How to Format or Reset Nokia Symbian Phones

Are you observing problems with your Symbian phone?

If yes, then there is a higher possibility that your phone could be infected with the virus. Symbian phones are usually more prone to viruses, and you may see unusual behavior on your phone.

Viruses are not the only reason you want to format your Nokia Symbian phone. There may be circumstances where your settings have been completely modified, or you want to reset them due to performance issues on your phone.

Note: Before Formatting, Backup your SMS, Setting, Contact, and any critical files. Check our guide on How to backup and restore using PC SUITE.

To Reset Symbian Phones, there are two methods that you can choose from:-

1. Soft Reset
2. Hard Reset

 1. Soft Reset/Format:

The soft reset will restore the settings to their original state, i.e., the factory settings.

If you are formatting due to the virus issue, then reset your phone using the hard reset option. There is a minimal effect of the Soft format on viruses and malware.

Type *#7370#

– It will ask for a security code; enter your security code; the default Code is 12345.

There are two types of Soft format/Reset options:

• Soft Reset (*#7780#): This is a normal reset. It will restore the phone’s original settings. However, it will retain user data, such as images, music, installed applications, and other files.
• Hard Reset (*#7370#): This method completely reformats the C: drive (Phone Memory). This method completely reformats the C: drive (Phone Memory). All user information, including images, music files, and installed applications, will be deleted. Hence, the phone is set to the default factory settings.

Data stored on E: drive (MMC) will not be affected by these sequences.

Note: The battery should be fully charged so that it may not run out of power

2. Hard Reset/Format:

A hard reset will format your files and data from your phone’s memory. It restores the OS firmware from the ROM and installs a fresh copy of the OS on your phone.

A hard reset is the best possible solution if issues are related to viruses, slow performance, or if you have forgotten a security password.

It will delete everything on your phone, reset to factory settings, and return it to the same state as it was the first time you turned it on.

Before performing the hard reset or format, it is recommended that you remove the MMC card from the phone.

To Reset Symbian Phone using Hard Reset, follow the below steps:

1. Switch OFF the Phone.

2. Now, Press and hold Green Key + “*” + “3” Key buttons.

3. Now, press the power button and switch on the phone while holding these three buttons. Keep Holding all the keys until you see a Formatting screen appear on the screen.

When the screen appears, you can leave the keys and let the format complete until it reaches 100%. (no progress bar or completion procedure shown on later versions of S60V2)

Few S60 phones use the Red Call End Button

Note: Ensure your device is fully charged before proceeding with the formatting. If the battery runs out during this procedure, it may result in an inconsistent state of your device.

Update:

All the latest Symbian phones with touch screens, such as the Nokia 5800 and Nokia 97, require the use of different hard reset buttons to perform a hard reset or format.

Hard Reset Nokia 5800:

• Press simultaneously 4 buttons Green button + Red button + Camera button + Power On/Off button.

Hard Reset Nokia N97:

• Press simultaneously 4 buttons Power On/Off button + Space Key + Delete key + Caps/shift key

Hard Reset Nokia N8:

• Press simultaneously 4 buttons Volume Down + Camera Key + Menu Key + Power On/Off button.