Mobile phones are powerful tools, but they are also vulnerable to malware, spyware, adware, and malicious apps. When a phone becomes infected, it may slow down, freeze, restart repeatedly, or behave strangely. In such cases, formatting the phone—also known as performing a factory reset—is often the most effective way to remove deep infections and restore normal performance.

A factory reset wipes user data stored in the internal memory and restores the device to its original settings. Unlike computers, phones do not require reinstalling the operating system after formatting. The built-in OS (Android or iOS) remains intact and automatically reloads during the reset.

Think of it this way:
“When software becomes too cluttered to fix, a clean slate is the fastest solution.”

This guide explains virus symptoms, the difference between formatting and flashing, step-by-step reset procedures, backup methods, and how to protect your phone afterwards. Everything has been updated to match modern phone features and security practices.

1. What Formatting a Phone Actually Means

Formatting a phone means erasing all data stored in internal storage, including:

• Contacts (unless synced with cloud)
• Photos and videos
• Installed apps
• Messages
• Downloads
• Saved accounts
• Settings
• Cache and temporary files

Important:

Formatting does not reinstall the operating system.
The device automatically reloads its OS after reset.

This is different from flashing, where a technician installs fresh firmware manually—usually after severe corruption or failed updates.

What formatting does NOT erase:

• Data stored on a microSD card
• Cloud-synced items (Google/Apple account data)
• SIM card contacts (if stored there)

To fully remove infections, you may also need to clean or format the SD card, as many viruses hide inside external storage.

2. Difference Between Formatting and Flashing

Many DIY users confuse these two terms, but they are completely different.

Formatting solves most virus-related problems. Flashing is used mainly for phones that won’t boot, freeze permanently, or have damaged software.

3. Signs Your Phone May Have a Virus

Modern phone viruses behave differently than old-style malware. They often hide inside apps, notifications, or browser redirects.

Here are the most common symptoms:

1. Phone becomes slow

Apps take longer to open, scrolling lags, or the screen freezes.

2. Phone restarts by itself

Unexpected shutdowns or frequent reboot loops.

3. Apps crash or misbehave

Certain apps close automatically, refuse to open, or behave strangely.

4. Pop-ups appear frequently

Random ads or warnings even when apps are closed.

5. High data consumption

Malware running in the background may use your internet without permission.

6. Overheating

Unwanted background processes overload the processor.

7. Unknown apps show up

Apps you didn’t install appear in your app drawer.

8. Battery drains faster than normal

Malicious software often runs continuously.

9. Security warnings

Your phone may alert you about harmful behavior from an app.

If you face several of these issues together, formatting is often the best solution.

4. Precautions Before Formatting a Phone

Formatting wipes everything. So before resetting, follow these steps:

✔ Backup your data

Use:

• Google Drive (Android)
• iCloud (iPhone)
• External backup apps
• Copy to computer manually

✔ Save WhatsApp chats

WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat Backup

✔ Sync contacts

Make sure your contacts are saved to Google/Apple.

✔ Ensure phone battery is above 50%

A reset requires sufficient power.

✔ Sign out of accounts only if required

For example, before selling a device, sign out of accounts and disable device lock features.

✔ Remove SD card

Prevents accidental wipe and protects external data.

Once your backup is ready, you can safely format your device.

5. How to Format an Android Phone (Factory Reset)

Most modern Android devices support two reset methods:

Method 1: Reset Through Settings (Recommended)

1. Open Settings
2. Select System
3. Tap Reset options
4. Choose Erase all data (factory reset)
5. Review what will be erased
6. Enter PIN or password
7. Tap Erase everything

Your phone will restart and begin wiping internal storage.

Method 2: Reset Using Recovery Mode

Used when:

• The phone freezes
• You cannot access settings
• A virus blocks system controls

Steps:

1. Power off the phone
2. Press Power + Volume Up together (varies by model)
3. Enter Recovery Mode
4. Select Wipe data/Format Data/factory reset
5. Confirm the action

This bypasses the OS and performs a clean reset. You can also format Android smartphones through various special software like UMT dongle and Unlock Tool.

6. How to Format an iPhone (Erase All Content and Settings)

iPhones rarely get viruses, but malicious profiles, unsafe apps, or system bugs can still affect performance.

Method 1: Reset Through Settings (Best Option)

1. Go to Settings
2. Select General
3. Tap Transfer or Reset iPhone
4. Choose Erase All Content and Settings
5. Enter passcode and Apple ID (if asked)
6. Confirm reset

The iPhone will erase all internal data and reboot.

Method 2: Reset Using a Computer

Useful when:

• The iPhone won’t turn on properly
• You forgot the passcode
• The device is in recovery mode

Steps:

1. Connect your iPhone to a Mac or Windows PC
2. Open Finder (Mac) or iTunes (Windows)
3. Select your device
4. Click Restore iPhone
5. Confirm

This restores the latest firmware while wiping all data.

