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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 phone, 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 cannot 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), and if a factory reset is the right option for you.
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 from when you bought the phone.
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 files from your device and leaves your phone with a clean slate.
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.
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. When that happens, the dangerous viruses get deleted.
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. When you do this, it could remove any malware located in those apps or files.
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:
Easy-to-install antivirus protection
Secure VPN and password manager included
Parental control features
Multi-tab navigation may be overwhelming at first
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.
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.
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:
You may know you have a virus on your phone if you see signs like extra data usage, fraudulent charges on your accounts, and a fast battery drain. You can also scan your device with antivirus software to know for sure if your phone has a virus.
You can make sure a virus is gone by scanning your backup and by checking any peripheral devices for malware. Then you can run a virus scan on your device.
It is a good idea to have antivirus software on your mobile device because phones can get viruses the same way computers can get them. Since you can click on the same kinds of links and install similar apps, you can easily get a virus on your mobile phone.
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.
All-in-one protection for your personal info and privacy
Excellent antivirus protection
Additional features like a file shredder and parental controls
Multiple pop-ups for text notifications can be annoying
