Introduction
Resetting is the act of restoring or erasing a device or account back to its default settings. It is a necessary step that can help to fix common technical issues, such as slow internet or a frozen device, and protect your privacy. When you reset a device or account, you basically get a clean slate, which means that all personalized data, stored files, and settings get removed.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore different types of resets, including how to reset various devices, password resetting, resetting wireless networks, Windows 10 reset, factory resets, and cloud storage resets. We will provide you with a step-by-step guide, tips, and best practices for safely and successfully resetting your devices and accounts.
Step-by-Step Guide for Resetting Devices
Whether you’re trying to fix a technical issue or preparing to sell your device, resetting is often necessary. Different types of devices may require resetting, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, and routers.
How to Reset a Smartphone
If your smartphone is frozen, slow, or acting up, resetting it can usually fix the problem. Here are the steps involved in resetting your smartphone:
- Go to your Settings menu
- Look for an option that says “System” or “General Management”
- Select “Reset” or “Erase All Data” or “Factory Data Reset”
- Confirm that you want to reset your smartphone
This process may vary depending on your smartphone’s make and model. Always make sure to back up your data before resetting your phone.
How to Reset a Laptop
If your laptop is running slow or is infected with malware, resetting it can help you start afresh. Here’s how to reset your laptop:
- Click on the Start menu
- Select “Settings”
- Choose “Update & Security”
- Go to the “Recovery” menu
- Select “Reset this PC”
- Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything
- Select “Reset” and wait for the process to complete
Again, make sure to back up your important files and data before resetting your laptop.
How to Reset a Router
If you’re experiencing slow internet or issues with your wireless network, resetting your router can often fix the problem. Here’s how to reset your router:
- Locate the reset button on the back of your router
- Press and hold the reset button for 10-15 seconds
- Wait for the router to reboot
Keep in mind that resetting your router will erase all of your customized settings, such as passwords, and may require you to reconfigure the network.
Password Resetting for Email Accounts
Resetting email account passwords can be necessary if you forget your password or if there’s been suspicious activity on your account. Here’s how to reset your email account password for popular email services like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook:
How to Reset Your Gmail Password
- Go to the Gmail login page
- Click on “Forgot Password”
- Enter your email address and click “Next”
- Enter the last password you remember, then click “Next”
- Choose your verification method (text message or email)
- Enter the verification code you received
- Set a new password and confirm it
How to Reset Your Yahoo Password
- Go to the Yahoo login page
- Click “Trouble Signing In?”
- Enter your Yahoo email address
- Choose your verification method (text message or email)
- Enter the verification code you received
- Click “Continue”
- Enter your new password and confirm it
How to Reset Your Outlook Password
- Go to the Outlook login page
- Click “Can’t Access Your Account?”
- Choose “I Forgot My Password” and click “Next”
- Enter the email address you want to recover
- Enter the verification code you received
- Choose your verification method (text message or email)
- Enter your new password and confirm it
Remember to create strong passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols, not using anything simply guessable. Never use the same passwords across multiple platforms to prevent hackers from using the compromised passwords elsewhere.
Resetting a Wireless Network
Resetting a wireless network can be necessary if you’re experiencing connectivity problems or if someone has hacked into your network. Here are the steps involved in resetting your wireless network:
How to Reset Your Network Password
Step 1: Locate the reset button on your wireless router
Step 2: Press and hold the button for 10 seconds
Step 3: Release the button and wait for the router to reboot
Step 4: Connect to your network with the default username and password (usually printed on the bottom of the router)
Step 5: Change your network password and other settings as needed
Windows 10 Reset
Resetting Windows 10 can be necessary if you’re experiencing serious issues like viruses and malware that can’t be resolved via conventional means. Here’s how to reset Windows 10 to its default settings:
How to Reset Windows 10 to Its Default Settings
Step 1: Go to the “Settings” menu
Step 2: Click on “Update & Security”
Step 3: Choose “Recovery”
Step 4: Under “Reset This PC”, click on “Get Started”
Step 5: Choose “Keep My Files” or “Remove Everything”
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
Before resetting Windows 10, make sure to back up your important files and data.
Factory Resets
Factory resetting means to restore a device to its factory settings, erasing all personal data, and third-party apps from the device.
When to Do a Factory Reset
You should perform a factory reset if your device is experiencing serious technical issues such as viruses and malware that can no longer be resolved by other means. Additionally, if you plan to sell or donate your device, you should perform a factory reset to protect your privacy by erasing all your personal data and applications from the device.
How to Perform a Factory Reset on a Device
The process of performing a factory reset can vary depending on the type of device you’re using. However, here are some general steps:
- Open the “Settings” menu on your device
- Click on “General Management” or “System”
- Select “Reset” and then choose “Erase”/”Factory Data Reset”
- Enter your device PIN/password, then select “Erase Everything” or “Reset Phone”
- Wait for the device to reboot and follow instructions to complete the setup
Cloud Storage Resets
Cloud storage is a service that allows you to store files and data on a remote server, accessible from any device with an internet connection. Resetting cloud storage platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive can be necessary if you experience syncing issues, data corruption, or need to remove an account.
How to Reset a Google Drive Account
Step 1: Go to your Google Account dashboard
Step 2: Click on “Data & personalization”
Step 3: Scroll down to the “Download, delete or make a plan for your data” section
Step 4: Click on “Delete a service or your account.”
Step 5: Choose “Delete a Google Service” and select “Google Drive” from the list of services
Step 6: Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the deletion process.
Conclusion
Resetting devices and accounts can feel overwhelming and stressful at times. Follow our step-by-step guides for resetting smartphones, laptops, routers, Windows 10, cloud storage, and resetting passwords for email accounts. Always make sure to back up your data before resetting your devices and accounts. Remember to create strong passwords and secure your devices and networks for the best protection against outside threats.