🔄 How to Factory Reset the R36S Handheld Console – Full 2025 Guide

If your R36S handheld console is running slow, freezing, or you just want a fresh start, performing a factory reset can help.

Many players search “how to factory reset R36S” after installing new firmware or facing system glitches — and doing it the right way ensures you won’t lose important data.

This guide will walk you through how to reset your R36S safely, the difference between a soft and hard reset, and how to reinstall firmware if needed.

 

⚙️ What Does Factory Reset Mean on the R36S?

A factory reset restores your R36S handheld console to its original software state — just like it was when you first unboxed it.

That means:

-All saved games and settings are erased.

-Your custom emulator configurations will reset.

-Firmware remains the same (unless you choose to reflash).

⚠️ Before you start: Always back up your save files and ROMs!

You can do this by connecting your R36S to your computer or removing the SD card.

 

🧩 Step 1: Identify Your Firmware Type

Different R36S models run different firmware systems.

The reset process depends on which one you have:

Firmware	How to Check	Reset Method
ArkOS	Boot logo shows “ArkOS”	Built-in system reset menu
JELOS	JELOS logo or colorful UI	Software reset via menu
Batocera	Blue-themed UI	Factory reset from system settings
Stock R36S (no OS)	Default UI, limited settings	Manual SD card reflash

If you’re unsure which one you have, look at your startup screen or open Settings → About System.

 

🕹️ Step 2: Soft Reset (Safe Mode Reboot)

If your system is only lagging or has minor errors, start with a soft reset.

Hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force shutdown.

Wait a few seconds.

Turn the R36S back on.

This clears temporary cache and often fixes freezing or boot loops without wiping your data.

 

🔧 Step 3: Factory Reset via System Settings

If you’re using ArkOS or JELOS, follow these steps:

🔹 ArkOS Factory Reset

Go to Main Menu → Settings → System Settings

Scroll down and select Factory Reset

Confirm when prompted

Wait for the system to erase all data and reboot

🧠 Tip: Your ROMs and save data on the external SD card (roms partition) won’t be deleted unless you manually format them.

 

🔹 JELOS Factory Reset

From the main menu, press Start → System Settings → System → Reset Settings

Choose Reset All Settings to Default

Select Yes → Confirm

The system will automatically reboot with default configurations

💡 This resets themes, button mappings, and emulator settings but keeps your ROM files intact.

 

🔹 Batocera Factory Reset

Navigate to Main Menu → System Settings → Developer → Reset Configuration

Confirm to restore factory defaults

After reboot, reconfigure your language and controls

This is ideal if you’ve modified advanced settings and want to return to a clean state.

 

💾 Step 4: Full System Reflash (Hard Reset)

If your R36S won’t boot, freezes on startup, or menus are inaccessible — you’ll need to reflash the SD card.

What You’ll Need:

A computer (Windows or macOS)

MicroSD card reader

The correct R36S firmware image (ArkOS, JELOS, or Stock OS)

Balena Etcher or Win32DiskImager software

Steps:

Download the proper firmware image (check model compatibility).

Insert your SD card into your computer.

Use Balena Etcher to write the image onto the SD card.

Once complete, safely eject and insert the card into your R36S.

Power on — your device will boot like new.

⚠️ Warning: This process deletes everything on the SD card. Always back up before flashing.

 

🧠 Step 5: Restore Save Files (Optional)

If you backed up your game saves earlier:

Connect your R36S to your PC via USB.

Copy your saved data (usually in /roms/saves/ or /retroarch/saves/) back into the same folder.

Reboot and verify your games load properly.

 

🧩 Common Factory Reset Issues

1️⃣ R36S stuck on boot logo after reset

– Reflash the firmware from scratch.

2️⃣ Menu won’t load or screen stays black

– Try a different SD card or clean the contacts.

3️⃣ Buttons not working post-reset

– Reconfigure input under Settings → Input → Configure Controls.

 

🧘 When Should You Factory Reset?

Consider a factory reset if:

Your console crashes often or lags

You installed the wrong emulator core

The UI language or buttons are messed up

You plan to sell or give away your console

If your system runs fine, avoid unnecessary resets — it’s better to back up and maintain firmware instead.

 

🚀 Final Thoughts

Resetting your R36S handheld console can breathe new life into your device — whether you’re troubleshooting, decluttering, or starting over with a clean slate.

Always back up your SD card first, follow the steps carefully, and you’ll have your R36S running smoothly again in no time.