Will Factory Reset Remove Virus? Complete and Clear Answer

Does a factory reset remove malware? According to Kaspersky, mobile malware threats increased by 29% in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. The same is the case for most devices.

If your device feels infected, a factory reset might look like the fastest fix, and it works mostly. When you factory reset your iPhone, Android, or computer, it removes apps, settings, and common viruses at the user level.

However, some advanced threats can survive. That’s why I will explain: “When will factory reset remove viruses, when it fails, and how to keep malware away from your devices?”

Quick Answer: Does a Factory Reset Remove Viruses?

Yes, it wipes all apps, files, and settings where common malware hides, then reinstalls a clean version of the system. This clears typical threats like spyware, adware, and malicious apps.

However, advanced viruses that live in firmware, recovery partitions, or infected backups can survive or return after a reset.

What Happens During a Factory Reset?

To understand, “Does a factory reset get rid of viruses?”, it is crucial to learn what happens when you reset your laptop or PC and mobile phones.

A factory reset takes your device back to its original state, the way it was when you first switched it on. Everything you added gets erased, including apps you installed, files you downloaded, and settings you changed.

What stays is the core system software that came from the manufacturer. This option is not limited to phones and laptops. You can factory reset your PlayStation, Chromecast, GPS devices, printers, and even reset your VR headsets like Oculus Quest. This feature is provided to fix deep software issues and remove unwanted changes that include viruses and malware.

Will Factory Reset Remove Viruses? 

Let’s answer the big question: Will factory reset remove virus and malware? 

In most real-world cases, yes. A factory reset removes common viruses and malware because it wipes the areas where they usually live. This includes downloaded apps, hidden files, and background processes running under your user account.

That means things like spyware, adware, trojans, and fake apps are usually eliminated. It is powerful, but not magical. It works in most situations, but not all.

When Does Factory Reset Remove Viruses Successfully?

A reset successfully removes viruses when:

• The malware is stored in user space, such as apps or files you downloaded.
  
• It does not infect the system recovery tools or firmware.
  
• You do a full wipe of the device (not a partial or refresh option).
  
• You do not restore old backups blindly.

In these cases, the reset clears the entire space where regular malware hides. Once the system reinstalls clean files, the infection will not be able to survive. 

Can a Virus or Malware Survive a Factory Reset?

Would factory reset remove viruses completely? Well, not always. It is rare, but real. For example, the xHelper Trojan infected over 45,000 Android devices and continued to reinstall itself even after a factory reset.

Here are the scenarios when a reset won’t help you:

• Firmware or BIOS-level Malware: Some advanced malware hides inside firmware or BIOS (Basic Input Output System). These areas are not touched during a normal reset.
  
• Rootkits and Bootkits: These are highly advanced threats designed to hide inside protected system partitions. A standard reset cannot always reach them.
  
• Infected Recovery Partition: Your device uses a recovery partition to reinstall the system. If malware infects this area, the reset can bring the virus back.
  
• Restoring Infected Backups: This is the most common mistake. People reset their device successfully, then reinstall the same infected apps or files from backup, and unknowingly bring the problem back.
  
• Reinfecting from Other Devices: If your router, USB drive, or external storage is compromised, reconnecting it after a reset can reintroduce malware.
  
• Zero-Day or Unpatched System Flaws: If the virus exploits a system vulnerability that is still unpatched, the device can get infected again immediately after booting.

These cases are rare for normal users, but they explain why resets sometimes fail.

Should You Reset Your Device to Get Rid of Viruses?

So, does factory resetting get rid of viruses? Yes, in most cases. 

Should you try it? Yes, but only after you try safer options first.

A factory reset should be your last step, not your first reaction. Start with a full malware scan using trusted security tools. Many infections can be removed without deleting your data. If software cleanup works, you can save time and avoid unnecessary loss.

If scans fail, symptoms keep returning, or the device behaves strangely even after cleanup, then a reset makes sense. 

How to Factory Reset Safely to Remove Viruses?

A factory reset can clean malware, but only if you do it the right way. Follow these steps so you don’t lose important files or reintroduce infections:

Step 1: Try Safer Fixes First

Try to run a full scan using trusted security tools or built-in protections. Uninstall suspicious apps and restart the device in Safe Mode if available, and check if the issue disappears.

Step 2: Back Up Only Essentials

Save photos, contacts, and documents you truly need, but avoid app backups that might carry infections. If possible, scan your files before restoring them later.

Step 3: Disconnect from the Internet

Before starting the reset, turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data. This blocks background malware activity and prevents syncing infected data during the reset process.

Step 4: Use the Full Reset Option

Always choose the option that removes everything. Partial resets often keep the system data where malware can hide. Look for options like “erase all data”, “remove everything”, or “factory reset” on your device.

Step 5: Update Before Installing Anything

Once the device turns on again, do not rush. First, update the operating system completely. Security patches close the loopholes that malware previously used. Also, try to download apps only from the official app stores.

Step 6: Change Passwords After Cleanup

Assume your old passwords may have been exposed. Once the system is clean and updated, change passwords for email, banking, cloud storage, and social accounts.

Final Takeaway

I tried to cover everything to properly answer: Will factory reset remove viruses or malware? A factory reset usually removes common viruses and malware by wiping your device clean and returning it to its original state. But it is not foolproof for the most serious threats or infected backups.

So, reset smart, restore carefully, and build strong security habits so you don’t repeat the same mistakes.