Resetting a device can solve a variety of issues, from slow performance and software glitches to connectivity problems. This is why it’s essential to know how to reset any device.
Many users hesitate because they fear losing important data such as contacts, documents, photos, or configuration settings. The good news is that most devices allow a soft reset or a factory reset without data loss if done carefully.
This guide covers phones, laptops, and routers, outlining the safest methods to refresh your devices while keeping your data intact.
Step 1: Understand the Type of Reset
Before proceeding, it is important to distinguish between the types of resets:
- Soft Reset: Restarts the device without affecting data. Ideal for troubleshooting minor issues.
- Factory Reset: Restores the device to its original settings. Depending on the method, you can preserve certain files, apps, and settings if a backup is done.
Step 2: Back Up Your Data
Even if a reset method claims to preserve data, backing up is essential. Depending on your device:
- Phones: Use Google Drive, iCloud, or a local backup to save contacts, photos, and app data.
- Laptops: Back up important files using an external hard drive, OneDrive, iCloud Drive, or Time Machine.
- Routers: Export configuration settings from the router’s admin panel if available.
Step 3: Resetting Phones Without Losing Data
Android Devices:
- Go to Settings, then System, then Reset options.
- For network issues, select Reset Wi-Fi, mobile & Bluetooth.
- For app preferences, select Reset app preferences.
- For a full reset while preserving apps and settings, use Samsung Smart Switch or Google backup to restore after resetting.
iOS Devices:
- Navigate to Settings, General, Reset.
- Choose Reset All Settings instead of Erase. All Content and Settings to refresh system settings while keeping apps and data.
Step 4: Resetting Laptops Without Losing Data
Windows 10/11:
- Go to Settings, Update & Security, Recovery, then Reset this PC.
- Select Keep my files. Windows will reinstall the operating system but preserve your personal files.
Mac:
- Restart the Mac and hold Command + R to enter recovery mode.
- Use Reinstall macOS to refresh the system while keeping your files. Ensure the Preserve user data or Time Machine backup restore option is selected.
Step 5: Resetting Routers Without Losing Configuration
- Access your router’s admin panel (usually via 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1).
- Look for a Reset or Factory Reset option that allows you to preserve settings.
- Some routers have a soft reboot button that refreshes the system without erasing configuration.
- If the router does not allow preserving settings, export the configuration before performing a full reset to restore it afterward.
Step 6: Post-Reset Checks
- After resetting, ensure your device is running the latest software updates.
- Check that apps, settings, and files are intact.
- For network devices, confirm that your internet or network configurations are functioning correctly.
FAQs About How to Reset Any Device Without Losing Data
Can I use the same phone number for both WhatsApp accounts?
No. Each account requires a unique number for verification.
Is it safe to use third-party apps like Parallel Space?
Yes, if downloaded from trusted sources. Avoid unofficial apps. This is why it’s important to know how to reset any device.
Will dual WhatsApp accounts affect my phone’s performance?
Running two instances may slightly increase memory usage, but most modern smartphones handle it well.
Can I back up both accounts separately?
Yes. Each account can have its own backup on Google Drive (Android) or iCloud (iOS).
Does this method work on iPhones?
iPhones do not have a native dual apps feature. WhatsApp Business can be used as a second account.
