How to take Android tablet back to factory settings?

ThePensioner on 27/02/2014 - 15:20

Hey guys, I've got a cheapo Android tablet here and just in case I picked up some malicious software, how do I reset the device so that it's 'back to factory settings?' If I hit the reset button, does this mean it's completely wiped?

How can I check if there are any malicious software later?

I don't have access to Google Play so I only want to get my apps from the 'Amazon AppStore'. Is this a completely safe place to buy apps? i.e no malicious software?

This is the device: http://www.unisurf.com.au/unisurf-10-1.html

Is it worth it for me to upgrade to Android 4.4 from 4.2 by the way?

Please help me!

Computing

Comments

  • jzdhgkd on 27/02/2014 - 15:54

    Yeah, the "factory data reset" (with "erase SD card" option checked) restores everything to the state in which you bought it. Only exception is if you've rooted and there are apps installed as a system app. If you don't know what that means then you don't have to worry about it.

    Everything I've read about 4.4 so far suggests it's better than 4.2 in most ways. If your device has an official update available then I wholly recommend you update. If you're planning on rooting and upgrading to a custom rom, it's probably still worth it but you may notice some instability here and there such as apps crashing for no apparent reason.

  • ChrisLevo on 27/02/2014 - 16:43

    I have taken all 3 of our tablets back to factory default settings - NEVER let a 12 year old nephew change your passwords!

    Hold the Vol + button down when powering up and then release the buttons when the device powers on.

    You will see an image of an Android lying on its back with a hatch on its chest opened.

    Press the Volume + and Volume - keys to scroll through the options until you see "Recovery Mode" in red.

    Press the Power button to restart into recovery mode. (You will soon see an Android with a red triangle)

    Hold down the Power button and tap Volume + to see the Android system recovery menu appear at the top of the screen.

    Select wipe data/factory reset with the volume buttons and tap the Power button to activate it.

    Select "Erase all user data" with the volume buttons and tap Power.

    Your device will be reset to its factory state and all your data will be erased.

    Worked for me on our Zenithink C93 and C97 tablets, plus on a generic 7" job.

    I saved the instructions!

  • Unorthodox on 27/02/2014 - 21:52

    You won't have a 4.4.x upgrade. Those cheapo tablets rarely get support.

    You'll need to have a custom ROM that mimics 4.4

    Amazon store is very lacking in security. People complain about malware etc on android yet in most cases (if you research there's a miniscule percentage of infected devices) it's due to unofficial apps or downloads. Google recommends you only DL from the play store.

    There are ways to add the Google Play Store to your device but that would break warranty.

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