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Samsung TV owners can perform a factory reset to resolve persistent issues such as app crashes, freezing streaming services, or video glitches. The process reverts the TV entirely to its out-of-box state, wiping all settings, apps, and configurations. Users are advised to try simpler troubleshooting steps first, since a factory reset cannot be undone.
A tech guide lists ten practical second uses for retired Android phones, noting that even older devices retain working cameras, GPS, displays, speakers, sensors and Wi-Fi. Suggested uses include turning the phone into a kitchen display, hiking GPS unit, or retro gaming handheld. The guide recommends backing up data and performing a factory reset before repurposing a device.
Google confirmed to Engadget it has stopped manufacturing the Nest Mini and Nest Audio speakers, following the launch of a new smart speaker earlier this year, but will keep providing software updates and support. Factory resets on these devices require physical button presses rather than voice commands or the Google Home app, with slightly different steps for the 1st-gen Home Mini, 2nd-gen Nest Mini, and Nest Hub displays.
Following Google's September Pixel Drop, some Pixel owners reported being unable to unlock their phones using pattern or PIN lock screens. Affected users described failed attempts with safe mode, screen cleaning, and external mice, with several forced to factory reset their devices and lose all data. Google has reportedly been reaching out to affected users on Reddit threads.
Code found in Android 17 QPR2 Beta 5 references an 'Unlock with Google Account' feature that would let users regain access to a locked phone using their linked Google credentials instead of performing a factory reset. Google offered a similar pattern-unlock recovery option through Android 4.4 before removing it, leaving users locked out of forgotten PINs with no option but a full wipe. The feature appears unreleased and possibly optional, suggesting Google is still testing how to implement it.
Valve's Steam Deck supports a built-in factory reset option accessible through Settings > System > Advanced, without needing a PC or USB drive. The reset process takes about 10-15 minutes and requires an internet connection if reinstalling SteamOS afterward, while microSD cards remain unaffected but should still be removed as a precaution.
A detailed community guide explains how Xiaomi 15 Ultra owners can strip down HyperOS without rooting their device, disabling telemetry, diagnostics, and bundled extension services during setup. The author recommends locking the phone on the final Android 16 build and deliberately skipping the upcoming Android 17 update, citing concerns over added tracking and AI features.
A troubleshooting guide outlines how to diagnose and fix a non-responsive Apple TV remote, starting with checking battery levels and restarting the Apple TV system. If those steps fail, users on tvOS 18 or later can check Bluetooth signal strength through settings, and as a last resort perform a full factory reset or use an iPhone/iPad as a substitute remote via Control Center.
A new guide highlights that consumers can drop off old laptops, desktops and printers at major retailers such as Best Buy and Staples for free recycling, regardless of where the device was originally purchased. Some retailers even offer trade-in credit or discounts on new purchases as an incentive. The process is straightforward, but users are advised to fully wipe personal data via a factory reset or dedicated drive-scrubbing tool before handing over devices.
Roku TVs can freeze, stop responding to remotes, drop Wi-Fi connections or fail after software updates, prompting the need for either a simple restart or a full factory reset. A restart is quick and preserves settings, while a factory reset wipes all personal data, accounts and apps, returning the TV to its original state. Users are advised to have their Roku account credentials, Wi-Fi details and any PINs ready before attempting either fix.
An Android Authority reviewer says his Pixel 11 Pro became unusable just five days after purchase, after a factory reset triggered a shutdown loop during the setup process. The device reportedly went blank mid-reset and later kept powering off every few seconds whenever the user tried to complete initial setup, leaving the phone effectively dead.