How to solve phone issues: Soft vs. hard reset explained

Every smartphone user sooner or later encounters problems with device performance—slowdowns, app freezes, or unexpected errors. In such situations, we often wonder what to do to restore the phone to proper functioning. The simplest solution is a phone reset, which can be a soft or hard reset. In this article, we explain the differences between these two methods and when it's worth using each one. You'll also learn how to conduct a reset step-by-step on Android phones and iPhones.

A phone reset is a process aimed at restoring the device to factory settings or resolving software issues. Depending on the type of reset, the effects may vary, so it's important to understand the difference between a soft reset and a hard reset.

A soft reset is the simplest form of restarting a phone, which doesn't delete any user data or settings. In most cases, a soft reset simply means restarting the device, which helps in cases of system freezes, slowdowns, or app problems. This is a safe option that doesn't require any complicated actions and doesn't affect the phone's memory.

On the other hand, a hard reset is a more radical solution. Performing it deletes all data, apps, and settings on the phone, restoring it to factory condition. A hard reset is recommended in situations where the device stops functioning correctly, serious issues with the operating system occur, or the phone needs a complete refresh. This is often the last resort for difficult-to-solve technical problems.

A phone reset on Android devices can be performed in several ways, depending on whether you want to do a soft reset or a hard reset. Here’s how to do it step by step.

Soft reset on Android: The simplest way to perform a soft reset is to hold down the power button. On most Android smartphone models, the option "Restart" or "Reboot" will appear. Select this option to restart the phone. This quick method resolves minor issues such as slowdowns, app freezes, or temporary system errors.

Hard reset on Android: To perform a hard reset, you need to back up your data first, as this process restores the phone to factory settings and deletes all data from the device’s memory.

1. Go to your smartphone’s Settings.
2. Navigate to the System section or Advanced settings (depending on the model).
3. Select the option Reset or Factory reset.
4. Confirm your decision by selecting Erase all data or Restore to factory settings.

Once confirmed, the phone will restart and be restored to factory settings. Remember that after a hard reset, you'll need to configure the phone again as if it were new.

A phone reset on an iPhone can be done either as a soft reset or a hard reset. Here’s how to conduct both processes on iOS devices.

Soft reset on iPhone: A soft reset, or reboot, is a quick way to resolve minor phone operation issues. To do this:

1. Hold down the power button and the volume down button (on models without the "Home" button) or just the power button (on older models).
2. The "Slide to power off" option will appear on the screen. Swipe the slider to the right to turn off the phone.
3. After turning off, hold the power button to restart the device.

Hard reset on iPhone: A hard reset, which restores factory settings, deletes all data, and returns the phone to its original state. To perform a hard reset on an iPhone:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Navigate to the General section.
3. Select the option Reset, then Erase all content and settings.
4. Confirm the operation by entering the password or using Touch ID/Face ID.

A hard reset on an iPhone will delete all data, so it's wise to back up to iCloud or on a computer beforehand. After the reset, the iPhone will restart, and the user will be prompted to set up the device anew.