7. Formatting Internal Storage vs Formatting Memory Card

A virus can infect both internal memory and SD cards.

After formatting the phone, ensure your SD card is clean:

Option A: Format SD card

Insert → Settings → Storage → Format SD card

Option B: Scan SD card with antivirus

Good for removing malware without deleting files.

Option C: Backup → Format → Restore

Fastest and safest method.

Important:
Although memory cards have almost become extict, if you are using one, never insert an infected SD card into a newly formatted phone without cleaning it first.

8. Can Formatting Remove All Viruses?

In most cases, yes. A factory reset removes:

• Malicious apps
• Hidden scripts
• Corrupted system data
• Browser hijackers
• Most adware and trojans

However, a hard reset cannot remove:

• Firmware-level malware (rare)
• Root-installed spyware
• Infections embedded in the SD card
• Malware from custom ROMs

For severe infections, flashing firmware may be required.

9. What To Do After Resetting Your Phone

Once your device restarts, you’ll need to set it up again. But this time, you can take steps to prevent reinfection.

✔ Install apps only from official stores

Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

✔ Avoid installing unknown APKs

Third-party apps often contain hidden malware.

✔ Update your device

Security patches fix vulnerabilities.

✔ Use a mobile security app (optional but helpful)

Choose a reputable antivirus brand.

✔ Enable Google Play Protect

It regularly scans installed apps.

✔ Check app permissions

Remove unnecessary access to:

• Location
• Contacts
• Microphone
• Files

✔ Avoid clicking unknown links

Malicious links in SMS, email, or WhatsApp are common infection sources.

✔ Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Use a VPN for extra protection.

By following these habits, you significantly reduce the risk of future infections.

10. Common Mistakes People Make While Formatting Phones

Avoid these to ensure a smooth, safe reset:

❌ Not backing up data

Always save important files before wiping.

❌ Forgetting to clean the SD card

The virus may return immediately.

❌ Resetting without checking battery

A shutdown during reset can corrupt the system.

❌ Installing the same infected apps again

Only restore apps from trusted sources.

❌ Confusing reset with flashing

Flashing is not required unless the OS is heavily corrupted.

Formatting should be done carefully but confidently—it’s simpler than many users think.

11. Real-Life Example: When Formatting Actually Works

A common scenario in repair shops:

A customer brings a phone that:

• Opens apps slowly
• Displays random ads
• Installs apps by itself
• Restarts frequently

Technicians check the device and find several malicious apps running in the background. After backing up important data, they perform a factory reset and clean the SD card. In nearly all such cases, the phone works perfectly again.

Such examples show how a reset can restore a device without complicated repairs.

Conclusion

Formatting your phone is a powerful way to remove viruses, clean corrupted files, and restore smooth performance. It wipes internal data but keeps the operating system intact, making it one of the simplest and most reliable troubleshooting methods.

Whether your phone is slowing down, freezing, showing pop-ups, or behaving strangely, a factory reset may be all it needs.

As technicians often say:

“When the system becomes cluttered, the cleanest repair is a fresh start.”

Use this guide to format your device safely, protect it afterwards, and keep it running smoothly for the long term.ill have to format the memory card or scan it with an antivirus.

You can also format mobile phones with the help of secret codes. Read secret codes of cell phones to know how to format phones with secret codes.

If your Samsung Galaxy S5 is slow, frozen, locked, or behaving strangely, a reset is often the most practical solution. Many common software-related problems can be fixed by restoring the device to its original state. However, resetting a smartphone should always be done with proper understanding, because it permanently removes personal data from the device.

This detailed guide explains all working methods to factory reset and hard reset the Samsung Galaxy S5, when to use each method, and what precautions you must take before proceeding. The steps are written in simple language so that even beginners can follow them confidently.

“A reset does not repair hardware, but it often gives new life to a struggling smartphone.”

Understanding Factory Reset and Hard Reset (Simple Definition)

A factory reset means restoring a mobile phone to its original software condition, just like it was when first taken out of the box. All user data stored in the phone’s internal memory is erased.

A hard reset is simply another way of performing a factory reset, usually done using hardware buttons or recovery mode when the phone cannot be accessed normally.

Both terms are often used interchangeably in mobile repairing and smartphone troubleshooting.

Important to know:

• Internal storage data is deleted
• SIM card data is not affected
• Memory card data usually remains safe, but removing it is recommended

About Samsung Galaxy S5 (Quick Overview)

The Samsung Galaxy S5 is a popular Android smartphone known for features like:

• Water and dust resistance
• Fingerprint sensor
• Private mode
• Heart rate monitor

Even though it is an older device, it is still widely used and frequently comes to repair shops for software resets, pattern lock issues, and performance problems.

