How to Hard Reset Your LG G4: A Step-by-Step Guide

The LG G4 was a powerhouse of a smartphone when it launched, and it’s still a capable device for many users. However, like all smartphones, it can encounter issues over time. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve problems, but other times, a more drastic measure – a hard reset – is necessary.

A hard reset, also known as a factory reset, erases all data from your phone and returns it to its original state. This can be helpful for resolving a variety of issues, including:

Performance problems: A sluggish phone can often be revived by a hard reset.
Software glitches: If your phone is experiencing frequent crashes or freezes, a hard reset might be the solution.
Forgotten password: A hard reset can help you regain access to your phone if you’ve forgotten your PIN or password.
Selling or giving away your phone: Before selling or giving away your LG G4, it’s crucial to perform a hard reset to ensure your personal information is deleted.

Before you proceed with a hard reset, it’s essential to back up all your important data. This includes:

Contacts: Back up your contacts to your Google account or a local storage device.
Photos and videos: Save your photos and videos to your computer, cloud storage, or an external SD card.
Apps: Make sure you have a list of all your apps so you can download them again after the reset.
Other data: Back up any other important files, such as documents or notes.

There are two primary methods for performing a hard reset on your LG G4:

Table of Contents

Method 1: Hard Reset Using Settings Menu

This method is the simplest and most common way to reset your phone. Follow these steps:

Go to Settings: Open the “Settings” app on your LG G4.
Navigate to Backup and Reset: Scroll down the menu and select “Backup & Reset.”
Choose Factory Data Reset: Tap on “Factory data reset.”
Confirm your choice: Read the warning message carefully, and if you’re sure you want to proceed, tap on “Reset phone.”
Enter your PIN or password: If you have a PIN or password set up, you’ll be prompted to enter it before the reset begins.
Confirm again: You’ll see a final confirmation screen. Tap on “Delete all” to initiate the reset process.

Your phone will reboot, and the reset process will begin. This might take a few minutes, so be patient. Once the reset is complete, your phone will restart, and you’ll be greeted with the initial setup screen.

Method 2: Hard Reset Using Hardware Buttons

This method is useful if you cannot access the settings menu, for instance, if your phone is frozen or unresponsive. Here’s how to do it:

Power off your phone: Press and hold the power button until your phone shuts down.
Enter recovery mode: Press and hold the Volume Down button, then press and hold the Power button. Release the power button when the LG logo appears, but keep holding the Volume Down button.
Navigate using Volume buttons: Use the Volume Down button to scroll through the recovery menu and select “Factory Reset” or “Wipe Data/Factory Reset.”
Confirm the reset: Press the Power button to confirm your selection.
Choose “Yes” or “Delete all user data”: Use the Volume Down button to select “Yes” or “Delete all user data,” then press the Power button to confirm.
Wait for the reset to complete: The reset process will start, and your phone will reboot.

Once the reset is complete, you’ll be presented with the initial setup screen.

Important Considerations:

Data loss: Remember that a hard reset will erase all data from your phone. If you haven’t backed up your data, you will lose it permanently.
Rooted devices: If your LG G4 is rooted, the reset process might not remove all traces of rooting. Consider flashing the stock ROM for a clean reset.
Warranty: Hard resetting your phone generally doesn’t affect your warranty. However, it’s always best to check with your carrier or LG for specific details.

Troubleshooting Tips:

Phone frozen: If your phone is frozen and you can’t access the settings menu, try performing a hard reset using the hardware buttons.
Incorrect password: If you’ve forgotten your PIN or password, you can try performing a hard reset. However, be aware that this will erase all your data.
Stuck on boot screen: If your phone gets stuck on the boot screen after a hard reset, try repeating the reset process. If it persists, it might be an indication of a hardware issue.
Other issues: If you encounter any other problems during the reset process, it’s best to contact LG customer support for assistance.

Conclusion:

A hard reset can be a useful tool for resolving various issues with your LG G4. However, remember that it will erase all your data, so it’s crucial to back up your phone before proceeding. If you’re still unsure about performing a hard reset, it’s always best to consult with LG customer support or a trusted tech expert for guidance.

FAQs

What is a hard reset and why would I need to do it?

A hard reset, also known as a factory reset, is a process that erases all data and settings from your LG G4, effectively returning it to its original factory state. You might need to perform a hard reset for various reasons, including:

Troubleshooting performance issues: If your LG G4 is running slow, lagging, or experiencing frequent crashes, a hard reset can resolve these issues by eliminating corrupted data or outdated software.
Selling or giving away your phone: Before selling or giving away your LG G4, it’s crucial to perform a hard reset to protect your personal information and ensure the new owner starts with a clean slate.
Forgotten password or PIN: If you’ve forgotten your phone’s password or PIN, a hard reset is the only way to regain access to your device.

Is there any risk associated with performing a hard reset?

Yes, there are some risks associated with performing a hard reset:

Data loss: All your data, including contacts, messages, photos, videos, and installed apps, will be permanently deleted. Make sure to back up your data before proceeding with the reset.
Warranty void: In some cases, performing a hard reset might void your phone’s warranty, especially if it’s done without proper authorization or if it’s performed multiple times. Check your warranty terms and conditions for more information.

What steps do I need to take before performing a hard reset?

Before you perform a hard reset on your LG G4, there are some crucial steps you need to take:

Back up your data: Ensure you back up all your important data to a safe location, such as an external drive, cloud storage, or your computer. You can use LG’s built-in backup feature or third-party apps like Google Drive or Dropbox.
Remove SD card and SIM card: If you have an SD card or SIM card inserted in your phone, remove them before starting the hard reset.
Charge your phone: Ensure your LG G4 has a sufficient battery charge to avoid interruptions during the reset process.

How do I perform a hard reset on my LG G4?

You can perform a hard reset on your LG G4 through the settings menu or by using the hardware buttons. Here are the steps for both methods:

Using the settings menu:
1. Open the “Settings” app on your LG G4.
2. Scroll down and tap on “General” or “Backup & reset.”
3. Select “Factory data reset” or “Reset device.”
4. Confirm your choice by tapping on “Reset device” or “Erase everything.”
Using hardware buttons:
1. Turn off your LG G4 completely.
2. Press and hold the Volume Up button, Power button, and Home button simultaneously until the LG logo appears on the screen.
3. Release the buttons when you see the recovery menu.
4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset” and select it using the Power button.
5. Select “Yes – delete all user data” to confirm the reset.

How long does it take to complete the hard reset?

The time required to complete a hard reset on your LG G4 can vary depending on several factors, including the amount of data stored on your phone and the phone’s processing power.

Typical duration: It usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes to complete the reset process. However, it can take longer if you have a large amount of data on your phone.
Wait for completion: Don’t interrupt the reset process once it’s started. Let it run its course until your LG G4 restarts and displays the initial setup screen.

What happens after I perform a hard reset?

Once the hard reset is complete, your LG G4 will restart and boot up to the initial setup screen. You’ll need to go through the setup process again, including setting up your language, Wi-Fi connection, and Google account.

Initial setup: During the initial setup, you’ll be prompted to restore your data from a backup, but you can choose to start fresh if you prefer.
Ready to use: After completing the setup process, your LG G4 will be ready to use with all its original settings and no data stored on it.

Can I reverse a hard reset?

Unfortunately, you cannot reverse a hard reset once it’s completed. All data and settings are permanently deleted, and the phone is restored to its factory state.

No undo option: Once the reset is done, there’s no way to recover the deleted data or settings.
Data loss is permanent: This highlights the importance of backing up your data before performing a hard reset.