There are times when you might have been directed or asked to reset your device.  Did you know there are a few different types of reset? There are different terminology used by some companies, manufacturers or media which can be confusing. Here we will refer to them as Soft, Hard and Factory.

This article provides an outline of those and situation in which you may need to complete them.

Soft Reset

A Soft Reset is, practically turning the device off and on again.  Using the normal power button or on screen activities, the device is turned off, then turned back on using the power button.

Explained differently: If your device was a TV, a Soft Reset would be using the power button on the remote control to turn the TV off. 

Often a soft reset can be used to resolve issues with apps freezing, connectivity issues etc.

Hard Reset

A hard reset is one step further from a Soft Reset. The device cuts resources and forces the closure of all apps, clears the cache or working memory etc.

There is no loss of data completing a Hard Reset, unless you have unsaved documents or apps open.

Explained differently: If your device was a TV, a Hard Reset would be turning off the power point and unplugging the cord to stop power getting to the components inside.

Network Reset

A Network Reset removes all network settings including Wi-Fi, Mobile/Cellular/Network, VPN, APN, Bluetooth.

Wi-Fi, Blueooth, VPN and APN settings will be lost. After completing this type of reset, these settings may need to be reapplied manually or by force check in.

Explained differently: If your device was a TV, a Network Reset would wipe all channels, and it would either automatically add them back or require you to enter settings.

Factory Reset

A Factory Reset removes all settings, apps and data from a device to a point where it becomes like a new device.  

A full loss of all data occurs when completing a Factory Reset, this should only be completed if the device data has been backed up.

Explained differently: If your device was a TV, a Factory Reset would be navigating to the system menu and selecting to wipe all settings and channels, so once completed it would be like the TV was just when you first took it home and opened the box.

How do I perform a Soft, Hard or Factory Reset?

Search our knowledge base using the terms Soft Reset, Hard Reset, Network Reset and Factory Reset and select the correct instructions for your device.