Factory Reset

The process of completely erasing a device and restoring it to its original factory condition, removing all user data, apps, and settings.

What to Know

Factory Reset completely removes all user data, accounts, settings, and installed apps, returning the device to the same state it was in when first unboxed. This is essential when repurposing devices for new users, troubleshooting severe software corruption, or preparing devices for resale or disposal. Unlike selective data deletion, a factory reset ensures nothing from the previous user remains, protecting privacy and ensuring compliance with data security policies.

Common Scenarios

Enterprise IT: Corporate IT performs factory resets on devices being reassigned to new employees to ensure complete removal of the previous user’s corporate data, personal accounts, and any potentially compromising information. This maintains data security and provides a clean starting point for new deployments.

MSP: MSPs factory reset client devices when troubleshooting persistent issues that survive normal resets, ensuring a completely clean slate. It’s also used when returning loaner devices to inventory, guaranteeing no client data remains on shared equipment.

Education: Schools factory reset student devices between school years or when transferring devices between schools to ensure student privacy and remove any personal accounts, downloaded content, or configuration changes made during use.

In Addigy

Addigy supports remote factory reset through the MDM Erase Device command, allowing admins to initiate complete device wipes from the dashboard. When combined with Automated Device Enrollment (ADE) and Addigy’s Return to Service, devices automatically re-enroll after the reset, receiving all policies and apps without manual IT intervention.