Introduction to the reset procedure
Modern smartphones of the series Galaxy A from Samsung are reliable devices, but over time, even they may encounter software glitches, slowdowns, or screen locks. When the phone starts to slow down, freeze, or you simply forgot the pattern key, the only correct solution is to completely return to its original state. This procedure, known as Hard Reset or "factory reset", deletes all user information, returning the software to the state it was in when purchased.
Many users are afraid to perform this operation for fear of permanently breaking the device or losing important files forever. However, if you follow a clear algorithm of actions, the risk of damage to the system is reduced to zero. The reset process on the model Samsung Galaxy A51 is a standard maintenance procedure and does not require special technical skills or expensive equipment. It is only important to prepare in advance and understand exactly what data will be lost during the operation.
In this article we will examine in detail the two main recovery methods: through the settings menu of the Android operating system and through the special Recovery service menu. Each method has its own characteristics and is used in different situations, for example, when the phone turns on normally or when it is locked and does not respond to the sensor. Carefully study each step to complete the procedure safely and effectively.
Preparing the device for a full reset
Before taking drastic measures, you need to perform a number of preparatory steps that will protect you from losing critical data. The most important task is to create a backup copy of all information. Resetting your settings permanently deletes photos, contacts, instant messenger conversations, and installed applications. Use Google cloud services or a proprietary utility Samsung Smart Switch to save data to a computer or external drive.
The second critical point concerns your Google account. Modern versions of Android have anti-theft protection (FRP - Factory Reset Protection). If you reset your phone without logging out of your Google account first, the next time you turn it on, the system will require you to enter the login and password from the previous owner. Without this data, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult, and sometimes impossible, without contacting a service center.
⚠️ Attention: Be sure to remove the microSD memory card before starting the procedure. Although the system will usually warn you about formatting, physically removing the media will ensure that your personal files on the card are not accidentally deleted or damaged during the process of wiping the internal memory.
Also make sure that the battery charge is at least 60-70%. The reset and subsequent initial setup process may take 15 to 40 minutes, and a sudden power outage at this point may result in system file corruption. Connect your device to a charger or make sure the charge level is reliable before starting.
- 📸 Back up photos and videos to Google Photos or to your PC.
- 📞 Export contacts to a VCF file or sync them to your Google account.
- 🔐 Sign out of your Google account in phone settings before resetting.
- 🔋 Check the battery level (minimum 60%).
Method 1: Reset through the Android settings menu
This method is the simplest and safest, since it is performed in the graphical interface of the operating system. It is suitable for those cases when you remember the screen unlock password and the phone works stably. The shell interface One UI on Samsung smartphones is intuitive, which allows even an inexperienced user to quickly find the desired section.
First, unlock the device and go to the main application menu. Find the gear icon - this is the section Settings. Scroll down the list of options to General settings (General Management). This is where the tools for managing memory, language and resetting device parameters are concentrated.
Inside the section, select the option Reset. The system will offer several options, but we are specifically interested in Reset data (Factory Data Reset). When you click on this item, the phone will show a detailed list of what will be deleted: accounts, system settings, downloaded applications and media files. Please read the list carefully to make sure you haven't forgotten to save anything.
☑️ Checklist before clicking the Reset button
To confirm the action, the system will ask you to enter a PIN code, pattern or password, which you use to unlock the screen. This is a security measure to prevent accidental or unauthorized reset by unauthorized persons. After entering the code, press the button Resetand then confirm your intention in the pop-up window by selecting Delete all.
If the phone has multiple user profiles or guest mode, make sure you reset from the administrator profile, otherwise the option Full reset may not be available.
After confirmation, the phone will reboot and begin the cleaning process. The screen may turn off and on several times - this is normal behavior. Do not touch the device until the initial setup screen appears, where you will be asked to select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the phone is locked, you have forgotten the password, or the device is frozen and does not respond to touches, the only way out is to use Recovery Mode. This method works at the bootloader level, regardless of the state of the operating system. On Samsung models with Android version 11 and higher (including A51), the login procedure is slightly complicated by the requirement to connect to a PC.
To enter Recovery mode, you must first turn off your smartphone. If the phone freezes and does not turn off in the standard way, press the Volume down and Power buttons simultaneously for about 7-10 seconds until the screen goes blank. As soon as the device is turned off, perform the following steps strictly in order.
Connect the turned off phone with a USB cable to the turned on computer or laptop. This is a mandatory safety requirement for new Samsung models. Then press and hold two buttons: Volume up and Power. Keep them pressed until the Samsung logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume button until a black menu with text appears.
What to do if the phone does not see the computer?
