Wipe cache partition
If the phone is not working correctly, you may need to master reset it and also clear the cache partition. These two resets clear different parts of the phone storage. Unlike a master reset, wiping the cache partition does not delete your personal data.
To wipe the cache partition, follow these steps:
- Power off the device.
- While pressing the Power key, simultaneously press the Volume Up key.
- Continue to press the keys past the T-Mobile splash screen.
- Release all keys when the Android system recovery screen appears.
- Press the Volume Down key to highlight Wipe cache partition.
- Press the Power key to select.
- Once the device shows Cache wipe complete, Press the Power key to select Reboot System Now.
- The phone will automatically restart.
Master reset from settings menu
A master reset restores the original factory settings and may delete your personal data on the internal storage, such as downloaded content, ringtones, images, apps,and contacts. It does not delete data stored on the SIM card or SD card.
To perform a master reset, follow these steps:
- Back up all data on the internal memory.
- From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Privacy.
- Tap Factory data reset.
- Tap to check Erase SD card.
- Tap Reset phone.
- Tap Erase everything.
Master reset with hardware keys
A master reset restores the original factory settings and may delete your personal data on the internal storage, such as downloaded content, ringtones, images, apps,and contacts. It does not delete data stored on the SIM card or SD card.
If the device menus are frozen or unresponsive, you can master reset using hardware keys. To perform a master reset, follow these steps:
Back up all data on the internal memory.
- While pressing the Power key, simultaneously press the Volume Up key.
- Continue to press the keys past the T-Mobile splash screen.
- Release all keys when the Android system recovery screen appears.
- Press the Volume Down key to highlight Wipe data/Factory Reset.
- Press the Power key to select.
- Press the Volume Down key to highlight Yes [--] delete all user data.
- Press the Power key to select.
- The unpacking Android screen appears, and once complete with the reset, the Android system recoveryscreen reappears.
- Press the Volume Down key to highlight reboot system now.
- Press the Power key to select.
- The phone will automatically restart.
Safe Mode
Turn on and use safe mode
Safe mode allows you to turn on the device with third-party apps disabled. Then you can easily remove all apps that may be causing a conflict or software problem.
To turn on safe mode and use it to fix app problems, follow these steps:
- Remove the battery from the phone.
- Re-insert the battery.
- Press and hold the Menu key.
- While holding the Menu key, turn on the device.
- When you see the lock screen, you can release the Menu key. ‘Safe mode' displays in the lower-left corner.
- Uninstall any third-party apps that gave you problems
Turn off safe mode
To turn off safe mode, follow these steps:
- Press and hold the Power key.
- Touch Power off.
- Remove the battery.
- Re-insert the battery.
- Press the Power key to turn on the device, but do not touch any keys during the restart.
Cannot turn off Safe mode: Android
'Safe mode' displays on bottom of the Home screen. Cannot make calls or receive calls or access the internet
Some third-party apps do not start.
Possible causes
Third-party application or app cache prevents the device from starting properly
Case or gel skin on device touches the keys
Accidentally touching keys while device is starting, or keys get stuck
Phone is connected to cable and encounters an error
Device is rooted
Safe mode can automatically activate due to one of the above causes. You need to fix your cause and exit Safe mode to make calls, send and receive messages, or connect to the Internet.
Use Safe mode to stop a force close loop: Android
Understanding the Issue
Related errors
'Safe mode' displays on bottom of the Home screen
Cannot make calls or receive calls or access the internet
Some third-party apps do not start
Safe mode only allows access to the device menus, without any connection to wireless networks and without starting some third-party apps. You need to exit Safe mode to make calls, send and receive messages, or connect to the internet.
Safe mode can be used to stop a force close loop. A force close loop is when an app automatically force closes, then opens and closes continuously. Since you cannot access any of Android menus while in a force close loop, there is no way to close it. Placing a phone into Safe mode stops the loop and allows you to remove the app without a master reset.
Turn on Safe mode
To turn on Safe mode for all Android devices except the myTouch by LG and myTouch Q by LG, follow these steps:
- Remove the battery from the phone.
- Re-insert the battery.
- Press and hold the Menu key.
- While holding the Menu key, turn on the device.
- When you see the lock screen, you can release the Menu key.
- 'Safe mode' displays in the lower-left corner.
If restarting the device does not turn off Safe mode, follow these steps: Verify the phone is unplugged and not charging.
- Remove the battery and SIM card.
- Wait at least 20 seconds so there is no charge left in the phone.
- Re-insert the SIM card and the battery.
- Make sure the Menu key is not being touched by a case or gel skin.
- Press the Menu key a few times to verify it is not stuck.
- Turn on the device.Note: Do not press any keys while the phone is starting.
- If the device still starts in Safe Mode, then uninstall all apps that you recently downloaded.
- Restart the device. Note: If the device restarts, the issue was with one of the third-party apps. If you know which one it was, contact the developer or review the app to give feedback.
- If the device is still in Safe mode, wipe the cache partition.
- If the device is still in Safe mode, perform a master reset using hardware keys.
Back up contacts
To back up your contacts, follow these steps:
- From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts & sync.
- Tap the account you would like to sync.
- Tap to select or clear the desired check boxes.
- Tap Sync now.
To back up your media and pictures, follow these steps:
- Connect the phone to your computer using the USB cable.
- Tap Turn on USB storage.
- Tap OK.
- On the computer, navigate to and open the phone’s disk drive.
- Click to open the desired file(s).
- Copy the files you want to move.
- Paste the files in the desired location on the computer.
- When finished, safely disconnect the phone from the computer.
- Tap Turn off USB storage.
BACKUP AND RESTORE
To back up your apps, follow these steps:
Back up contacts
- To back up your contacts, follow these steps:
- From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Accounts & synch.
- Tap the account you would like to sync.
- Tap to select or clear the desired check boxes.
- Tap Sync now.
Back up media & pictures
To back up your media and pictures, follow these steps:
- Connect the phone to your computer using the USB cable.
- Tap Turn on USB storage.
- Tap OK.
- On the computer, navigate to and open the phone’s disk drive.
- Click to open the desired file(s).
- Copy the files you want to move.
- Paste the files in the desired location on the computer.
- When finished, safely disconnect the phone from the computer.
- Tap Turn off USB storage.
RESTORE DATA: Restore apps
To restore backed up apps, follow these steps:
Your apps will restore automatically upon the next time you sign into your Gmail account.
Restore contacts
To restore backed up contacts, follow these steps:
Your apps will restore automatically upon the next time you sign into your Gmail account.
Restore media & picture
To restore backed up media and pictures, follow these steps: Connect the phone to your computer using the USB cable.
- Tap Turn on USB storage.
- Tap OK.
- On the computer, navigate to and open the phone’s disk drive.
- Navigate to and move the desired file(s).
- When finished, safely disconnect the phone from the computer.
- Tap Turn off USB storage.