Smartphone users Samsung often face the need to completely return the device to its factory state. This may be required when selling a gadget, critical errors in the system, or before installing new firmware. This process is technically called resetting the settings or Hard Reset. It is important to understand that the result will be irreversible if you do not prepare in advance.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the available methods for clearing the device memory. We will look at a standard reset through settings, using the engineering menu and working with the computer. We will pay special attention to the issues of data security and account blocking Google.
All data stored on the device, including contacts, photos and applications, will be deleted permanently. Therefore, before starting any manipulations, it is strongly recommended to create a backup copy. This can be done through the cloud or manually transferring files to your computer.
Preparing the device for a full reset
Before starting the data deletion process, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps. Ignoring these steps may result in your phone being turned into a brick or blocked by a security system. First of all, check the battery level. If it is below 50%, connect the charger.
Be sure to unlink your account Google i Samsung Account. This is a critical step to bypass FRP (Factory Reset Protection). If you reset the settings without logging out of your account, the next time you activate the phone, you will be prompted to enter the password from the previous owner.
⚠️ Attention: If you have forgotten your Google account password, restore access before the reset begins. Otherwise, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult and expensive.
It is also worth removing the memory card microSD and SIM card. Although modern versions Android usually ask whether you need to format the external card, physical removal ensures the safety of your files. Don't forget to write down important passwords for applications if they are not synchronized with the cloud.
☑️ Checklist before formatting
Method 1: Reset through the Android settings menu
The simplest and safest method is available directly from the operating system interface. It is suitable for devices that turn on and respond to touches. The interface may differ slightly depending on the version One UI, but the logic remains the same.
Go to the section Settings and find the item General settings. On some models, this section may simply be called “System”. Next, select the option Reset. The system will offer several options, but we need exactly Reset data.
A warning will appear on the screen about what data will be deleted. Read the list carefully. If you agree, click the button Reset at the bottom of the screen. To confirm the action, the system may request PIN codea pattern key or a fingerprint.
Before pressing the “Reset” button, take a screenshot of the screen with the list of deleted data - this way you won’t forget anything and can later check that exactly gone.
After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin. The device will reboot and you will see a logo Samsung with a progress indicator. This stage can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory and processor speed.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone freezes, does not turn on, or you forgot the pattern key, recovery mode will help Recovery Mode. This method works on the hardware level and does not require access to the desktop. However, on new models with Android 11 and higher, entering this mode often requires a connection to a PC via USB.
Turn off the phone completely. If it does not respond to the power button, press Volume Down and Power at the same time for 7-10 seconds until the screen goes blank. Immediately after turning off, hold down the combination of buttons to enter the menu.
⚠️ Attention: On new Samsung smartphones (S21, S22, S23 series and newer), be sure to connect the phone with a USB cable to the computer before by pressing buttons. Without connection, the menu will not appear.
Press the Volume Up and Power buttons at the same time. Hold them down until the logo appears, then release the Power button, but continue to hold down the Volume. When a menu appears with a black background and blue/yellow text, you can release all buttons.
Navigation in this menu is carried out with the volume buttons (up/down), and confirmation of the choice is done with the power button. Select item Wipe data/factory reset. Confirm the action by selecting Factory data reset. Once completed, select Reboot system now.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not appear?
If the button combination does not work, try connecting the device to the charger rather than to the PC. Also make sure that the phone is completely turned off and not just rebooted. In rare cases, repeatedly pressing the power button while holding the volume down helps.
Deleting accounts and FRP protection
The security system FRP (Factory Reset Protection) was implemented to protect against theft. It links the device to the owner's account. If the settings are reset by an unauthorized person, activation of the phone will require entering the username and password of the original owner.
To avoid problems, you must delete accounts before formatting. Go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Manage accounts. Select the desired profile Google or Samsung and click Delete account entry.
| Account type | Where it is in the menu | Risk of skipping |
|---|---|---|
| Settings → Accounts | Activation lock (FRP) | |
| Samsung Account | Settings → Accounts | Inability to use services |
| Mi Account / Other | Third-party applications | Blocking specific functions |
If you If you are selling a phone, deleting accounts is a sign of respect for the new owner and a guarantee that he will be able to fully use the gadget. Otherwise, the device will become a useless piece of plastic and glass.
Data recovery after formatting
After the phone turns on in its original form, the setup process will begin. The system will prompt you to connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your account Google. It is at this stage that data is synchronized and restored from the cloud.
When you log into your account Google, the phone will automatically offer to restore the backup. You will be able to select the date of the last saved version. Contacts, call history, settings and a list of installed applications will be returned.
Photos and videos, if they were synchronized with Google Photos, will appear in the gallery automatically as they are loaded. If you made a backup to your computer, just connect your phone with a cable and copy the files back to the internal memory or card microSD.
Recovery from the cloud occurs only when connected to Wi-Fi. mobile data may be too slow or expensive to download large amounts of data.
Typical errors and ways to solve them
Unforeseen situations may arise during the formatting process. The most common problem is getting stuck on the logo after a reset. This is usually solved by waiting: initial system setup can take up to 20 minutes.
Sometimes the phone reboots cyclically (bootloop). In this case, re-entering Recovery Mode and selecting item Wipe cache partitionwill help. This will clear temporary system files without affecting personal data, but often resolves boot errors.
⚠️ Note: One UI is updated regularly. The location of menu items may vary. If you don't find the section you need, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon).
If after a reset the sensor does not work correctly or the screen flickers, the problem may be hardware in nature. A soft reset does not cure physical damage to the matrix or cable. In such a situation, a visit to the service center will be required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the Android operating system be deleted when formatted?
No, the operating system will remain in place. A reset returns system settings to factory defaults and deletes user data, but the firmware itself is not affected. The Android version will remain the same as before the reset.
Is it possible to recover deleted photos after a Hard Reset?
The chances are extremely low. Formatting removes the encryption keys, making the data unreadable. Specialized software can help only in rare cases, if the memory cells have not been overwritten with new information.
How long does the reset process on Samsung take?
Usually the procedure takes from 5 to 15 minutes. The time depends on the amount of internal memory and the number of files. Older models with slow drives may last longer.
Do you need to update the phone immediately after a reset?
It is recommended to check for updates in the Settings → Software updatesection. Latest security patches and bug fixes will ensure stable operation of the device immediately after cleaning.