If your phone has become slow, glitchy, frozen, or filled with bugs, resetting it is usually the quickest fix. But the biggest fear everyone has is the same: “Will I lose everything?”
The good news? There are safe methods to reset phone without losing data, both on Android and iPhone and in this 2025 updated guide, you’ll learn every single method step by step.

This is not a basic article. You’re getting a deep, practical, and fully detailed guide that explains what actually works, what to avoid, and how to protect your photos, contacts, WhatsApp chats, files, and app data while resetting your device.

Why Learning How to Reset Phone Without Losing Data Matters

Your smartphone stores everything:

• Photos of family and memories
• Personal chats and messages
• Important documents
• App logins
• Notes, reminders, and passwords

Losing even a part of this can be devastating.
That’s why knowing how to reset phone without losing data is essential. You get a clean, smoother, faster device without sacrificing anything important.

What Exactly Does a Phone Reset Do? (Understanding the Basics)

Before pressing any reset button, you must know the difference between types of resets. This determines whether your data stays safe or gets erased.

1. Soft Reset (100% Safe No Data Erased)

A soft reset simply restarts your phone.
It helps fix:

• Freezing
• Minor bugs
• Slow UI
• App crashes

This doesn’t delete anything no risks involved.

2. Reset All Settings (Safe No Personal Data Lost)

This is the method we will be using on Android and iPhone.

It resets:

• System settings
• Network settings
• Display layout
• App preferences

But keeps:

• Photos
• Videos
• Apps
• Contacts
• Messages
• Files

This is the best and safest way to reset phone without losing data.

More: How to Fix Phone Battery Draining Fast (2025 Effective Solutions)

3. Factory Reset (Dangerous Deletes Everything)

This completely wipes the phone:

• Photos
• Downloads
• Messages
• Installed apps
• Accounts
• Internal storage

This should be avoided unless your device is completely unusable.

How to Reset Phone Without Losing Data on Android (2025 Updated)

Android phones (Samsung, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, Xiaomi, Pixel, etc.) now include a feature called Reset All Settings that refreshes the system without deleting your files.

Follow these steps carefully.

Step 1: Open Settings

Go to:
Settings → General Management / System

(Names vary by brand, but the option is always there.)

Step 2: Tap “Reset”

You will see multiple reset options:

• Reset Network Settings
• Reset Accessibility Settings
• Reset App Preferences
• Reset All Settings
• Factory Data Reset

The one we want is Reset All Settings.

Step 3: Select “Reset All Settings”

This will:

• Reset layout
• Reset app permissions
• Reset WiFi & Bluetooth
• Reset system configurations

But it will NOT delete:

• Photos
• Videos
• Documents
• Apps
• Accounts
• WhatsApp chats

That’s why this method is used to reset phone without losing data on Android safely.

Step 4: Confirm and Restart

Enter your PIN → Tap Reset
Your phone will restart with fresh settings.

Expect your phone to feel faster and smoother almost instantly.

Additional Android Methods to Reset Phone Without Losing Data

Sometimes you don’t need a full settings reset. These smaller resets fix major problems too without deleting anything.

1. Reset App Preferences

Great for fixing:

• Disabled apps
• Notification problems
• Permission errors
• App crashes

Steps:
Settings → Apps → 3-dot Menu → Reset App Preferences

2. Clear Cache Partition (Deep Clean Without Data Loss)

This removes system junk files without touching personal data.

It helps fix:

• Heating
• Lag
• Crashing apps
• Battery drain

This is a hidden trick most users don’t know.

3. Reset Network Settings

Fixes:

• WiFi not working
• Mobile data issues
• Bluetooth problems

Personal data stays untouched.

How to Reset Phone Without Losing Data on iPhone (iOS 2025)

Apple makes this incredibly simple with a safe reset option that refreshes everything except your personal files.

Step by Step Guide for iPhone

Step 1: Open Settings

Go to Settings → General

Step 2: Tap “Transfer or Reset iPhone”

This is where all reset options are located.

