Formatting a tablet is sometimes the only way to resolve a performance issue caused by some system file. It is also an activity that is usually carried out when we are going to give our device to another person and we do not want to leave any trace of our applications or files.
Over time, Android has been facilitating the procedure, to the point that today it is almost automatic and requires two or three interactions. In any case, we tell you everything you need to do to format your tablet and not run any risk when it comes to leaving it the same as when we turned it on for the first time.
Reset an Android tablet
Factory reset of a tablet, synonymous with formatting, implies cleaning the device of all information and apps that we have installed in the time of use that we gave it. Sometimes, the process is done to get a better performance from the device if it became very slow, or to recover its functions in case of a virus or an inadvertent crash.
To proceed to format your tablet, the most important thing is to make sure that you have saved in a Backup the relevant information. There is no bigger headache than resetting a device and then remembering that it had important data on it. Therefore, first make a copy of the internal memory of your tablet.
If you have a external SD memory card, you can make the copy directly there, saving time and the need to transfer information via Bluetooth or USB cable connection. There are applications that help to facilitate and speed up the backup process, among them: My Backup, Backup or Google One itself.
Format the tablet from the settings Settings
If you have access to the Settings app, formatting the tablet is very simple. You need to select the Factory Reset option in the search menu, and you will open the auto format option. Normally, depending on the manufacturer, they will ask you if you are sure of the decision and give you the option to make a backup of your data.
Some devices, instead of "factory values", refer to "factory data". It is exactly the same. Remember not to do the formatting before making sure that you have all the important information on another medium.
Format via Hard Reset
Hard Reset formatting is done with a combination of physical buttons. This format is the most important in the event that your tablet is locked and you cannot access the Settings application. Although some models may have variants in the combination of buttons, most tablets can be reset by accessing the configuration menu.
- Turn off the tablet completely.
- Press the Volume+ and Power button simultaneously.
- When the tablet logo appears, release the Power button.
- When the recovery menu appears, release the Volume+ button.
- Navigate through the options using Volume+ and Volume- to move up and down, and choose Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
- Confirm the option with the Power button.
In this way, we are forcing the system to perform the format without the need to enter the operating system. This solution can help you in case you do not have access to the operating system due to some error or virus.
Format tablet from computer
You can use Android Device Manager to format your tablet from your computer. This Google service requires that you have used your Gmail account on the device at least once. The tablet is also required to be turned on and connected to the Internet. This process is useful when we want to format remotely in case of theft or loss.
- We access Android Device Manager from the web browser and log in with our Gmail email.
- We choose the device in question and the option “Enable Lock & Erase / Completely Wipe the Data”.
By confirming this second option, the device will proceed to be formatted remotely. Preventing the user who has it in his possession, from accessing your information.
Formatting with Universal ADB Helper
The last recommendation is a free program that serves to format tablets connected to the computer via USB. In order to use Universal ADB Helper, your tablet must have the “USB Debugging” option enabled in the “Developer Options” menu.
- Download Universal ADB Helper on your computer.
- Download Universal ADB Driver for device recognition.
- Connect the tablet to the PC via USB.
- Open Universal ADB Helper and acknowledge the Debug message.
- If connection options appear, turn on File Transfer.
- In the options menu that appears, select the number corresponding to Factory Reset via fastboot.
- Confirm the option with Enter.
Conclusion
When restore the factory state of a tablet, formatting is the indicated procedure. Depending on the device and its functions, we can do it in a few steps, or needing to connect to a computer. Either way, it's a quick and relatively safe process. Of course, remember to copy the important information so as not to lose any relevant data.