Users need to return their smartphone to its original state for various reasons. Sometimes the device becomes unstable after an unsuccessful update or installation of dubious applications. In other cases, the owner simply plans to sell the gadget and wants to ensure that personal data does not fall into the wrong hands.
A hard reset procedure, known as hard reset or Factory Reset, deletes all information from the internal memory. This includes photos, contacts, messages and account settings. It is important to understand that the system returns to the state it was in when it was first turned on after purchase.
Device owners Samsung have several ways to complete this operation. The specific method you choose depends on whether your phone turns on, whether you remember the lock screen password, and whether you have access to the Internet. We will look at all available options, from the standard menu to the resuscitation mode.
Preparing the device for a full reset
Before you begin the cleaning process, it is critical to save all valuable data. After executing the command Wipe data/factory reset it will be impossible to restore files from internal memory without a backup copy. Use cloud services or a computer to transfer information.
Particular attention should be paid to your account Google. Modern versions of Android have FRP (Factory Reset Protection) protection. If you do not log out of your profile before resetting, the phone will be locked and require you to enter the password for this account the next time you activate it. This is a security measure against theft.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the battery level is at least 50-60%. A sudden power outage while formatting the system partition can damage the bootloader and turn the smartphone into a brick.
It is also recommended to remove the memory card microSDif it is installed. Although the system usually offers a choice of what to format, physically removing the media will eliminate the risk of accidentally deleting important files from the flash drive. It is also worth disabling any third-party screen locks other than standard ones.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Reset through the standard settings menu
This is the simplest and safest method available to all users who have access to the desktop. The interface may differ slightly depending on the shell version One UI, but the logic of actions remains the same for most models.
Open the settings menu and find the section General settings or General management. In some older firmware this item may be called simply Backup and reset. It is important not to confuse this section with application or battery settings.
Select item Resetand then click on the option Reset data. The system will show a list of applications and data that will be deleted. Please review this list carefully to make sure you are not missing anything. To confirm the action, you will need to enter a PIN code, pattern or unlock password.
If the phone offers a choice between “Reset settings” and “Reset data”, choose the second option. The first will only return the settings to factory settings, but will save your files, and the second will delete everything.
After pressing the button Delete everything the cleaning process will begin. The screen will go dark and the device will begin to reboot. This stage can take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of accumulated information and the speed of the flash memory. Do not press the buttons at this time.
Using Recovery mode to reset
The method through recovery mode (Recovery Mode) is necessary if the smartphone does not boot, freezes on the logo or you have forgotten the unlock password. This method works at the hardware level, bypassing the operating system.
The procedure for entering the mode may differ for different models. Modern devices with Android 11 and higher often require connecting a USB cable to a computer. Press the Volume up and Powerbuttons simultaneously. Hold them until the logo appears Samsung, then release.
In the menu that appears, navigation is carried out using the volume buttons, and the selection is confirmed with the power button. Find the line Wipe data/factory reset. Confirm your choice by selecting Factory data reset in the next menu. The system will warn you that the action is irreversible.
| Samsung model | Button combination | Input nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20-S23, A52-A73 | Volume Up + Power | Requires a USB connection to PC |
| Galaxy S10 and older | Volume Up + Power + Bixby | USB connection is not necessary |
| Devices with a Home button | Volume Up + Home + Power | Mechanical Home button |
What to do if the Recovery menu does not appear?
If the button combination does not work, try connecting the phone to a charged computer via the original cable. On new models without a connection to a PC, the recovery mode is often blocked by the security system.
After the cleaning process is completed, a message will appear at the bottom of the screen Data wipe complete. Select Reboot system now to reboot. The first start after such a reset will be longer than usual, since the system reinitializes the services.
Remote reset via the Find My Mobile service
If the phone is lost or locked, but the Internet is turned on and the account is activated Samsung Account, you can reset it remotely. This method is effective, but requires preliminary registration of the device in the service.
Go to the official website of the service from any other device. Log in using the same account that is used on the locked phone. Select the desired model from the list of devices. In the side menu, find the function Erase data or Wipe data.
The service will ask you to confirm your account password Samsung. After confirmation, the command will be sent to the device. As soon as the phone connects to the network (Wi-Fi or mobile), it will automatically begin the process of formatting and deleting all data.
⚠️ Attention: Remote reset will only work if there is an active Internet connection on the target device. If the phone is turned off or in airplane mode, the command will be executed immediately after the network appears.
This method also allows you to bypass the screen lock, since after resetting the FRP protection may not prompt for the Google password if the device was linked to a Samsung account before losing access. However, the security policy is constantly changing.
Deleting a Google account and protecting FRP
The Android security system, called FRP, is designed to prevent the use of stolen devices. After resetting the settings, the phone requires you to enter the details of the last synchronized Google account. Without this password, it is impossible to activate the device.
To avoid problems, always log out of your account before resetting through the settings menu. Go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Manage Accounts. Select your Google account and tap Delete Account.
If you have already performed a reset and are faced with the FRP lock screen, Restoring access is only possible by entering the correct data. Third-party workarounds often stop working after security updates. As a last resort, you will need to contact the service center with a purchase receipt.
Having a purchase receipt is the only legal way to prove ownership of the device when FRP is locked if passwords are lost.
Possible problems after a reset and their solutions
Sometimes after returning to factory settings, users encounter cyclic reboot or freezing on the logo. This may indicate system file corruption or a hardware conflict. In such cases, you need to enter Recovery mode again.
Try clearing the partition cache (Wipe cache partition). This procedure deletes temporary system files, but does not affect the user's personal data (if any remains). This often solves boot problems after a failed update.
If your phone turns on but is slow or displays errors, check for software updates. Go to Settings → Software update and download the latest available version. The latest firmware contains fixes for bugs that could occur during the reset.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may differ depending on the version of One UI and regional firmware. If you do not find the item you need, use the search in the settings.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will information be deleted from the memory card when resetting?
By default, the system resets only the internal memory. However, in the reset menu you may see a “Empty SD card” checkbox. If you do not check it, the files on the flash drive will remain untouched. For a complete guarantee, it is better to remove the card before the procedure.
How long does the reset process take on Samsung?
Usually the process takes from 5 to 15 minutes. The time depends on the amount of data that needs to be encrypted and deleted, as well as the speed of the processor and the type of memory (eMMC or UFS). The first startup after a reset may take longer.
Is it possible to recover deleted photos after a Factory Reset?
Restoring data after a full reset is extremely difficult, since the encryption keys are deleted. Specialized software rarely helps on modern Android. The only reliable way is to have a backup copy in the cloud or on a PC.
What should I do if my phone asks for a password for an account that I forgot?
You need to restore access to your Google account via google.com from another device. If this is not possible, you will need to submit your purchase documents to an authorized Samsung service center to remove the block.
Will this reset your carrier and APN settings?
Yes, all network settings, including APN access points, will return to factory settings. Typically, the phone automatically loads the correct operator settings when inserting a SIM card, but in rare cases they need to be entered manually.