What's the Difference Between a Hard Reset and a Factory Reset?

Hard Reset vs. Factory Reset: A Closer Look

If you have ever experienced a problem with your device, you may have been advised to do a "reset." However, there are two distinct types of reset for many electronic devices, namely a hard reset and a factory reset. Understanding the differences between the two can help you determine which one is better in a given situation.

What is a Hard Reset?

A hard reset is a process of reverting a device back to the state it was in when shipped from the factory. That is to say that all settings, applications, and data added by the user are removed. This process does not involve the internal memory of the device (if applicable) but rather forces the device to perform as if it had just been turned on for the first time.

What is a Factory Reset?

A factory reset, on the other hand, reverts a device back to the state it was in when it was originally purchased. This means that all user data, settings, applications, and any other changes made since its purchase will be erased. Additionally, the internal storage of the device will also be reformatted. This is why doing a factory reset should be a last resort when troubleshooting an issue as it eliminates all data from the device.

Advantages of a Hard Reset

• A Hard Reset is less invasive than a Factory Reset.
• It is time efficient and does not require reformatting the internal memory.
• It is reversible and the user can go back to their previous settings.
• If the problem is limited to a single application, it can be solved by a Hard Reset.

Advantages of a Factory Reset

• A Factory Reset can often restore an unresponsive device to its original condition.
• It is a one-time solution, providing a complete system reboot that resolves many software issues in one go.
• It can be used to wipe the device completely, restoring it to pristine condition before transferring ownership or selling.