How do I perform a hard reset on the Pre?

To erase all the data from your device or restore it to factory settings, you have several options:

Option 1: Simple hard reset

This can be performed on the Palm Pre by going into Device Info --> Phone Reset Options and tapping the "Full Erase" option. You may want to do this if, for example, you are giving your phone to someone else. Step-by-step:

Open Device Info
Tap Phone Reset Options
Tap Full Erase twice (NOTE: You must still manually delete installed apps, as they reappear after a full erase)
If desired, sign back into your Palm profile on the phone to restore your Palm profile data.

Option 2: Remote hard reset

This can be performed from your Palm profile online and clicking the option to "wipe device". You may need to do this if, for instance, you forgot your password to unlock the screen. Step-by-step:

On your computer, go to palm.com/support
Enter your Palm profile email address and password.
Click Wipe Device to remotely reset your phone.
Turn on your phone and sign into your existing Palm profile to restore backed-up data, applications, and online accounts (e.g. Google, MS Exchange).

Option 3: The webOS Doctor

This is a special recovery tool (software) to restore your Sprint Palm Pre to factory specifications, for example in more serious cases where your phone is unresponsive or frozen. Step-by-step:

Download the latest webOS Doctor here
Start the webOS Doctor; it will now guide you through the recovery process*
When the Reset Complete screen appears, click "Done".
Wait a few minutes for your phone to reset. You may now log into your Palm profile to restore backed-up information.

*It is recommended to charge your battery before attempting, use the official USB cable and do not disconnect during the procedure.

If you only want to soft reset your device (keep your data), you have the following options:

Tap the "Restart" button in Device Info --> Phone Reset Options.
Slide out the keyboard and hold the "Orange", "Sym", and "R" keys for several seconds to reboot the Palm Pre. This is similar to CTRL + ALT + DEL on a PC.
Hold the power button and cycle the ringer button on/off several times.
Remove the battery and wait 10 seconds before re-inserting and turn back on the device.

12 Comments

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ed makes this comment

Friday, 14 August 2009

You can also hold down the power button and toggle the mute button 3 times.
Loeb makes this comment

Tuesday, 18 August 2009

1) There is no "Hard Reset" option. There IS a "Full Erase option.
2) There is no "Mute" button?
Nick makes this comment

Friday, 04 September 2009

Go to palm.com/support and login with your Palm profile, there is a hard reset option under Device Management.
HEY IDIOT makes this comment

Friday, 25 September 2009

IDIOT THERE IS A MUTE BUTTON ON THE PALM PRE!!!

ITS THE RINGER OFF/ON SLIDE THINGY BY THE POWER BUTTON RETARD ^^^^^^^^^^^
franklin makes this comment

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

i am trying to do a hard reset through webos doctor, but since my phone is responsive and not frozen, it wont work... any help??
alex makes this comment

Saturday, 16 January 2010

i did something to it not sure what might have been when i disconected the micro usb cable without pushing the remove safely button or when i synced it with itunes but now its soooo slow ill push something and two minutes later it response... becareful ...still an awesome phone lol......
rob makes this comment

Thursday, 11 February 2010

In my Palm Profile, there is no wipe device button??

Where do I find this button?
kk makes this comment

Monday, 15 February 2010

rob-- Click on device info, then "I lost my phone" it will give you the option to erase your device from there. Good luck
nicole makes this comment

Friday, 16 April 2010

i have my ex bf's palm.. i want to use it of course.. how do i get past the pin? i just wanna reset the phone, i dont care if i see any of the info on there rite now, i just wanna transfer my number to it so i can use the thing.. at least get sooomething outa that relationship. Helllp. any suggestions.
Jon makes this comment

Tuesday, 08 June 2010

my palm pre is frozen how would can I fully earse everything
Carmen makes this comment

Monday, 28 June 2010

Toggling the silence swich while holding down the power button worked great Thanks
ryan makes this comment

Wednesday, 29 September 2010

i have an inactive palm pre freshly reset, but it comes up in spanish. how can i get it to english?

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