The Difference Between Restarting and Resetting (And Why It Matters!)
The Difference Between Restarting and Resetting
When your device misbehaves or starts acting strangely, people often advise you to "reset it" or "restart it." However, it is important to understand that these two actions are fundamentally different, and being aware of this distinction can help protect your valuable data and ease your mind regarding potential issues.
Restarting = Turning It Off and Back On
A restart is a straightforward action that doesn’t erase any information; it simply refreshes your system and allows it to operate more smoothly.
What it does:
Closes all active apps and clears out temporary files.
Flushes memory and addresses minor software issues that may have arisen.
Reconnects your device to Wi-Fi or its network, ensuring proper connectivity.
When to do it:
Your phone is running slow or lagging.
Apps consistently keep crashing and not working correctly.
Bluetooth or Wi-Fi won’t connect, causing frustration.
Your screen is frozen or displaying laggy behavior.
It's a quick action and often resolves many common issues effectively.
Resetting = Erasing Everything (Factory Reset)
A reset, also known as a factory reset, is a much more significant step that wipes your device clean, effectively restoring it to its original factory state.
What it does:
Deletes all apps, files, settings, and personal data stored on the device.
Reinstalls the operating system, giving it a like-new functionality.
Removes bugs and glitches but unfortunately also everything else you’ve accumulated.
When to do it:
You're planning to sell or give away your device to someone else.
You are experiencing serious, unfixable errors that can’t be resolved.
You've attempted other solutions and have backed up your data to ensure it's safe.
Warning: Only proceed with a reset if you are absolutely certain it is necessary, and it is essential to always back up your data beforehand to prevent any loss.