To reset a Nokia phone, you can choose between a soft restart that keeps all your data or a factory reset that erases everything. A soft reset is the first step to try when your phone freezes or runs slowly, while a factory reset is needed to fix persistent software problems or to wipe the device before selling it.
When you need to reset a Nokia phone
Common reasons to reset a Nokia phone include a frozen or unresponsive screen, slow performance, unusual battery drain, network connectivity issues, a forgotten password or pattern lock, or preparing to sell or give away the device. A reset can resolve software glitches, restore default network settings, and ensure your personal data is removed before transferring ownership.
Soft reset: restart without losing data
A soft reset restarts your Nokia smartphone without deleting any of your personal files, contacts, or apps. This is the safest method to try first when troubleshooting minor issues.
- For an unresponsive Nokia smartphone, perform a soft reset by pressing and holding the Volume Up key and the Power button simultaneously for approximately 15 seconds until the phone vibrates and restarts.
This method is ideal for restarting and rebooting phones when they become sluggish or apps stop responding, as it clears temporary glitches without affecting your data.
Factory reset from the Settings menu
A factory reset erases all data and restores your Nokia Android smartphone to its original state. Use this method for persistent software issues or when you are selling the device.
- Open the Settings app.
- Tap "System" then "Advanced."
- Select "Reset options" then "Erase all data (factory reset)."
- Follow the on-screen instructions and confirm the reset.
Critical warning: After a factory reset on an Android device, you will likely need to sign in with the Google account previously linked to the phone due to Android Device Protection. If you forget this account, you may be locked out of the device. Make sure you know your Google account password before proceeding.
Factory reset for older Nokia feature phones
For legacy Nokia feature phones such as the Nokia 105, 106, 110, 225, and 3310, a factory reset can be performed using a dialer code. This method is only for these older models and will erase all stored contacts, messages, and settings.
- On the home screen, type
*#7370#. - Confirm the reset when prompted.
This code does not work on modern Nokia Android smartphones and should only be used on the feature phones listed above.
What to do before you reset
Taking a few precautions before resetting prevents data loss and ensures a smooth process:
- Back up your data: Save contacts, photos, videos, and documents to cloud services like Google Drive or to an external storage device.
- Remove SIM and SD card: Take out both cards to protect personal information and prevent accidental deletion of files on the memory card.
- Charge to 50%: Ensure your battery has at least 50% charge to avoid interruptions during the reset.
- Know your Google account password: You will need this to bypass Factory Reset Protection after the wipe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my Nokia phone delete my contacts?
Yes, a factory reset deletes all contacts stored on the phone. A soft reset does not delete any data. Always back up your contacts to your Google account or a SIM card before performing a factory reset.
How long does it take to reset a Nokia phone?
A factory reset can take between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the model and amount of data stored.
Will resetting fix all software issues?
A reset resolves many common problems like freezing, slow performance, and app crashes, but it is not a guaranteed fix for hardware failures or severe operating system corruption. If issues persist after a factory reset, the phone may need professional repair.
Do I need a computer to reset my Nokia phone?
No. All reset methods described here are performed directly on the phone using its buttons or settings menu. A computer is not required.
