How to Factory Reset a Vivo Phone (All Models)

This guide walks you through resetting your Vivo phone to its original factory state. This clears all personal data, apps, and settings, which is useful before selling the device, fixing persistent software issues, or removing a forgotten lock screen password.

What You’ll Need

• Your Vivo phone (any model running Funtouch OS or OriginOS)
• Sufficient battery charge (at least 50% recommended)
• Your Google account credentials (for re-activation after reset)
• Optional: A backup of your important data (photos, contacts, files)

Step-by-Step

There are two main methods to factory reset a Vivo phone. The first is from the settings menu, which is the standard method. The second is via recovery mode, which is necessary if the phone won’t boot or you’ve forgotten your screen lock.

Method 1: Reset via Settings (Standard Method)

1. Back up your data. Go to Settings > System > Backup & Reset (or Settings > Additional Settings > Backup & Reset on older models). Follow the on-screen prompts to back up your photos, contacts, and other files to your Google account or an external storage device.
2. Open Settings. Locate and tap the Settings app on your home screen or app drawer. It looks like a gear icon.
3. Find the reset option. Scroll down and tap System (or Additional Settings on some models). Then, tap Backup & Reset (or Reset).
4. Choose the reset type. You will see a few options. To completely wipe the phone, select Erase all data (factory reset). If you only want to reset network settings or app preferences, choose the corresponding option instead.
5. Review the warning. The phone will display a warning that this action will delete all your data, including accounts, photos, and downloaded apps. Read it carefully.
6. Confirm the reset. Tap Reset phone (or Erase everything). You may be asked to enter your phone’s PIN, password, or pattern to confirm.
7. Wait for the process to finish. The phone will restart and begin the reset process. This can take a few minutes. Do not turn off the phone during this time. When it’s done, it will boot up like a new device.

Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (For Locked or Unresponsive Phones)

1. Turn off your Vivo phone. Press and hold the Power button and select Power off.
2. Enter recovery mode. Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Up button simultaneously for about 3-5 seconds. On some older models, you may need to use Volume Down instead. Release the buttons when the Vivo logo appears or the recovery menu appears.
3. Navigate the recovery menu. Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to move through the options, and the Power button to select.
4. Select the wipe option. Look for an option called Wipe data or Factory reset. Select it.
5. Confirm the selection. You will be asked to confirm. Select Yes or Confirm.
6. Wait for the reset. The phone will perform the reset. Once complete, you’ll be returned to the recovery menu.
7. Reboot the system. Select Reboot system now. The phone will restart and boot up as a new device.

Common Mistakes

• Skipping the backup. The most common mistake is not backing up important data before resetting. Once the reset is done, there is no way to recover it.
• Not checking battery level. If the phone dies during the reset, it can cause software corruption. Always ensure you have at least 50% battery.
• Choosing the wrong reset option. Many users accidentally select “Reset network settings” or “Reset app preferences” instead of “Erase all data.” Double-check the option you are selecting.
• Forgetting Google account credentials. After a factory reset, your phone will ask for the Google account that was previously linked to it (FRP – Factory Reset Protection). If you forget it, you won’t be able to use the phone.
• Interrupting the process. Turning off the phone or pressing buttons during the reset can cause issues. Let the process run uninterrupted.

Tips

• Use Vivo’s official backup tool. Vivo offers a built-in backup feature that can save your data to your PC or a cloud service. Use it before resetting for a smoother transfer.
• Remove your Google account before resetting (if possible). If you plan to sell or give away the phone, go to Settings > Accounts > Google and remove your account before resetting. This avoids the FRP lock issue for the new owner.
• Note your IMEI number. Before resetting, dial *#06# to see your IMEI number and write it down. It’s useful if the phone is lost or stolen.
• Charge your phone. Plug your phone into a charger during the reset process to ensure it doesn’t die.
• Use a SIM card removal tool. If you’re selling the phone, remember to remove your SIM and microSD card before resetting.

Troubleshooting

• Phone is stuck on the Vivo logo after reset. This is usually temporary. Wait for 10-15 minutes. If it doesn’t boot, try performing the reset again via recovery mode.
• Phone asks for a Google account after reset (FRP lock). This happens when you didn’t remove your Google account before resetting. You’ll need to enter the username and password of the Google account that was previously on the phone. If you can’t remember it, you’ll need to use Google’s account recovery options.
• Reset option is greyed out in Settings. This can happen if you have a screen lock or a device administrator app active. Disable any screen lock (PIN, pattern, password) and remove any device administrator apps in Settings > Security > Device administrators, then try again.
• Recovery mode won’t open. Make sure the phone is completely off. Try different button combinations (Power + Volume Up, Power + Volume Down, or Power + Volume Up + Home on some older models).
• Phone is stuck in a boot loop after reset. This can be caused by a faulty update or corrupted system files. Try wiping the cache partition from recovery mode (if available) or perform the factory reset again from recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove the screen lock (PIN, pattern, password)?

Yes, a factory reset will remove the screen lock. However, on newer phones with FRP, you’ll still need to enter the Google account credentials that were previously on the device to set it up again.

Will a factory reset delete all my photos and contacts?

Yes, a factory reset erases all data stored on the phone’s internal storage, including photos, videos, contacts, and messages. Make sure to back them up first.

How long does a factory reset take on a Vivo phone?

Typically, it takes between 2 and 10 minutes, depending on the model and the amount of data. The phone will restart automatically once done.

Can I cancel a factory reset once it has started?

No, you cannot cancel the process once it begins. It’s best to let it finish completely.

Will a factory reset fix a slow or laggy Vivo phone?

In many cases, yes. A factory reset clears out junk files, cached data, and software glitches that can slow down your phone. It’s a good first step before considering more drastic measures.

Do I need to remove my SIM card before a factory reset?

No, you don’t need to remove the SIM card. The reset won’t affect your SIM card or its data. However, if you’re selling the phone, you should remove it for security and to give the new owner a clean device.

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