Although there are several ways to format an Android phone from a PC , such as using the system’s Recovery mode or Universal ADB Helper, it’s also possible to do so using other methods from a PC. So if you’d like to try this alternative, you can do so with this step-by-step tutorial.
This way, you can fix some persistent problems with your Android system that weren’t resolved by uninstalling apps or a simple reset. This is a way to restore the firmware and operating system to its factory state. This could also be a good option if you’re selling your phone to a third party, as it will erase all traces of your data for greater privacy and security.
I also suggest some related tutorials that you may find useful at some point:
- How to format a laptop
- How to format or unlock your USB flash drive or SD card
Contents
- How to Format an Android Phone from a PC
- Using FastBoot
- With Universal ADB Helper
- Phone Reset Mode
- Remotely reset an Android phone
- What to keep in mind when formatting a mobile phone
- Conclusion
How to Format an Android Phone from a PC
One way to format your device or tablet from the comfort of your PC , without having to deal with key combinations or the touch interface, is by following these simple steps using these methods.
Using FastBoot
Before you begin, you’ll need to have the drivers installed on your PC so the operating system can recognize your mobile phone as a separate device when you connect it via USB.
Now you need to install or reinstall the ADB drivers on your PC. The next step is to download FastBoot for free and securely from the following link:
Download Fastboot for free
- Once that’s done, you need to press the power button and the volume down buttonat the same time until your tablet or smartphone turns off.
- Your mobile device should have restarted if you performed the previous step correctly. Now, you’ll need to use the USB cable to connect it to your PC.
- Now, run ADB and FastBoost to begin the process. To do this, you need to enter a command from the command console of your operating system, regardless of which one. The commands should be (type these lines and press ENTER to execute them):
- fastboot erase cache
- fastboot reboot
- fastboot erase userdata
- fastboot reboot
- Wait for the process to complete, and you’ll be ready. These commands clear the cache with the first command, then the second command restarts the phone. Finally, the third command restores the phone to factory settings, erasing everything on it, including data, apps, and settings. Finally, the fourth command restarts the mobile device.
With Universal ADB Helper
Just like the previous program, this one lets you format an Android phone from your PC safely and quickly. The first step is to download Universal ADB Helper from the following link:
Free download
- The first thing to do is connect your Android phone to your PC, making sure it is properly recognized and installing the necessary drivers if you don’t already have them or they aren’t installed automatically.
- Runthe Universal ADB Helper tool.
- You’ll see a screen where you can select the Rebootoption . Click on it.
- Then press where the Bootloaderbutton appears .
- Once that’s done, choose the Factory Reset via Fast Boot option.
- The mobile device will now be formatted.
Phone Reset Mode
There’s a simpler option that doesn’t require any additional programs or apps and is found within Android phones: reset. In fact, it’s one of the most commonly used options because it can be activated with just a few button presses.
- To start Reset mode, you must turn off your phone.
- Next, press the powerand volume down buttons simultaneously . Although on your phone it may be power + up (just try it out).
- You will now see the developer menu.
- Find the reset optionby navigating through the menu using the volume buttons and clicking the power button when you find it.
- In just a few minutes, your Android phone will be factory formatted.
Remotely reset an Android phone
You probably already know that you can sync all your information and data with your Google account. But did you know that you can also format an Android phone from another phone? You can also use a PC.
Just type “Find My Android” into Google and you’ll be redirected to this page where you can find your device and perform a factory reset.
Want to know how to format other devices?
- Format or hard reset a Sony Xperia Z
- How to create a partition in Windows 10 without formatting
What to keep in mind when formatting a mobile phone
There are several situations in which you may need to perform a hard reset on your Android phone, such as full storage, forgetting to lock your screen, or having a frozen or malfunctioning device.
A hard reset is one of two types of phone resets. Unlike a soft reset, which simply restarts your Android phone, a hard reset erases all your data, content, settings, and apps previously stored on your phone.
Also known as a factory reset, performing a hard reset will return your device to its factory state. Before doing so, make sure you’re willing to get rid of all your user data or back it up.
Conclusion
Whatever your reason for performing a factory reset on your device, we’ve provided four different options for formatting an Android phone from your PC and from the phone itself. With this guide, you’ll have no problem restoring your phone to like-new conditi

