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How to factory reset the Moto G (2014) for better performance

AndroidPIT Moto G 2014 fastboot button combination
© nextpit

For some peculiar reason Motorola decided to change the way you access the Recovery Menu on the Moto G (second generation). In KitKat, it was the 'traditional' way, but following the update to Lollipop things changed and an extra step was thrown in there. If you find your phone acting up and think it needs a fresh start, here's how to factory reset the Moto G (2014) for better performance.

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Note: A factory reset is not really a big deal, it simply returns your phone to factory settings (but with all firmware updates intact). You will lose all of your apps and data, so you should do a full backup of important information before you continue. You can also copy files to your computer manually with a USB cable. If you need some help, follow our guide on how to back up everything on Android.

The good thing about a reset is that any bugs or problems you might be experiencing – particularly following an Android update – should disappear too. Once you've done the reset you can restore your apps and data and go about your business.

AndroidPIT Moto G 2014 settings menu factory reset
The settings menu reset option is the simplest method. / © ANDROIDPIT

How to factory reset the Moto G (2014): settings menu

Your Moto G (2014) has a reset option in the Settings menu under Backup and Reset. Take a look at your Google backup options up top (you can set your apps to automatically re-install) and then tap Factory Data Reset, have a read of the implications and then confirm. Your phone will reboot with factory default settings.

AndroidPIT Moto G 2014 fastboot button combination blurry
Pressing Volume Up and Power for a few seconds will bring you to fastboot. / © ANDROIDPIT

How to factory reset the Moto G (2014): hardware buttons

If you can't get your Moto G (2014) past the boot screen (or for some other reason can't access the Settings menu), you can do a factory reset, along with several other useful things, with just the hardware buttons.

1. Turn off your Moto G (2014).

2. Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons for about three seconds and release.

3. You'll see the fastboot menu. Use the Volume Down button to highlight Recovery and press Volume Up to confirm.

AndroidPIT Moto G 2014 fastboot recovery volume up
Highlight Recovery and select it. / © ANDROIDPIT

4. You'll see the Motorola logo followed by an Android robot lying on its back.

5. Press the Power button for a second followed by the Volume Up button to access the Recovery Menu.

AndroidPIT Moto G 2014 dead android button combination
Press the Power button for a second and then the Volume Up button. / © ANDROIDPIT

6. Don't be alarmed if it doesn't work first try as sometimes you just need to practice a little to get the timing right.

7. On the Recovery Menu screen, use the volume buttons to scroll down to Wipe Data/Factory Reset and press the Power button to confirm.

AndroidPIT Moto G 2014 recovery wipe data factory reset
Highlight Wipe Data/Factory reset and confirm. / © ANDROIDPIT

8. Scroll down to Yes with the volume buttons and press Power to confirm.

9. Your Moto G (2014) will factory reset.

10. Once you see the completed message at the bottom you can reboot your phone and restore your apps and data. It's not a bad idea to also clear the cache partition before rebooting though, just in case.

How often do you do a reset of your phone? Did you know about the extra step since Lollipop?

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Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon
Senior Editor

Kris is a former AndroidPIT Editor who came to the team via a lengthy period spent traveling and relying on technology to keep him in touch with the outside world. He can usually be found juggling three phones at once and poring over G+ posts, Reddit and RSS feeds.

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14 comments
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  • 1
    stefan De Wit Sep 5, 2020 Link to comment

    Great it took some time to get the robot (with the mark ) and i had to try 100 times before getting in the bootloader (as you told).
    Now Re-Instal All Applications Hope This Will Solve my (old and Slow Phone ;-)


  • 2
    dutt007 Dec 31, 2018 Link to comment

    It worked for me!! After spending one full day trying out different approaches, this worked. Thanks for the nice explanations


  • 1
    Vinayagam Jan 25, 2017 Link to comment

    I have tried but "yes- delete all user data" option not shown in my phone while reset my phone. its showing only :' No.' "Userdata only" . and "Userdata + personalized content" ?? help me please!!


  • Th0m5k 1
    Th0m5k Dec 22, 2016 Link to comment

    Worked for me, thanks!


  • Rishabh Maheshwari 2
    Rishabh Maheshwari Dec 9, 2016 Link to comment

    How much time does it take to reboot. My phone (G2) is trying to boot for past 30 min

    Stefano Cornago


  • 1
    Norman Hall Apr 9, 2016 Link to comment

    You say "How often do you do a reset of your phone? Did you know about the extra step since Lollipop?". Does that mean there is an extra step after Moto G 2nd gen has been upgraded to Marshmallow? I have Marshmallow and cannot get a reset to work. Cannot get recovery menu - robot remains dead


  • David 1
    David Apr 4, 2016 Link to comment

    and when there is not the "yes" option, only:' No.' "Userdata only" . and "Userdata + personalized content" ?? help me please!!


    • 1
      Vinayagam Jan 25, 2017 Link to comment

      Hi sir,

      I am also same problem facing while reset my phone( Not showing "Yes" option), if you solved your issues, could you please let me know how i reset my phone? i


    • Vicky Vignesh 1
      Vicky Vignesh Jul 6, 2017 Link to comment

      anybody answer for u


  • 2
    Freech von Fintel Mar 19, 2016 Link to comment

    Great thread, worked fine. Androidpit is the best, keep it up!!!!!


  • Sabrina Ferguson 1
    Sabrina Ferguson Jan 26, 2016 Link to comment

    Thanks. It worked with my Moto G 3rd gen. Just fine


  • Robbert Kuiper 1
    Robbert Kuiper Jan 10, 2016 Link to comment

    This worked for me. Thanks!


  • Debbie Mumford 1
    Debbie Mumford Sep 13, 2015 Link to comment

    Thank you. Easy to understand instructions.


  • Yeuddy Almonte 1
    Yeuddy Almonte Jul 18, 2015 Link to comment

    PERFECT. BEST ANSWER

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