Zebra TC51 & TC56: how to soft, hard & factory reset, enter recovery mode and more…

Buttons quick reference guide

Zebra TC51 buttons quick reference guide power on off push to talk PTT scan left right volume sound up down plus minus

  1. PTT button – initiates push-to-talk communications (programmable)
  2. Left SCAN button – initiates barcode data capture (programmable)
  3. POWER button – turns the device on and off
  4.  VOLUME UP (+) button – increases audio volume (programmable)
  5. VOLUME DOWN (-) button – decreases audio volume (programmable)
  6. Right SCAN button – initiates barcode data capture (programmable)

How to perform a Soft Reset on Zebra TC51 & TC56

Soft reset could be helpful if your applications are running slow, freezing or not responsive, after installing some new software, or after changing some system settings. A soft reset reboots the device but preserves all the information stored in RAM. To perform a soft reset, complete the following steps:

  • The device must be turned on
  • Press and hold the POWER button until the power options menu box appears
  • Select “Reboot” option
  • The device will reboot
  • The soft reset procedure is now complete

How to perform a Hard Reset on Zebra TC51 & TC56

Hard reset reboots the device and closes all applications running in RAM. Warning! If necessary, remove a microSD card installed in your Zebra TC51 or TC56 mobile computer before performing a hard reset, otherwise, it may damage or corrupt your data. To perform a hard reset, complete the following steps:

  • Simultaneously press and hold POWER, PTT (push to talk) and VOLUME UP (+) buttons
  • Release the buttons after the screen turns off
  • Wait until the device is finished rebooting.
  • The hard reset procedure is now complete

How to perform a Factory Reset on Zebra TC51 & TC56

Factory reset will remove all data, applications, and settings, and it will revert the device back to its original factory state. Warning! Always back up your important data before performing a factory reset on any of your devices. To perform a factory reset, complete the following steps:

  • Unlock the device
  • Go to “Settings”, scroll down and select “Backup & Reset”
  • Select “Enterprise data reset”
  • Read the warning message
  • Select “Reset phone”
  • Select “Erase everything”
  • The process may take several minutes
  • The device will reboot after everything is erased.
  • The factory reset procedure is now complete

How to enter Recovery Mode on Zebra TC51 & TC56

  • Turn on the device
  • Press and hold the POWER button until you see the power options menu box
  • Press and hold the PPT button on the left side of the device
  • Select “Reboot” option on the screen while still holding down the PPT button
  • Release the PPT button when you see the “Zebra” logo on the screen
  • Wait until the “Recovery mode” screen appears
  • You now have successfully entered the Recovery Mode

How to take a screenshot on Zebra TC51 or TC56 mobile computer

  • Simultaneously press and hold POWER and VOLUME DOWN (-) buttons
  • Release the buttons after the screenshot is taken
  • Taken screenshots will be saved to “Screenshots” album inside the “Photos” app.