Resetting Android OS to a factory default state

Issue / Question

How to Factory reset MC32?

Reset an MC32 running Android OS to a factory state using Micro SD card or ADB methods

Applicable To

MC32N0 MC32

Resolution / Answer

MC32N0 running the Android OS

Download the Android Recovery mode Factory reset package file from the Zebra web site, http://www.zebra.com/support 
example: MC32N0JXXXRFEN00005.zip  - Recovery mode Factory reset package

Using SD card

• Copy the reset package M32N0JXXRFxxxxxxx.zip (do not unzip) file to the root directory of the micro SD card
• Insert SD into MC32
• Press and hold 1 + 9 + Power Key to reboot the MC32 it will power off
• Immediately Release 1 + 9 + Power keys and then
  • On the MC32N0–G Pistol grip devices keys and hold pistol grip trigger
  • On the MC32N0 non-pistol grip devices, press and hold the Right Scan button 
• When Android image appears on the screen release trigger key
• Press the Home key to launch Recovery menu
• Use up and down arrows to navigate and enter key to select menu items
• Select “apply update from sdcard”
• Select the Factory reset package such as M32N0JXXRFxxxxxxx.zip file package from the /sdcard
• When the update is completed select “reboot system now”

Using ADB Sideload Method

Prerequisites:

• Download and install Google ADB (https://developer.android.com/studio/command-line/adb.html)
• Install Zebra USB Android Drivers (https://www.zebra.com/us/en/support-downloads/software/drivers/android-usb-driver.html)
• Single Slot Cradle with USB cable connect to PC
• or USB communication Charge Cable connected to PC
• Familiarity using Windows Command prompt

Procedure:

• Press and hold 1 + 9 + Power Key to reboot the MC32 it will power off
• Immediately Release 1 + 9 + Power keys and then
  • On the MC32N0–G Pistol grip devices keys and hold pistol grip trigger
  • On the MC32N0 non-pistol grip devices, press and hold the Right Scan button 
• Continue holding the trigger until the Android image appears on the screen then release trigger key
• Press the Home key to launch the Android System Recovery menu
• Insert MC32N0 into Cradle or Communication Cable connected to your PC
• On the MC32N0 use the up and down arrows to navigate and enter key to select menu items
• Select “apply update from ADB”
• From your PC open your Command Prompt and navigate to the directory
• Type " adb devices" and check list of devices attached shows sideload

• ​Type “adb sideload” and add a space and then on the PC open the folder containing the reset package and drag and drop the file to the command prompt windows then press enter

• You will see the progress on the PC and MC32 screen will show files being installed and the formatting of the Partitions 
• When complete the Android Recovery screen menu will be displayed
• Select "reboot system now"