Factory resetting a Samsung phone is a useful process when you’re experiencing issues such as slow performance, software glitches, or if you’re preparing to sell or give away your device. A factory reset will erase all data and settings, restoring the phone to its original state, just as it was when you first unboxed it. If you want to reset your Samsung phone, this step-by-step guide will help you navigate through the process securely and efficiently.
Why Factory Reset Your Samsung Phone?
Before diving into the process, let’s briefly look at why you might want to factory reset your Samsung phone:
- Fix Performance Issues: Over time, apps, cache, and system files can accumulate, leading to slower performance. A reset can give your phone a fresh start.
- Resolve Persistent Software Problems: If your phone is acting up with bugs or freezing frequently, a reset may solve these problems.
- Prepare for Sale or Transfer: If you’re planning to sell, donate, or give away your Samsung device, a factory reset ensures all your personal data is wiped from the phone.
- Clear Up Space: If you’re running out of storage or need to clear unnecessary files, a factory reset can help you reclaim storage space.
Let’s now guide you through the various ways you can reset your Samsung phone safely.
see: how to factory reset a laptop
Preparation Before Factory Resetting Your Samsung Phone
Before performing a factory reset, it’s essential to back up your data, sign out of accounts, and take some other preparatory steps to protect your information.
1. Backup Your Data
Factory resetting your phone will erase all apps, photos, messages, and other personal data. To avoid losing important files, make sure to back up your data.
Backup to Samsung Cloud:
- Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Backup and Restore.
- Tap Back up data under Samsung Cloud.
- Select the items you wish to back up (photos, contacts, apps, etc.).
- Tap Back Up Now to complete the process.
Backup to Google Drive:
- Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Backup and Restore.
- Tap on Google Drive under the Google Account section.
- Tap Back Up Now to ensure that your data (contacts, calendar, and app data) is backed up.
Backup to External Storage:
You can also back up your photos, videos, and other files to an SD card or external storage by going to the My Files app and copying the files to your external storage device.
2. Sign Out of Your Google Account and Samsung Account
To prevent your phone from being locked by Factory Reset Protection (FRP) after a reset, you need to sign out of your Google and Samsung accounts.
Sign Out of Google Account:
- Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Accounts.
- Select Google and tap on your account.
- Tap Remove Account to log out of your Google account.
Sign Out of Samsung Account:
- Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Accounts.
- Select Samsung Account and tap on your account.
- Tap Remove Account to sign out of your Samsung account.
3. Disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP)
Factory Reset Protection is a security feature that requires your Google account credentials after a factory reset. To avoid this, make sure to sign out of your Google account before resetting your Samsung phone.
Once you’ve backed up your data and signed out of your accounts, you’re ready to proceed with the factory reset.
Method 1: Factory Reset Using Settings
The most straightforward way to reset your Samsung phone is directly through the Settings menu. This method does not require any additional tools or computers.
Step 1: Open Settings
- Go to the Settings app on your Samsung phone.
Step 2: Navigate to Reset Option
- Scroll down and tap on General Management.
- Tap on Reset.
Step 3: Select Factory Data Reset
- From the Reset menu, tap on Factory data reset.
- This will show a list of data that will be erased, such as apps, photos, videos, and settings.
- Scroll down and tap Reset to proceed.
Step 4: Confirm the Reset
- Your phone will ask you to confirm the reset. Tap Delete All or Confirm.
- You may be prompted to enter your PIN, password, or pattern lock if you have one set up.
- If prompted, enter your Samsung account password or Google account password to remove your accounts and confirm the reset.
Step 5: Wait for the Reset to Complete
The phone will restart, and the factory reset process will begin. It may take several minutes to complete, depending on the device model and the amount of data on the phone.
Once the reset is complete, your phone will reboot to the Welcome screen, indicating that the reset is finished, and your device is now restored to its original factory settings.
Method 2: Factory Reset Using Hardware Keys (Recovery Mode)
If your Samsung phone is not responsive or you’re unable to access the settings due to software issues, you can perform a factory reset using the hardware keys to enter Recovery Mode.
Step 1: Power Off Your Phone
Ensure your phone is completely powered off. If it’s unresponsive, hold down the Power button for about 10 seconds to force a shutdown.
Step 2: Enter Recovery Mode
- Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Bixby button (if applicable) simultaneously.
- While holding those, press and hold the Power button.
- Once the Samsung logo appears, release all buttons. You should now be in Recovery Mode.
Step 3: Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset
- In Recovery Mode, use the Volume Up/Down buttons to navigate to the option that says Wipe data/factory reset.
- Press the Power button to select this option.
Step 4: Confirm the Reset
- You will see a confirmation screen asking if you want to delete all user data. Use the Volume Down button to highlight Yes, then press the Power button to confirm.
Step 5: Wait for the Reset to Complete
The phone will begin erasing all data and resetting to factory settings. Once it’s done, you’ll be taken back to the main menu in Recovery Mode.
Step 6: Reboot Your Phone
- Select Reboot system now and press the Power button.
- Your phone will restart and boot up to the Welcome screen.
Method 3: Factory Reset Using Find My Mobile (Samsung Account)
If your phone is lost or you can’t access the settings, you can remotely perform a factory reset using Samsung’s Find My Mobile service.
Step 1: Go to Samsung’s Find My Mobile Website
- Open a web browser on your computer and go to Samsung Find My Mobile.
- Log in with your Samsung account credentials.
Step 2: Select Your Device
- Once logged in, select your Samsung phone from the list of registered devices.
Step 3: Select Factory Data Reset
- On the left-hand side, click on Erase data.
- Follow the prompts to confirm and start the reset process remotely.
Step 4: Wait for the Reset to Complete
Your phone will be wiped clean and reset to its factory settings. Afterward, the phone will reboot, and you’ll need to set it up again from scratch.
Conclusion
Factory resetting your Samsung phone can help resolve persistent issues, clear up storage, and protect your privacy when you’re ready to sell or transfer the device. Whether you reset using the Settings app, hardware keys, or Find My Mobile, ensure you back up your data and sign out of your accounts to avoid complications.
By following these simple steps, your Samsung phone will be restored to its original factory state—ready for a fresh start.
