master reset
Complete system wipe
A master reset restores a device or system to its original factory settings, erasing all user data and configurations.
Unlike a simple restart, a master reset wipes everything—accounts, files, preferences—returning the device to its out-of-box state.
I did a master reset on my phone before selling it.
Also called a factory reset or hard reset.
Original device configuration
- default settingsOriginal factory configuration
- wipeRub to clean
- initializeSet starting conditions
- firmwareHardware's permanent programming
recovery mode · bootloader · BIOS · CMOS · format · system restore · cold boot · power cycle
Opportunity to restart unburdened
- clean slateRecord wiped clear
- new beginningsChances to start again
- tabula rasaUnmarked mental starting point
- starting overBeginning again from scratch
blank slate · ground zero · rebirth · renewal · do-over · second chance · turning the page · back to square one
Regaining what was lost
- rebuildRestore after damage
- restoreReturn to earlier state
- reinstatementReturn to previous position
- rollbackReturn to prior condition
factory settings
Original device configuration
- default settingsOriginal factory configuration
- wipeRub to clean
- initializeSet starting conditions
firmware · recovery mode · bootloader · BIOS · CMOS · format · system restore · cold boot · power cycle · reinitialize
fresh start
Opportunity to restart unburdened
- clean slateRecord wiped clear
- new beginningsChances to start again
- tabula rasaUnmarked mental starting point
starting over · blank slate · ground zero · rebirth · renewal · do-over · second chance · turning the page · back to square one · clearing the decks
recovery
Regaining what was lost
- rebuildRestore after damage
- restoreReturn to earlier state
- reinstatementReturn to previous position
rollback · baseline · recalibration · reconditioning · default state
master resetsoft reset
Restart preserving stored data
reboot · warm boot · power cycle · refresh
master resetcustomization
Modification to individual preference
personalization · configuration · setup · initialization · accumulation
master resetfull backup
Copy of all files
backup · data preservation · data retention · snapshot · archiving
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