If the Recovery menu does not appear, try replace the USB cable with the original one or use another USB port on the computer. Sometimes you need to install Samsung USB Drivers on your PC, although in most cases Recovery mode is activated without them. Make sure that the computer is not in sleep mode.
In the menu that appears, navigate using the volume buttons (up/down), and select an item using the power button. You need to find the item Wipe data/factory reset. Move the marker to this line and press the power button. The system will ask for confirmation - select Factory data reset and confirm again with the power button.
⚠️ Attention: In Recovery mode, the touch screen does not work. All actions are performed exclusively by mechanical buttons. Do not press the power button for too long while selecting a menu item, so as not to accidentally reboot the device ahead of time.
After the cleaning process is completed, which will take a few seconds, the item will appear in the menu again Reboot system now. Select it to reboot your phone normally. The first startup after a Hard Reset may last longer than usual, sometimes up to 5-10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications.
Setting up after a reset and restoring data
After the reset procedure has been successfully completed, you will see a welcome screen with a choice of language. This is the beginning of the setup phase. Connect to an available Wi-Fi network as this will be required to check accounts and download updates. If you have previously signed out of your Google account, the system will not require old passwords, and you will be able to log into your profile as if on a new device.
During the setup process, the wizard will offer to restore data from a backup copy. If you used Google cloud storage, select the cloud recovery option. You will be presented with a list of available backups with creation dates. Select the latest version to get your contacts, call history and application settings back.
| Data type | Recovery source | Recovery time |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts and calendar | Google Account (automatically) | 1-2 minutes |
| Photos and videos | Google Photos / Samsung Cloud | Depends on Wi-Fi speed |
| Applications | Google Play Market | 10-30 minutes (background loading) |
| SMS messages | Google One backup | 5-10 minutes |
Please note that the application and game files themselves will be downloaded again from the store, but their data (game progress, logins) will be restored automatically if synchronization has been enabled. Restoring photos via Google Photos may take time as media files are downloaded as needed or in the background.
Fully restoring all applications and their data may take several hours in the background. Don't panic if some icons appear on the desktop later - the system installs them in order.
Troubleshooting and FRP protection
One of the most common problems after a reset is FRP (Factory Reset Protection) blocking. This is a Google security mechanism that links the device to the last account entered. If the phone requires you to enter an email and password that you do not remember, this means that the account was not removed from the settings before resetting.
In this case, the only legal solution is to remember your login information. If you recently changed your password, try entering the old password or restore access through the Google account recovery form on another device (computer or tablet). Data entry must be made during the first minutes of setup, while the phone is connected to the Internet.
Sometimes after a reset, users are faced with the fact that the phone constantly reboots (bootloop). This may indicate damage to the system partition or incompatibility of previously installed firmware. In such cases, you may need to flash the device through a app Odin on a computer, which is a more complex procedure that requires downloading official firmware files for a specific model SM-A515F or other modification.
It is also worth noting that after the reset, some security-related functions may not work, for example, Fingerprint or face unlock until you set a new screen lock method. The system will require you to set at least one security mechanism (PIN, pattern or password) to activate biometric sensors.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will my SIM card or contacts be deleted from it when resetting?
No, resetting to factory settings only affects the internal memory of the smartphone. Contacts stored directly on the SIM card chip, as well as the SIM card with the tariff plan itself, will remain intact. However, modern smartphones rarely save contacts on SIM; more often they are stored in the cloud or internal memory, so check the storage location before the procedure.
How long does the reset process take on Samsung A51?
The data clearing procedure itself usually takes from 5 to 10 minutes. However, the first power-on after the reset and initial system setup may take another 10-15 minutes. If you are restoring a large amount of data from a backup, the total time until the phone is fully ready for use may increase to 40-60 minutes, depending on the Internet speed.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset if the phone is frozen?
Interrupting the reset process is highly not recommended, as this can lead to damage to the file system and the inability to boot Android. If the phone is stuck at the reset stage for more than 30 minutes, you can try a forced reboot (press Volume Down + Power for 10 seconds), but this is risky. It is better to wait as long as possible.
Do I need to update the software after resetting the settings?
Yes, this is highly recommended. After the reset, the phone returns to the firmware version that was installed at the time of the last major update or factory delivery. Check for new security and system updates in the menu Settings → Software updateto ensure maximum protection and stability.
What should I do if, after resetting, the phone says "No command" in Recovery mode?
Message "No command" commands) is the standard image of Android in recovery mode. To get to the menu, press and hold the Powerbutton, then, without releasing it, press the Volume upbutton once. After this, a text reset menu should appear.