Google Nexus 5 — How to Factory Reset the Nexus 5

Performing a Factory Reset on your device is very easy. The difference between a Factory Reset and a Hard Reset is:

Factory Reset
The 'lighter' of the two reset options. It can be done either in settings or via recovery menu. It wipes all user data and firmware settings but leaves the contents of your internal SD Card intact (not that you have one in your Nexus 5).

Hard Reset
Restores a smartphone to its basic factory settings, which erases all applications that were installed by the user as well as all user data. Hard Reset wipes everything including the contents of your internal SD Card. Whatever firmware you last flashed will be the firmware you get back, but everything else will be wiped.

Clear? Ok, let's proceed with the Factory Reset of a Google Nexus 5 from within the menu settings:

Settings > Back Up & Reset > Factory Data Reset > Reset Phone > Erase Everything.

Please remember to back up any data you want to keep first! In the Factory Reset screen you also have the option to Backup My Data and Auto Restore. These are good options to tick before you Factory Reset if you're not too sure how to do this on your own.

If you're at all paranoid about your SIM card just take it out before you do the Factory Reset.

Remember sometimes you don't even need to go this far to solve general performance problems. First of all try just turning your phone off for a while, or removing the battery entirely for a few minutes. Sometimes something as simple as that is enough to clear up simple problems.

But if you've tried all of these methods and are still having problems, you can try a Hard Reset, the instructions for which are here.

— modified on Feb 11, 2014, 6:38:56 PM

Hi @Vivek, first you need to figure out if it's not turning on or if the display is not working. Try a different USB cable, adapter plug and wall socket and see if you can power up. You may also have a problem with the microUSB connection in the device and the unit has simply run out of power.

Otherwise, you may have a display problem which is a hardware issue you'd need to contact Google/your retailer or a repair shop about.

Assuming your device actually has power just connect it to your computer and see if you can access the contents of the SD card. You can also use recovery software if you think your memory has been corrupted. Unfortunately, if you haven't done up a backup when the device was running, you can only get the stuff off it that you are able to access on the memory card, like messages, photos, contacts etc.