Does Performing a Factory Reset Remove Viruses?

Some people mistakenly think viruses only invade Windows PCs and Macs. Unfortunately, hackers are getting better at attacking different devices. If you get malware on your iPhone or Android device, does a factory reset remove it? The short answer is that it can and will in most cases, but there are some things to consider first.

Once you do a factory reset, it’s an irreversible act. You can't stop the process if you suddenly change your mind. If this seems too drastic, you can do a soft reset instead, which won’t erase all your data.

Keep reading to learn how to perform factory resets, other solutions to try first (like using the best antivirus software), and if a factory reset is the right option for you. 

Factory resets remove most viruses

If you find a virus on your phone, a factory reset will remove it in most cases. A factory reset, also called a hard reset, returns your device to its original factory settings. Your smartphone will have a feature that allows you to revert the drivers and operating system to a similar or original state.

Performing a hard reset will get rid of most viruses on your device because it wipes everything away. When you return your phone to its original state, the process removes all programs and system files from your device, leaving your phone with a clean slate.

Viruses may remain after a factory reset

The factory reset solution may not always work. Since viruses are steadily evolving and hackers are looking for ways to invade phones, some malware can avoid detection. These events are rare, but you should know about them in case they infect your device. Some instances where viruses don’t get removed by a factory reset are:

1. You may have rootkit malware on your iOS or Android device. This malware will give administrator access to hackers without your knowledge.

2. Your backup could also be infected. Since factory resets erase all your phone data, you may want to back up your device so you don’t lose your files. If that backup has an infected program, you could unknowingly restore the same virus to your phone.

3. Malware is sneaky and can hide in places you might not expect. You may have Wi-Fi adapters, keyboards, or other external devices that could contain viruses. Once you connect your phone to them, the virus can reactivate itself from these peripherals.

4. Advanced malware can hide in your recovery partition of the device. That is the part of your phone’s storage where the factory restore settings reside. A factory reset doesn’t wipe this part out, so if viruses are hiding there, they won’t be removed. Sometimes antivirus software doesn’t find this kind of malware.

When to factory reset your phone

If you’ve had a malware attack on your device, you may want to consider performing a factory reset. This hard reset will wipe out the device data, deleting most dangerous viruses.

A hard reset will also clear out unnecessary clutter on your phone. After a while, you may have files and apps you no longer need. A factory reset will remove those, and the device’s performance will improve. It may also remove any malware located in those apps or files.

Other solutions to try first

A factory reset can be helpful, but it can also remove the apps and files you want to keep. Performing a hard reset isn’t your only option if you get a virus on your phone. Before you try a factory reset, consider these methods first:

1. Equip your phone with virus protection. When you have antivirus software on your device, it can scan your files and programs to remove viruses before they become a problem. If you're not sure what antivirus app is best for your phone, we have tested recommendations:
   
   Bitdefender for Android
   
   

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   On Bitdefender's website

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   • Super reliable antivirus software with a non-intrusive free version
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   McAfee for iPhone
   

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   AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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   On McAfee's website

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   Norton for both Android and iPhone
   

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   AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

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   On Norton 360 Antivirus's website

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2. Remove suspicious apps. Reboot your phone in Safe Mode to uninstall recent applications that could be causing issues.
3. Scan backup files. Before you create your backup, scan the files to be sure there are no viruses or malicious software attached to them.
4. Clear the cache. You can easily clear your cache on Android or iPhone, and your browser’s cache to delete possible malware.

How to factory reset an Android smartphone

When you’re ready to perform a factory reset on your Android device, make sure you save any files or photos you want to keep. Once you begin the factory reset, you won’t get another chance to back up your data.

1. Go to your Settings, then select System.
2. Choose Reset options, then Erase all data (factory reset).
3. Tap Erase all data. Enter your PIN and tap Erase all data again.

How to factory reset an iPhone

Before you erase your data, be sure to back up your iPhone. If you don’t want to hard reset your Apple Watch, unpair it from your phone first. You can do that in the Watch app on your iPhone. Follow the steps below when you’re ready to do a factory reset.

1. Go to your Settings.
2. Scroll to General, then select Reset.
3. Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
4. Confirm your changes.

Tips to avoid viruses

There are easy tips you can use to avoid getting viruses on your phone. With technology, there’s always a possibility of running into malware, but being proactive can reduce those chances. Follow these tips to protect your phone and avoid viruses:

• Only download apps from trusted sources. Avoid third-party app stores. Use the Google Play Store or Apple App Store to get your applications. Never jailbreak your iOS device in an effort to get apps not supported by trusted sources.
• Check Android apps for safety before downloading. Look at and review the developer profile and read user reviews of the app. Check the download count and look for high numbers. Use caution when an app is new, and consider waiting until it’s been around for a while.
• Read expert reviews. Look for expert reviews online and independent experiences of new apps before you install them on your device.
• Update your phone. Updates contain fixes for bugs and patches for security issues. Always update to the latest version of your phone’s operating system.
• Don’t open suspicious links. If you get emails, pop-ups, or texts containing links that look suspicious, don’t click them. These could contain malware or redirect you to malware.
• Use caution when using public Wi-Fi. Most public Wi-Fi is not secure, making it simpler for hackers to see your online traffic. Don’t access financial or other sensitive data when using public Wi-Fi unless you have a VPN.
• Set your iPhone and iPad to ask for your Apple ID every time you download a new app. This prevents someone from downloading spyware or other types of malware if they get ahold of your phone.
  
• Always use antivirus protection. Having virus protection is an extra layer of security for your phone. It can help protect against malware and other cyber threats.

FAQs

Bottom line

There are times when a factory reset is the best method to use when removing a virus from your device. In most cases, performing a hard reset will wipe infected files from your phone. There are rare situations where viruses may remain on your device, even after a factory reset. 

If that’s the case, you may have to try some other options, like scanning with your antivirus software and checking external devices for malware.

Remember, you can access the same apps and websites from your phone that you can access on your computer. That means your mobile device is susceptible to viruses, too. Since hackers aren’t going to go away, it’s important to download the best antivirus for Android or the best antivirus for iPhone, depending on your device.