Not all Nokia phones can be formatted by the so called “Formatting codes” (Will not work in S40 phones like Nokia 6300, 7210, 5130 etc and older Nokia Generic OS based phones like Nokia 1600, 2600 etc). These phones can only be formatted through flashing (Re-installing) their OS software (Firmware) via data cable and computer. Only Symbian S60 (And a few other) based mobiles have built-in support for the format codes. So format codes will work in all Symbian^1 (S60 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 5th edition) phones like Nokia 3650, 3660, 6600, 6630, 6680, 6681, 3230, 7610, 6670, 3250, N70, N72, N73, N75, N76, N77, N78, N79, N80, N81, N82, N83, N85, N86, N90, N91, N92, N93, N95, N96, N97, 5800, 500, C5-05 and other touchscreen phones plus the newer Symbian^3 (or Anna, Belle) phones (Nokia N8, C7, C6-01, E7, Nokia 603, 700, 701 etc).
Now there are two methods to format the phone, depending upon the situation:
A. When the phone is in working condition:
Just press any of the following two codes at standby screen
*#7780# or
*#7370#
Phone will ask for confirmation and security code (Default security code is 12345), enter it and wait for the formatting to complete. Bingo! everything in phone memory will be erased and phone will be back to factory settings.
B. Hard Reset (Applicable for S60 2nd and 3rd edition phones only) – When the phone is not starting-up (i.e. not working after white screen or Nokia Logo screen) – then follow these steps:
1. Switch-off the phone
2. Press and hold following three keys simultaneously (Remember “All the three keys” simultaneously):
Green Key (OK or Number Dialing key), Star key (*) and Three key (3 number key)
3. While still holding the above three keys, press the power on/off key to switch-on the phone.
Still continue holding the three keys until phone boots up and the “formatting” screen appears. Now you can release the keys, confirm if asked and then wait for the format to complete. Now the phone will be restored to its original factory settings. The above format will reset the phone but most probably will not clear the operator’s lock codes.
Read Here to know about hard reset method for Nokia N97, 5800, 5230, 5530 and other touchscreen S60 5th edition phones.
FORMATTING COMMUNICATORS:
Follow the instructions below to format Nokia 9300/9500 (Communicators)
1. Restart the phone
2. Just when the “NOKIA” logo appears on screen, PRESS AND HOLD following three keys simultaneously:
Shift (Up Arrow key) + Ctrl + F
3. KEEP HOLDING them until phone prompts you whether or not to proceed with format. If however the format menu does not appear this way then remove and re-insert the battery and try again. If the phone display remains black after inserting the battery, press power button on the phone side while keeping the cover open and repeat the above procedure. After formatting, phone will reboot. If the screen remains white after reboot, press power button on the phone side while keeping the cover open.
NOTE: Before formatting the phone, make sure –
1. That you backup all your phone data to either computer or memory card as formatting will erase everything in phone memory.
2. That the phone’s battery is charged fully or is plugged in AC power because if unfortunately, the phone runs out of battery during format, then the phone may get permanently damaged and irreparable.
3. If your phone is infected with a virus (Only applies to 1st and 2nd edition phones) then also format the memory card and scan it with a good computer antivirus like Avast.
I hope that the above instructions will help the needy.
For More Nokia Secret Codes read Here, Here and Here
Also checkout the codes for screen upside-down trick Here.
Related posts:
March 3, 2009 at 10:05 AM
Extremely useful information. My Nokia was infected a few months back. I wish I had this information earlier or at least I had the presence of mind to ask you.
March 3, 2009 at 7:31 PM
@Venkata
Hi venkata, Thanks for visiting, I am really happy that you find this post useful. I always want to share with my readers, whatever knowledge I have. Thanks for your appreciation also. I am always there, if you have any query regarding mobiles or medicine just mail me or leave a comment…. Bye
September 26, 2011 at 7:26 PM
Please help me. I want to flash my nokia 2730classic by JAF. But it failed to flash my phone. Now my phone is dead. When I pess the switch on button, it doesnt open. Even there is no Nokia logo or white screen…Can i back my phone….If yes then how..please reply…please please please….
September 26, 2011 at 9:24 PM
I am afraid to say this but from the error log it looks like your phone can not be flashed by PC (its ROM chip might have been corrupted). Now the only option remains to get it repaired by an authorized personnel at Nokia care (or by an experienced mobile mechanic). Sorry buddy…
March 11, 2010 at 12:00 AM
need help for my nokia x6,when i switch-on the phone it not on,after vibrat only and nothing happen……
December 12, 2010 at 10:34 AM
how bout if nakalimutan na ung sec. code ng phone for 6300.. i tried na ung master code pero wala parin
December 16, 2010 at 5:21 AM
THANKS YAAR!!!!!
I SUCCESSFULLY FORMATTED MY NOKIA X6
October 17, 2011 at 6:56 PM
i have a nokia x6 when i boot it only nokia logo appeals. do we have the same problem for you gone formatting your nokia x6?
July 28, 2011 at 6:53 AM
hi..
i want to reformat my phne kasi na lock ang phone lock,,is there any way po ba?i need help pleasse..na block na po sya 5230
October 18, 2011 at 12:48 AM
Pls I recently flashed my nokia E62 but I noticed that it can neither send messages nor connect to the internet. Pls what do I do? .
October 26, 2011 at 3:13 PM
I have been reading about the hard reset button trick to start your N8 again because the screen only says ‘Phone start up failed. Contact the retailer.’
I have tried and tried this holding down the 3 keys and even pressing the on/off button as well. I does do 3 quick vibrations but i seem to have no success.
can anyone help please
October 26, 2011 at 3:41 PM
Dear Louise, if the above method is not working then you may consider flashing the phone using Phoenix
October 27, 2011 at 2:07 AM
Please sir can you tell me what flashing the phone means? If you mean to hook it up to the computer and do something with it there than that has also been unsuccessful as all the screen says start up failed etc. I can turn it off and and it goes off and when i turn it on it only has those words.
I will try flashing the phone i hope you can tell more about it for me and i hope it works.
Thankyou Shoaib Siddiqui.x.
October 27, 2011 at 9:57 PM
I have described flashing in detail, please refer to this post – http://digipassion.com/2011/09/phoenix-flashing-tutorial-original-custom-firmware-symbian-belle-on-phones-nokia-n8-via-pc.html
January 7, 2012 at 12:43 AM
thanks alot am very greatful about ur post but u never post the one that going too work for my nokia e75 my phone affected with a serious problem which if i start my phone he use too show me
PHONE START-UP FAILED. Contact the retailer
thanks sir
January 8, 2012 at 12:15 AM
better contact Nokia care
January 22, 2012 at 10:43 AM
morning sohaib,hi i m having nokia c6.00 whnever i start ma cell in morning after charging .it alwasy show system eror msg ,wht to do help me,n c6.00 issymbian 5 th edition phn or upgraded version let me knw please.thnx
April 9, 2012 at 9:57 AM
hello sir please help me that i have nokia N79 and my phone keys 2,6,7and 0 is not working what should i do ?????
May 3, 2012 at 2:18 PM
can somebody help me unlock my nokia 6680 or format it.my email is maxmasterkali@gmail.com