Master Reset with hardware keys

[Ebaneeezor]

Havent seen this anywhere here, needed it - so im posting it for easy access for others

Master reset with hardware keys

A master reset restores the original factory settings and may delete your personal data on the internal storage, such as downloaded content, ringtones, images, apps, and contacts. It does not delete data stored on the SIM card or SD card.

If the device menus are frozen or unresponsive, you can master reset using hardware keys. To perform a master reset, follow these steps:

1. Back up all data on the internal memory.
2. Press and hold the Power and Volume Up keys.(Phone on for this step)
3. Wait for the device to vibrate three times (about 10 seconds).
4. Release the keys.
5. Press and hold the Power and Volume down key.
6. When the Sony screen appears, release the Power key only.
7. Release the Volume Down key when the System Recovery screen appears.(See pic below post)
8. Use the Volume Up and Down keys to navigate.
9. Use the Power key to select Factory reset.
10. Use the Volume keys to highlight 'Yes,' then press the Power key to confirm.
11. The device will reboot and begin resetting.
12. Once the device has been reset, it will power on.

Another option if the keys do not work, as JBeef discovered. Here is his fix

The screen of my phone froze today. I couldn't even turn the phone off to reset it (holding power button down does not seem to work). In case anyone is in a similar position the reset button is under the sim card flap and needs to be held down for at least 5 seconds. I was freaking out until I stumbled across that.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Thanks for sharing....that is a lot of steps just to get to recovery.

 

[Golfdriver97]

Is there any way you can post pictures of the Recovery screen?

 

[Ebaneeezor]

Sure, I'll get it in the am

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Lfsnz67]

This is not working with the Xperia Z3 i just bought from an Amazon seller. Its pin locked and the hardware reset button combination above is not working.

Anybody have another idea?

 

[Lfsnz67]

Answer: I was able to do it with Sony's PC Commander software...

 

[htc0076969]

Don't work just smash it sony sucks

Posted via the Android Central App sony xperia z3

 

[7plymaple]

This method does not work on the Z3

Don't work just smash it sony sucks

Posted via the Android Central App sony xperia z3

Totally agree. Other than the battery life and not having to worry about getting it wet. This phone.doesn't do anything as well as a samsung.

 

[martenphilip]

Holding down Volume up & down followed by holding down the volume button...

Does absolutely nothing.