To carry out a Wipe we must access the recovery mode of the device. Here we will find different Wipe types and each one will erase different types of data.
Types of Wipe
Within the recovery that comes by default in our smartphones, and which is accessed differently according to the manufacturer, we will find a couple of options: Wipe Data / Factory Reset and Wipe Cache Partition. If we have a custom recovery we can also choose another option called Wipe Dalvik / ART Cache.
AndroidPIT wipe recovery
In the stock recovery we can find a pair of wipes. / © AndroidPIT
Wipe Data / Factory Reset
With 'Wipe Data / Factory Reset' we will erase all our data and everything we have stored in the device (applications, settings, photos, videos, updates of system applications, downloads, accounts, etc). The smartphone will be as fresh as it came out of the box, your system will return to factory status.
This formatting is very similar to what can be done from Settings> Sec. and reset> Factory data reset.
Wipe Cache Partition
With 'Wipe Cache Partition' we will erase the cache memory. The cache is a part of the memory with an image of the system that the processor can access quickly. With this Wipe our data will not be erased but the next time we start the device it will take more time.
Wipe Dalvik / ART Cache
In cache Dalvik / ART is the cache of applications to be able to launch them faster. This Wipe is only found in advanced Recovery that we install on our smartphone, also called Custom ReCovery. By deleting this cache, personal files and installed applications are not lost.
AndroidPIT root flash recovery mode fastboot 1007 gears
'Clean' your smartphone and leave it as good as new. / © AndroidPIT
Why Wipe? What Wipe is better for what?
Making a Wipe Data / Factory Reset will leave the device with the new factory system. Needless to say that before making a Wipe of this type we have to make a backup if we do not want to lose our photos, data and everything else we have on our smartphone.
When changing a ROM, for example from our manufacturer's Android to Lineage OS, it is advisable to make a Wipe Data before installing. After the installation we will have to make a wipe of the cache so that the new system is loaded.
If we have operating problems with applications or the system has lags, we can try a wipe of the cache since it sometimes solves the problem.