If you’re stuck with a locked iQOO Z9s 5G due to a forgotten password, PIN, or pattern, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Smartphones are deeply personal devices, and forgetting access credentials can be frustrating. Fortunately, the iQOO Z9s 5G comes with built-in recovery tools that allow you to perform a hard reset or factory reset, restoring your phone to its original state and removing the lock screen security.
In this complete guide, we’ll walk you through how to perform a hard reset on the iQOO Z9s 5G when you’ve forgotten your password. We’ll also explain what a factory reset means, what gets erased, and precautions you should take beforehand.
What is a Hard Reset?
A hard reset, also known as a factory reset via recovery mode, is a process that restores your smartphone to its original factory condition. It removes all user data, apps, settings, and security locks. It’s commonly used when:
- You’ve forgotten your screen lock PIN or pattern
- The phone is malfunctioning or frozen
- You’re preparing the phone for resale or recycling
Unlike a regular reset via settings, a hard reset is performed using the phone’s recovery mode, accessible with hardware buttons even when the phone is locked.
Important: What You Should Know Before Proceeding
Performing a hard reset will:
✅ Remove any passwords, PINs, or pattern locks
✅ Delete all personal data, including photos, messages, and installed apps
✅ Restore the device to factory condition
✅ Require your Google login during setup (Factory Reset Protection)
You must know your Google account login credentials (email and password) used previously on the device. Otherwise, after the reset, your phone may get stuck in FRP (Factory Reset Protection) mode for security reasons.
Step-by-Step: How to Hard Reset iQOO Z9s 5G Without a Password
Let’s now go through the exact steps to reset your iQOO Z9s 5G using button combinations:
Step 1: Power Off the Device
First, turn off your phone completely:
- Press and hold the Power button until the screen goes black.
- Make sure the phone is fully powered down before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Boot into Fastboot Mode
Now, you’ll need to access the phone’s Fastboot mode:
- Press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons for around 10–15 seconds.
- You will see the Fastboot Mode screen appear.
This is a special diagnostic mode where you can access recovery options.
Step 3: Navigate to Recovery Mode
Once you’re in Fastboot mode:
- Use the Volume Up/Down buttons to scroll through the menu.
- Select Recovery Mode by pressing the Power button.
Your phone will now reboot into iQOO’s Recovery Mode interface.
Step 4: Perform Factory Reset
In Recovery Mode, follow these steps:
- Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset.
- Confirm the selection using the Power button.
- Choose Yes to proceed with the reset.
The device will begin wiping all user data. This may take a minute or two.
Step 5: Reboot System Now
Once the reset is complete:
- Highlight and select Reboot system now using the Power button.
Your iQOO Z9s 5G will now restart. The first boot may take a little longer than usual—this is normal.
After the Reset – Google Account Verification
When the device restarts, it will ask you to set it up as if it’s new. During setup:
- You’ll be prompted to connect to Wi-Fi.
- You must sign in with the same Google account that was previously synced on this device.
This is part of Google’s FRP (Factory Reset Protection) to prevent unauthorized use after a reset.
If you don’t remember the credentials, you will need to recover your Google account first at https://accounts.google.com.
When Should You Use a Hard Reset?
Here are a few real-life situations where a hard reset becomes useful:
- Forgotten Password or Pattern – If you’re locked out and can’t access the phone.
- Phone Freezing or Lagging – To fix performance issues that can’t be solved with a simple restart.
- Preparing to Sell or Gift – To remove all personal data before handing it over.
- Software Glitches or Viruses – If your phone is behaving oddly or infected with malware.
What Gets Erased in a Factory Reset?
A lot! Here’s what will be deleted:
- Contacts
- Messages and call logs
- Photos and videos
- Downloaded apps and settings
- Wi-Fi passwords and saved Bluetooth devices
- Home screen layout and themes
If your device is still accessible before resetting, back up your data to Google Drive or a PC.
Alternative: Reset via iQOO Settings (When Unlocked)
If your phone is still unlocked and accessible, you can reset it via:
Settings > System > Reset Options > Erase all data (factory reset)
This method is simpler and also allows you to back up your data before the wipe.
Troubleshooting Tips
Can’t Access Recovery Mode?
- Ensure the device is fully powered off.
- Hold both buttons firmly—timing matters.
Phone Stuck on Logo After Reset?
- Wait at least 10 minutes—it may be optimizing apps.
- If it doesn’t proceed, re-enter Recovery Mode and wipe cache partition (if available).
Forgot Google Account Details?
- Recover your Gmail ID from Google’s account recovery page before the reset.
Watch a Video Tutorial (Optional)
If you prefer a visual step-by-step, many YouTube tech channels offer tutorials on hard resetting iQOO phones. Just search:
👉 “Hard Reset iQOO Z9s 5G Forgotten Password” on YouTube
Final Thoughts
A hard reset can feel intimidating, but it’s a powerful solution when you’re locked out of your iQOO Z9s 5G. Whether you’ve forgotten your password or are troubleshooting deeper performance issues, following the steps above will help restore your phone back to life.
Just remember to back up important data (if possible) and be prepared to enter your Google account credentials post-reset.