to reset / reverse / set back
Loading your saved state.
to reset
To return an electronic device, software, or system to its original factory settings or to an earlier state.
Wenn das Handy nicht mehr reagiert, musst du es auf die Werkseinstellungen zurücksetzen.
If the phone no longer responds, you have to reset it to factory settings.
to reverse
To move a vehicle or person backward or place them in a position farther back.
Der Fahrer musste das Auto ein paar Meter zurücksetzen, um die Einfahrt freizumachen.
The driver had to reverse the car a few meters to clear the driveway.
to set back
To disadvantage someone in their development, rank, or position, or to place them on a lower level.
Nach seiner langen Krankheit fühlte er sich beruflich um Jahre zurückgesetzt.
After his long illness, he felt set back by years professionally.
to release back
To release a captured animal back into its natural environment.
Der Angler hat den zu kleinen Fisch wieder ins Wasser zurückgesetzt.
The angler released the too-small fish back into the water.
'Zurücksetzen' (to reset/reverse/set back) is a separable verb. The prefix 'zurück-' comes at the end in a main clause. In subordinate clauses or in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Ich setze mein Passwort zurück.
I reset my password.
The exact meaning of 'zurücksetzen' (to reset/reverse/set back) is usually made clear by the direct object. A device is reset to factory settings, a car is moved backward, and an animal is released back into nature.
Kannst du bitte dein Handy zurücksetzen?
Can you please reset your phone?
In a technical context, the fixed expression 'auf die Werkseinstellungen zurücksetzen' (to reset to factory settings) is very common. The preposition 'auf' with the accusative indicates the target state here.
Als letzte Lösung können Sie das Tablet auf die Werkseinstellungen zurücksetzen.
As a last resort, you can reset the tablet to factory settings.
In the figurative meaning (to disadvantage someone), the verb is often used in the passive or reflexively with 'sich fühlen' (to feel). It then describes a state that one suffers or experiences.
Durch die Umstrukturierung wurde sie beruflich zurückgesetzt.
Because of the restructuring, she was set back professionally.
When an animal is released, the place is often given with the preposition 'in' and the accusative. The structure is: ein Tier in seinen Lebensraum zurücksetzen (to release an animal back into its habitat).
Die Forscher setzen die Schildkröte wieder ins Meer zurück.
The researchers release the turtle back into the sea.
to restore
In IT, wiederherstellen means restoring backed-up data or a system from a backup. By contrast, zurücksetzen means returning a device or system to its factory settings or to a specific earlier state. Use wiederherstellen when a backup is available, and zurücksetzen when resetting the configuration.
Nach dem Fehler setzt Lea das System auf die Werkseinstellungen zurück.
After the error, Lea resets the system to its factory settings.
Nach dem Fehler stellt Lea das System aus dem gestrigen Backup wieder her.
After the error, Lea restores the system from yesterday's backup.
