Nexus Phones Samsung Phones
  • Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY
  • Moto G5 Plus
  • Moto X Pure Edition
  • Moto Z and Z Play
  • Google Pixel and Pixel XL
  • Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P
  • Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and s7 edge
DOC-1953.png DOC-1953.png DOC-1953.png
Huawei Phone Motorola Phones Motorola Phones
  • Huawei Ascend 5W
  • Moto E (2nd Gen.)
  • Moto G (3rd Gen.)
  • Moto E (1st Gen.)
  • Moto G (1st Gen.)
  • Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.)
DOC-1953.png DOC-1953.png DOC-1953.png

Motorola Phones:

The following info refers to the Moto G4, G4 PLUS, and G4 PLAY, Moto G5 Plus, Moto Z and Z Play, and Moto X Pure Edition phones only.
  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Unplug any USB or power cables from the phone.
  3. Press and hold both the VOL DOWN and POWER buttons at the same time for 2-3 seconds, then release both buttons.
  4. The phone will display some information about the phone, and will have "Start" highlighted at the top right of the screen. Use VOL DOWN to scroll through the options to RECOVERY MODE and press the POWER button to select.
  5. The phone will display the Motorola logo, then the Android figure lying down with an exclamation point with the words No Command underneath. Press and hold the POWER button and tap the VOL UP button.
    Note: If you wait too long to make a selection, the phone will reboot and you will need to start the process again.
  6. The phone will display additional menu options, with text in blue. Use the VOL DOWN button to scroll to Wipe data/factory reset and press the POWER button to select it.
  7. Use the VOL DOWN button to select Userdata only. Selecting Userdata + personalized content on the factory reset screen will remove your start up message and custom wallpaper for MotoMaker phones. Unless you intend to resell your phone we do not advise selecting this option. 
  8. Press the POWER button to confirm.
  9. Once formatting is complete, press the POWER button to confirm a REBOOT.
  10. Your phone will reboot normally.
    Note: If you had a screen lock set up (pin, pattern or password) prior to performing a factory reset, you'll be asked to enter the Google email address and password associated with your phone during the setup process.

Google and Nexus Phones:

The following info refers to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, and Nexus 5X, 6, and 6P phones only.
  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Unplug any USB or power cables from the phone.
  3. Press and hold both the VOL DOWN and POWER buttons at the same time until the boot menu appears.
  4. The phone will display some information about the phone, and will have "Start" highlighted at the top right of the screen. Use VOL DOWN to scroll through the options to RECOVERY MODE and press the POWER button to select.
  5. The phone will display the Android figure lying down with an exclamation point with the words No Command underneath. Press and hold the POWER button and tap the VOL UP button.
    Note: If you wait too long to make a selection, the phone will reboot and you will need to start the process again.
  6. The phone will display additional menu options, with text in blue. Use the VOL DOWN button to scroll to Wipe data/factory reset and press the POWER button to select it.
  7. Use the VOL DOWN button to select Yes.
  8. Press the POWER button to confirm.
  9. Once formatting is complete, press the POWER button to confirm a REBOOT.
  10. Your phone will reboot normally.
    Note: If you had a screen lock set up (pin, pattern or password) prior to performing a factory reset, you'll be asked to enter the Google email address and password associated with your phone during the setup process.

Samsung Phones: The following info refers to the Samsung Galaxy J3, S6, S7, and S7 edge phones only.
  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Unplug any USB or power cables from the phone.
  3. Press and hold both the VOL UP, POWER, and HOME buttons at the same time for 2-3 seconds, then release all three buttons once the Android logo appears.
  4. After 20 seconds, The Android Recovery Menu should appear.
  5. The phone will display a list of options for the phone. Use VOL DOWN to scroll through the options to Wipe data/factory reset and press the POWER button to select it.
  6. Use the VOL DOWN button to select Yes.
  7. Press the POWER button to confirm.
  8. Once formatting is complete, press the POWER button to confirm a REBOOT.
  9. Your phone will reboot normally.
    Note: If you had a screen lock set up (pin, pattern or password) prior to performing a factory reset, you'll be asked to enter the Google email address and password associated with your phone during the setup process.

Huawei Phone: The following info refers to the Huawei Ascend 5W phone only.
  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Unplug any USB or power cables from the phone.
  3. Press and hold both the VOL UP and POWER buttons at the same time until the Huawei logo appears.
  4. Tap Wipe data/factory reset.
  5. Tap Wipe data/factory reset again.
  6. Once formatting is complete, tap Reboot system now.
  7. Your phone will reboot normally.
    Note: If you had a screen lock set up (pin, pattern or password) prior to performing a factory reset, you'll be asked to enter the Google email address and password associated with your phone during the setup process. Note: When going back through the setup screens, once you sign back into your Google account, tap Skip when asked if you want to restore default settings.

Motorola Phones:

The following info refers to the Moto E (2nd Gen.) and Moto G (3rd Gen.) phones only.
  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Unplug any USB or power cables from the phone.
  3. Press and hold both the VOL DOWN and POWER buttons at the same time for 2-3 seconds, then release both buttons.
  4. The phone will display some information about the phone, and will have "Start" highlighted at the top right of the screen. Use VOL DOWN to scroll through the options to RECOVERY MODE and press the POWER button to select.
  5. The phone will display the Motorola logo, then the Android figure lying down with an exclamation point with the words No Command underneath. Press and hold the POWER button and tap the VOL UP button. Note: If you wait too long to make a selection, the phone will reboot and you will need to start the process again.
  6. The phone will display additional menu options, with text in blue. Use the VOL DOWN button to scroll to Wipe data/factory reset and press the POWER button to select it.
  7. Use the VOL DOWN button to select YES- delete all user data.
  8. Press the POWER button to confirm.
  9. Once formatting is complete, press the POWER button to confirm a REBOOT.
  10. Your phone will reboot normally.
    Note: If you had a screen lock set up (pin, pattern or password) prior to performing a factory reset, you'll be asked to enter the Google email address and password associated with your phone during the setup process.

Motorola Phones:

The following info refers to the Moto E (1st Gen.), Moto G (1st Gen.), and Moto X (1st and 2nd Gen.) phones only.
  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Unplug any USB or power cables from the phone.
  3. Press and hold both the VOL DOWN and POWER buttons at the same time for 2-3 seconds, then release both buttons.
  4. The phone will display different boot options. Use VOL DOWN to scroll through the options to RECOVERY and press the VOL UP button to select.
  5. The phone will display the Motorola logo, then the Android figure lying down with an exclamation point with the words No Command underneath. Press and hold the POWER button and tap the VOL UP button. Note: If you wait too long to make a selection, the phone will reboot and you will need to start the process again.
  6. The phone will display additional menu options, with text in blue. Use the VOL DOWN button to scroll to Wipe data/factory reset and press the POWER button to select it.
  7. Use the VOL DOWN button to select YES- delete all user data.
  8. Press the POWER button to confirm.
  9. Once formatting is complete, press the POWER button to confirm a REBOOT.
  10. Your phone will reboot normally.
    Note: If you had a screen lock set up (pin, pattern or password) prior to performing a factory reset, you'll be asked to enter the Google email address and password associated with your phone during the setup process.

 

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