When Should You Reset Samsung Galaxy S5?

A reset is not needed for every problem. It should be used only when basic troubleshooting fails.

Common situations where reset is helpful:

• Phone is very slow or lagging
• Device freezes or hangs frequently
• Apps keep crashing
• Forgotten screen lock, PIN, or pattern
• Phone stuck on logo or boot loop
• Virus or malware infection
• Before selling or giving away the phone
• Major software errors after updates

If your phone only has a minor glitch, restarting it may be enough.

Soft Reset vs Hard Reset (Important Difference)

Before moving to a full reset, always try a soft reset.

Soft Reset (Simple Reboot)

A soft reset means restarting the device without deleting data.

How to do it:

• Press and hold the Power button
• Select Restart or Power Off
• Turn the phone back on

If the phone is frozen, keep the Power button pressed until it shuts down.

If the problem is solved after reboot, a hard reset is not required.

Things to Check Before Performing a Factory Reset

Before resetting your Galaxy S5, take these precautions seriously.

Essential pre-reset checklist:

• Backup important data (contacts, photos, videos, documents)
• Charge the battery to at least 40–50%
• Remove memory card if possible
• Sign out of important accounts if accessible

Also read: How to Backup and Restore an Android Phone (internal link opportunity)

“Data loss hurts more than a slow phone. Backup is not optional.”

What Data Gets Erased After Reset?

A factory reset will remove:

• Google account linked to the device
• Installed applications and app data
• Contacts stored in phone memory
• Messages, call logs
• Photos, videos, audio files
• System and app settings

It does not repair hardware faults like broken screens, battery issues, or charging port damage.

Method 1: Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy S5 Using Settings (Recommended)

This is the easiest and safest method if you can access the phone menu.

Steps:

1. Open the Menu
2. Go to Settings
3. Scroll to Backup and Reset
4. Select Factory Data Reset
5. Tap Reset Device
6. Confirm by selecting Erase Everything

The phone will restart automatically and begin the reset process.

Best used when:

• Phone is working normally
• Screen lock is known
• No boot issues

Method 2: Hard Reset Samsung Galaxy S5 Using Hardware Buttons

This method is useful when:

• Phone is locked
• Touchscreen is not responding
• Device is stuck on logo
• Settings menu is inaccessible

Button Combination Method (Recovery Mode)

Steps:

1. Power off the Samsung Galaxy S5
2. Press and hold:
   • Volume Up
   • Home button
   • Power button
3. Release all buttons when the Android recovery screen appears
4. Use Volume Down to navigate to Wipe data / factory reset
5. Press Power button to select
6. Choose Yes – delete all user data
7. After completion, select Reboot system now

The device will restart with factory settings.

This is the most commonly used method by mobile repair technicians.

Method 3: Factory Reset Using Dial Code (Advanced & Risky)

Samsung devices support a reset code that forces formatting.

Reset Code:

*2767*3855#

How it works:

• Open the phone dialer
• Enter the code exactly
• The phone immediately starts resetting

Important warnings:

• No confirmation screen
• No chance to cancel
• Instant data deletion

Use this method only if you fully understand the consequences.

Which Reset Method Should You Choose?

Common Problems After Reset (And Solutions)

Phone Asking for Google Account

This is normal due to security protection.

Solution:

• Sign in with the previously linked Google account
• If forgotten, proper account recovery is required

Phone Still Slow After Reset

Possible reasons:

• Old hardware limitations
• Storage wear
• App compatibility issues

Reset improves software, not aging hardware.

Reset Did Not Fix the Problem

If the issue continues, it may be:

• Firmware corruption
• Hardware fault
• Power IC or memory issue

In such cases, software flashing or professional repair may be required.

Also read: What Is Mobile Phone Flashing and When Is It Needed? (internal link opportunity)

Expert Tips for Safe Reset (From Repair Experience)

• Always try reboot first
• Avoid repeated resets unnecessarily
• Do not interrupt the reset process
• Keep phone connected to battery if possible
• Use original button combinations only

Reset Myths You Should Ignore

• ❌ Reset improves battery health (false)
• ❌ Reset fixes broken hardware (false)
• ❌ Reset recovers deleted data (false)

A reset only fixes software-level problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Answers)

Does hard reset remove viruses?
Yes, most software-based malware is removed.

Will reset unlock a stolen phone?
No. Security protections remain active.

Can data be recovered after reset?
Usually no, unless backups exist.

Final Thoughts

Resetting a Samsung Galaxy S5 is a powerful troubleshooting step when used correctly. Whether you choose a factory reset from settings or a hard reset using buttons, the key is preparation and understanding.

Use resets wisely, back up your data, and remember that not every phone problem needs formatting.

A reset is a solution—not a shortcut.