Modern smartphones Samsung are complex computing devices that can slow down over time due to cache buildup, system errors, or malware. Sometimes the only way to restore fast operation or prepare a gadget for sale is a complete return to its original state. This procedure deletes all user data, so it requires careful preparation and understanding of all stages of the process.
In this article we will examine in detail the two main ways to reset a smartphone based Android to factory settings. You'll learn how to perform a soft reset through the system menu and how to perform a hard reset through the recovery menu if the screen is unresponsive or the device is locked. It is important to understand the difference between these methods in order to choose the right tool for your specific situation.
The process of formatting memory affects not only photos and contacts, but also system logs, network settings and installed applications. Incorrect actions may lead to the loss of important information or activation of lock FRP (Factory Reset Protection). Therefore, we will pay special attention to precautions and the correct sequence of actions for series models Galaxy S, Galaxy A and Galaxy M.
Preparing the device for a complete data reset
Before initiating the cleaning process, it is critical to create a backup copy of all valuable information. A factory reset irreversibly deletes files from the internal memory, including photos, videos, documents and messaging history. Use a cloud service Samsung Cloud or synchronization with your account Google to save contacts and calendar.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the battery level is at least 50-60%. If the phone turns off while formatting the system partition, this may damage the bootloader and turn the device into a “brick.”
You also need to unlink the device from your main Google account before the procedure. This will prevent the anti-theft system from triggering and requiring the previous owner to enter a password after rebooting. Go to your account settings and delete your Google profile, as well as your account Samsungif it is active.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Don't forget to remove the memory card microSDif it is installed. Although the system usually asks whether to format the external memory, physically removing the media ensures that your files are safe on the card. After completing these steps, you can begin to select a reset method depending on the current state of the device.
Method 1: Reset through system settings (Soft Reset)
This is the most secure and simple method available when the interface is working and the screen can be unlocked. It is suitable for those cases when you plan to sell your phone or just want to clean it of software junk without using complex key combinations. The interface may vary slightly depending on the shell version One UI.
First, go to the main menu and open the “Settings” application. Scroll down the list to the section General settings (General Management). In some firmware versions, this item may be simply called “System” or located in the “About management” category. The main diagnostic and recovery tools are concentrated here.
Select item Reset (Reset). A menu with several action options will open in front of you. We are interested in the option Reset data (Factory Data Reset). The system will show a detailed list of what will be deleted: accounts, system settings, downloaded applications and personal files.
Hidden reset settings
Some firmware have a “Reset Settings” function that does not delete your files, but only returns call, sound and network parameters to factory settings. Use it if the problem is only in the incorrect operation of ringtones or Wi-Fi.
Press the button Reset at the bottom of the screen. The device will request confirmation in the form of a pattern key PIN code or a fingerprint to verify the owner. After entering the security code, a final warning will appear. Press Delete all (Delete All) to start the cleaning process.
The phone will reboot and begin the formatting procedure. A logo Samsung or a loading animation may appear on the screen for several minutes. Do not attempt to interrupt this process by pressing buttons. After completion, the smartphone will turn on as new, prompting you to select a language and connect to Wi-Fi.
Method 2: Hard Reset via the Recovery menu
This method is necessary if the smartphone is frozen, does not turn on, the pattern is forgotten, or the screen lock does not allow you to enter the settings. Mode Recovery Mode is a special diagnostic environment built into the device’s memory, which operates independently of the main operating system.
It is important to know that on modern models Samsung with Android 11 and higher, entering recovery mode often requires connecting the device to the computer via a USB cable. Without this step, the button combination may simply reboot the phone normally. Connect the switched off smartphone to the PC with a working cable.
Press the button Volume up and the button Powerat the same time. On models with a physical button Home (for example, old Galaxy S7), you need to hold down all three buttons: Volume up + Home + Power. Hold them until the manufacturer's logo appears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the others until a black screen with the menu appears.
| Samsung model | Button combination | Do I need a cable to the PC |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S21, S22, S23, S24 | Volume up + Power (with cable) | Required |
| Galaxy A52, A53, A54 | Volume up + Power (with cable) | Required |
| Galaxy S10, Note 10 | Volume up + Bixby + Power | Recommended |
| Galaxy S7, S8, S9 | Volume up + Home + Power | No |
In the recovery menu, navigation is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down), and the selection is confirmed button Power. Find the item Wipe data/factory reset. Move the cursor to it and press the power button. The system will ask for confirmation as this is a critical action.