Step 3: Choose “Reset”

You will see:

• Reset All Settings
• Reset Network Settings
• Reset Keyboard Dictionary
• Reset Home Screen Layout
• Reset Location & Privacy

Avoid Erase All Content and Settings unless you want a complete wipe.

More: How to Check Which Apps Are Secretly Using Your Camera and Microphone in 2025

Step 4: Select “Reset All Settings”

This resets:

• WiFi settings
• Home screen layout
• Notifications
• Bluetooth
• Display settings

But keeps:

• Photos
• Videos
• Messages
• Apps
• Email accounts
• iCloud files

This is the safest way to reset phone without losing data on iPhone.

What Data Is Always Safe When You Reset Phone Without Losing Data?

Whether you’re on Android or iPhone, these things will NOT be deleted:

✔ Photos & Videos

Your gallery stays untouched.

✔ WhatsApp & Messenger Chats

All messages remain safe.

✔ Contacts

Saved through Google/Apple accounts.

✔ Installed Apps

Everything stays exactly as it is.

✔ Files & Documents

PDFs, downloads, notes all safe.

✔ App Data

Logins and settings rarely change.

What Might Reset or Change?

These are normal after a settings reset:

• WiFi passwords removed
• Bluetooth devices unpaired
• Ringtones return to default
• Home screen layout resets
• Wallpapers return to default
• Notification settings reset

Nothing major or personal is lost.

Best Backup Methods Before Resetting (Recommended for Safety)

Even though this is a safe method, backing up your phone is always wise.

Android Backup Options

• Google Drive Backup
• Samsung Cloud
• Local Backup (Settings → Backup & Restore)
• Manual backup to laptop

iPhone Backup Options

• iCloud Backup
• iTunes Backup
• Mac Finder Backup

These backups ensure you can recover everything even if something goes wrong.

How to Reset Phone Without Losing WhatsApp Data

WhatsApp usually stays safe.
But manually backing it up protects your chat history.

Android

WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup → Back Up to Google Drive

iPhone

WhatsApp → Settings → Chats → Chat Backup → Back Up Now

Hidden Fixes That Might Solve Your Problem Without Resetting

Sometimes you don’t even need to reset your phone. These fixes solve 80% of issues:

1. Uninstall Recently Installed Apps

Suspicious apps can cause:

• Lag
• Heating
• Bugs
• Battery drain

2. Update All Apps

Old app versions cause crashes.

3. Free Up Storage

Phones with full storage become slow.

Try keeping at least 10–20% free space.

4. Update System Software

System bugs often cause problems that a simple update fixes.

5. Disable Problematic Features

Turn off:

• Location
• Bluetooth
• 5G
• Always-on display
• Background data

These settings can solve many problems without a reset.

More: Proven Methods to Recover Deleted Photos from Google Photos in 2025

When You Should Avoid Resetting

Do not reset your phone when:

• Battery is under 10%
• Phone is overheating
• You haven’t backed up files
• Storage is full
• You’re traveling or need your phone urgently

Resetting during these times can cause additional issues.

When Only a Full Factory Reset Will Help

If your phone has:

• A virus
• Severe software corruption
• Boot loop
• Endless crashing
• Frozen UI
• Unresponsive apps

Then you might need a full wipe but only as the final option.

Conclusion

Learning how to reset phone without losing data is one of the most useful skills every smartphone user should know. Android and iPhone both offer safe reset methods that refresh the system without deleting your photos, apps, messages, or files.

By using “Reset All Settings” instead of “Factory Reset,” you get:

• Better performance
• Faster speed
• Fewer bugs
• Stable battery life
• No data loss

FAQs

1. Does resetting all settings delete my photos?

No. Photos, videos, and files are completely safe.

2. Will I lose WhatsApp when I reset phone without losing data?

No, WhatsApp remains safe, but backing up is recommended.

3. Is “Reset All Settings” the same as factory reset?

No. Factory reset erases everything. Reset All Settings only refreshes system settings.

4. How long does resetting all settings take?

2–5 minutes depending on model.

5. Can I reset my phone without losing app data?

Yes. Reset All Settings keeps all apps and their data.