Factory reset is not erasing everything

Question

So, I have already factory reset my Note 8 like 5 times now but the text messages, call logs, contacts and 1 pic in gallery is still showing. This is bizzare. I don't have any accounts signed in or anything. Just doesn't make sense. Anyone with a solution ? Thanks for your time guys. Have a good one !!!!!

Lindsay mcdaniel · Answer

User450
Did you have your data backed up in some kind of app like cloud storage or did you back up your data in your home PC or on one of those extra storage chips before the reset? And then after the reset reinstall that data?
If you backed up your personal information before the reset you may have saved the files that appear like they didn't delete! And then reinstalled them yourself!
But I agree with you this is weird
That stuff should not remain after a factory reset.🤔
Try deleting everything in those apps. Then back up your personal data. And try another factory reset.
But before you re install your personal data check to see if everything has been deleted.
Let me know if it works!

User450 · Answer

Lindsay mcdaniel, thank you so much for your response.
Yes, I deleted everything manually, all the texts, call logs , reminders and 1 pic in the gallery and did a factory reset again. But still no luck. They're are still showing. Don't know what I could do next. If a factory rest can't erase all data then I don't what can. Any other suggestions ?

Lindsay mcdaniel · Answer

User450
a factory reset is absolute!
That data should have been deleted!
And the only reason it is still there is because it was re-entered some how!
What about backing up your personal data! Are you doing that? And then re-installing it?
The only other thing I can think of is that somehow your settings for those apps are set to override a factory reset and retain those files.
Beyond that I'm fresh out of suggestions!

Lindsay mcdaniel · Answer

User450
Just had a idea!
Are you sure you are doing a full Hard Factory Reset?
I have heard of something called a soft reset. If you are doing a soft reset those files might be saved!

James Watson · Answer

Maybe you need a factory reset + wipe cache partition.

Temothy · Answer

As Lindsay has already mentioned, A factory reset is Absolute, it's not absolute but for messages and others things you mentioned it should do it. Maybe something is messed up in partitions. Try wiping cache in a recovery.

User450 · Answer

thanks all you guys, really really appreciate your help.

But yeah, still no luck. I have already done multiple factory resets, wipe cache partition. Don't know what else to do.

klose maggette · Answer

Enter the 'Recovery mode', then have a factory reset.

Home button + Power button + Volume down to enter the recovery mode.

or the Volume up.