How to Factory Reset/Erase LG Phone? 3 Tried-and-tested Solutions
TL;DR:
This guide explains three tested ways to factory reset an LG phone, starting with the differences between soft, hard, and factory resets and the pre-reset precautions needed to protect your data. It then walks through resetting from Settings, hard resetting a locked phone via Recovery Mode, and using MobiKin Eraser for Android for a more thorough data wipe.
Key warnings include backing up files beforehand, remembering your Google account to avoid FRP lock issues, and removing accounts and screen locks before selling or giving away the device.
NOTE: Before proceeding with any solutions, please make sure that you are the rightful owner of the LG phone or have the necessary authorization to reset or erase it. We appreciate your cooperation.
An LG phone may need a factory reset when it runs slowly, encounters persistent software errors, or is ready to be sold or given away. If you want to clear contacts, messages, photos, apps, accounts, and other information before handing over the phone, it is important to choose a reset method.
This guide explains how to factory reset/erase an LG phone in 3 tested ways, including a thorough method for users who want to erase personal data more carefully.
Part 1: Soft Reset vs. Hard Reset vs. Factory Reset LG Phone
When troubleshooting an LG phone, understanding the differences between a soft reset, hard reset, and factory reset can help you choose the right solution for your device's problem. Check the table below to compare how each reset works, when to use it, and whether it will erase your personal data.
|
Reset Type
|
What It Does
|
Data Loss
|
|
Soft Reset
|
Restarts your LG phone by turning it off and back on, which can fix minor glitches, freezing, or temporary performance issues. |
No data loss. |
|
Hard Reset
|
Usually refers to forcing a restart using hardware buttons when the phone is frozen or unresponsive. The exact button combination depends on the LG model. |
No data loss if it only forces a restart. However, some manufacturers and guides use "hard reset" to mean a factory reset. |
|
Factory Reset
|
Erases user data and settings, returning the LG phone to its original factory state. It is commonly used to address persistent software problems or prepare a phone for sale. |
Yes. Personal data, installed apps, and settings are erased. Back up important files first. |
Part 2: What to Do before Factory Reset/Erase LG Phone
Before factory resetting your LG phone, take these essential precautions to protect your personal data, avoid account lockout, and ensure a smooth setup afterward:
- Back Up Important Data: Save contacts, messages, photos, videos, and documents to a PC or external drive.
- Check Your Backup: Open a few files to confirm that your data is saved correctly.
- Charge Your Phone: Ensure the battery is above 50% before resetting.
- Remember Google Account Details: Keep your Google email and password ready to avoid FRP lock issues.
- Save Account Credentials: Record important passwords and recovery codes for later sign-in.
- Secure App Data: Back up WhatsApp chats and save authenticator recovery codes before resetting.
- Protect SIM and SD Card Data: Back up SD card files and remove removable storage if necessary.
- Confirm the Reset Method: Check your LG model's instructions and understand that a factory reset erases personal data.

Part 3: Factory Reset LG Phone from Settings
If your LG phone is slow, frequently freezes, or has persistent software issues, you can perform a factory reset through the Settings menu:
- Open Settings: Unlock your LG phone and launch the Settings app from the Home screen or Apps menu.
- Find the Reset Option: Depending on your LG model and Android version, tap General > Backup & reset or System > Restart & reset.
- Select Factory Data Reset: Tap Factory data reset or Reset phone to view the information about the reset.
- Review the Warning: Check which data will be erased and confirm that your important files have been backed up.
- Confirm the Reset: Tap Reset phone, then select Delete all or Erase everything when prompted. Enter your screen lock PIN or password if required.
- Wait for the Phone to Restart: Let the reset finish without interrupting the process. When the phone restarts, follow the on-screen instructions to set it up again.

Note: The exact menu names may differ across LG models. If you cannot find the factory reset option, consult the instructions for your specific device.
Part 4: Hard Reset Locked LG Phone via Recovery Mode
If you have forgotten your LG phone's PIN, password, or pattern, you can use the hardware buttons to access the factory reset screen without opening Settings:
- Power Off Your LG Phone: Turn off the device. If you cannot shut it down normally, let the battery drain and then charge it enough to restart.
- Press the Hardware Buttons: Press and hold the Volume Down + Power/Lock buttons simultaneously. On some older LG models, the Power button is located on the back of the phone.
- Repress the Power Button: When the LG logo appears, release the Power button briefly, then press and hold it again while continuing to hold Volume Down.
- Enter the Factory Reset Screen: Release the buttons when the Factory data reset or Factory hard reset screen appears. Some models may display a System Recovery menu instead.
- Confirm the Factory Reset: Use the Volume buttons to highlight Yes or wipe data/factory reset, depending on the menu. Press the Power button to select it, then confirm the action if prompted.
- Restart Your Phone: Wait for the reset to finish. If a Recovery menu appears, select Reboot system now. Your LG phone should restart with its local user data erased.

Important: A factory reset removes the screen lock but does not necessarily remove Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP). After restarting, you may need to enter the Google account previously associated with the phone. If your LG model uses a different button combination, check its official user guide before proceeding.
Part 5: Factory Reset/Erase LG Phone via MobiKin Eraser for Android [Thorough]
Getting rid of everything on an LG device usually requires more than a basic reset. This MobiKin Eraser for Android offers three security levels that overwrite existing and already-deleted files, making them unrecoverable. For an LG phone specifically, the process is a straightforward three-step sequence - connect, choose a level, and erase - so a factory reset or full wipe can be handled without trouble.
Safe Download (No ads, no bundles, no background uploads):
How to Use MobiKin Eraser for Android to erase or factory reset your LG phone completely?
1. Connect Your LG Phone to the Computer: Install and launch the software, then connect your phone via USB or Wi-Fi. For USB, enable USB debugging, install the required driver, and authorize the connection. For Wi-Fi, connect both devices to the same network and scan the QR code using the Android app.
2. Choose a Security Level: After the software detects your LG phone, click Continue and select Low, Medium, or High under Security Level. Confirm your choice to proceed.

3. Check the Factory Reset Status: If your LG has not been reset, select No, the device has not been reset and click Next. If it has already been reset, choose Yes, the device has been reset and follow the prompts.
4. Factory Reset Your Phone if Needed: Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your LG device. Keep the software running while the phone restarts. Once the initial setup is complete, reconnect the phone to the program.
5. Confirm the Erasure Settings: After reconnecting, click Continue, select the desired security level again, and enter delete in the confirmation field. Follow any additional prompts, including SMS permission requests, then click Next.

6. Erase and Overwrite the Data: Let the software scan and erase your phone's data, then overwrite it according to the selected level. Low and Medium perform one overwrite pass, while High performs three.

Important: If needed, click "Save Report" to save an erasure report on your computer. The report includes device details, erasure standard, number of overwrite passes, erasure method, result, and other relevant records.

Additional Tips:
Please remember to back up important files before performing a factory reset, as the process usually deletes data stored on the phone. If you plan to sell or give away your LG phone, remove your Google account and any screen lock beforehand when possible to help prevent the next owner from encountering Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
Consider the reputable tool - MobiKin Eraser for Android if you need stronger protection for sensitive information.
Related Articles:
LG Contacts Recovery: How to Recover Deleted Contacts from LG Phone
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