⚠️ Attention: The touch screen does not work in the Recovery menu. If you accidentally selected the “Reboot system now” option instead of resetting, simply reboot the device and enter the mode again, observing the timing of the button presses.
Select Factory data reset or Yes to confirm. The cleaning process will begin, which usually takes less than a minute. Upon completion, a message Data wipe completewill appear. Now select the item Reboot system nowto reboot the phone in normal mode.
Unlocking your Google account (FRP Lock)
After performing the reset, especially through the Recovery menu, the protection mechanism will work FRP (Factory Reset Protection). This is an Android security feature that requires you to enter the Google Account information that was synced with the device before the reset. The purpose of this measure is to make the stolen phone useless to the attacker.
When first setting up after resetting, the phone will ask to connect to a Wi-Fi network. The Account Verification screen will then appear. You must enter the email and password from the same Google account that was used previously. If you enter information from another account, you will not be able to access the system.
If you have forgotten the password for your account, recover it in advance from another device via the Google website. Otherwise, it will be extremely difficult to unlock your phone legally. For models Samsung there are specific vulnerabilities, but they are constantly closed by security updates.
If you are selling a phone, it is better to reset it through the settings (Method 1) and after that delete your Google account. This ensures that the buyer does not have to enter your personal details for activation.
In some cases, if the device was purchased second-hand and the previous owner did not unlink the account, you will encounter an FRP lock screen. The only legal way is to contact the seller to gain access. Bypassing this protection through third-party services may be considered a violation of the terms of use of the software.
Frequent problems and solutions
Sometimes after a reset, users experience that the phone freezes on the logo Samsung or endlessly reboots (bootloop). This may indicate corruption of system files or a firmware conflict. In such a situation, re-entering Recovery mode and clearing the partition Cache Partition often helps solve the problem.
To clear the cache in the Recovery menu, select Wipe cache partition. Please note that this does NOT delete your personal data, but only erases temporary system files that may have become corrupted. After cleaning, select Reboot system now.
Another common problem is no connection or Wi-Fi not working after a reset. Check if airplane mode is disabled and try resetting your network settings separately. Go to Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset network settings. This will return the APN and Bluetooth settings to factory settings without deleting photos and applications.
⚠️ Attention: If the phone requires you to enter the PUK code of the SIM card after resetting, do not enter it incorrectly more than 10 times. This will lead to the permanent blocking of the SIM card, and it will be possible to restore it only from the telecom operator with a passport.
In rare cases, on older models, after a reset, the IMEI or base band (No Service) may disappear. This is a serious software error that requires flashing the device through a app on your computer using official firmware files. Solving such a problem on your own without experience can completely damage the device. Odin on your computer using official firmware files CSC. Solving such a problem on your own without experience can permanently damage the device.
Clearing the Cache Partition is a safe procedure that often solves problems with freezing after a reset, without deleting your personal photos and contacts.
Questions and answers (FAQ)
Will information be deleted from the card SD memory during reset?
By default, the system offers a choice: to format only the internal memory or all together. If you select internal storage only, the files on the SD card will remain. However, to fully guarantee the safety of the data, it is better to physically remove the card before starting the reset procedure.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset if it is stuck at 50%?
It is strictly not recommended to force a reboot of the phone during formatting. This may damage the partition table. If the process does not move for more than 30-40 minutes, try holding the Volume Down + Power buttons to force a reboot, but be prepared for possible system errors.
What should I do if the phone asks for an account that I don’t remember?
This is FRP protection. You need to restore access to this account through Google services on another device. If this is not possible, you will need to contact the service center with documents confirming ownership of the device (check or box).
Will this reset the Android version to an older one?
No, a factory reset returns the phone to its out-of-the-box state for the currently installed firmware version. If you had Android 13, after the reset you will be left with Android 13, but without your apps and settings. Rolling back the version is only possible through a complete flashing.
Will contacts saved on the SIM card disappear?
Contacts written directly to the SIM card chip are not deleted when resetting the phone. However, modern smartphones save contacts to a Google account by default. After logging into your account during the first setup, they are all automatically synchronized and will appear in the phone book.