A factory reset, also known as hard reset or master reset, is a software restore of an electronic device to its original system state by erasing all data, settings, and applications that were previously stored on the device. This is often done to fix an issue with a device, but it could also be done to restore the device to its original settings.[1]
Since a factory reset entails deleting all information stored in the device, it is essentially the same concept as reformatting[1] a hard drive. Pre-installed applications and data on the card's storage card (such as a microSD card) will not be erased.[citation needed]
Factory resets can fix many chronic performance issues (i.e. freezing), but it does not remove the device's operating system.[2] Factory resets can also be used to prepare a device for sale, refurbishment, disposal, recycling, donation or other transfers of ownership by removing personal data and settings associated with the previous owner.[3]
- ^ a b "hard reset (factory reset; master reset)". whatis.techtarget.com. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ^ "Guide for Performing Factory Resets on Common Mobile Devices" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 November 2013. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
- ^ "ACCC Report Revelations Of Scams And Cyber Crime Not Surprising". Tech Business News. 29 April 2024. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
Whilst there exists the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and the Information Security Manual (ISM) which direct government and critical industry to use NAID AAA certified recyclers to destroy and sanitise data at end of life, there remains confusion over ownership of accountability.