Smartphone owners Samsung Galaxy sooner or later face the need to completely clean the device. This may be caused by selling the gadget, transferring it to another user, or critical software failures. The reset procedure deletes all user data, returning the device to the state in which it left the factory.
The process of formatting internal memory and resetting system parameters requires care and preliminary preparation. Incorrect actions can lead to the loss of important information or blocking of the device by FRP (Factory Reset Protection). In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods, from the standard menu to engineering recovery modes.
We will consider the nuances of working with different versions of the shell One UI, features of hardware buttons on different models and ways to solve typical problems that arise when trying to perform Hard Reset. Understanding each stage will allow you to safely carry out the procedure without the risk of turning your smartphone into a “brick.”
Preparing the device for a full reset
Before initiating the cleaning process, it is critical to create a backup copy of all significant data. Built-in tools Samsung Cloud or service Google Drive allow you to save contacts, photos, messages and application settings. Without this procedure, restoring information after formatting will become impossible.
Particular attention should be paid to accounts. If an account Google or Samsung Accountis active on the device, the system will require you to enter a password for them after rebooting. This is an anti-theft mechanism that will prevent you from using the phone without authorization from the previous owner.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure you remember the password for the Google account associated with the device. Otherwise, the smartphone will be locked by the FRP security screen, and unlocking will require complex technical manipulations.
You also need to check the battery level. The process of overwriting system partitions and formatting memory is energy-consuming. If the phone turns off in the middle of the operation, the file system may be damaged, which will lead to a cyclic reboot or complete inoperability of the device.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Method 1: Reset via the settings menu (Soft Reset)
The safest and recommended method is to use the standard operating system interface systems. This method is suitable for devices that turn on, respond to touches and do not have critical boot errors. The algorithm of actions may differ slightly depending on the version Android and shell One UI.
First, go to the main menu and find the settings icon. It usually looks like a gear. In the list that opens, you need to scroll down to the section responsible for general device settings. In modern models, this item is often called General settings or General Management.
Next select item Reset. The system will offer several options, but we are exclusively interested in Reset data (Factory Data Reset). By clicking on this item, you will see a detailed list of what will be deleted: accounts, network settings, installed applications and files in the internal memory.
Before clicking the "Delete all" button, double check whether important correspondence in instant messengers remains on the device, which was not synchronized with cloud.
After confirming the action, the device will ask you to enter a PIN code, pattern or screen unlock password. This is the final protection against accidental pressing. After verification, the removal process will begin, which will take from several minutes to half an hour, depending on the amount of filled memory.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery Mode
If the smartphone freezes, does not boot to the desktop, or the unlock password is forgotten, the only way out is to use the recovery mode Recovery Mode. This method is hardware-based and does not require access to the operating system.
First you need to completely turn off the device. On modern models Samsung Galaxy with Android 11 and higher, entering this mode often requires connecting a USB cable to a computer or other phone. Without a connection, the button combination can simply reboot the phone in normal mode.
Press the Volume Up and Powerbuttons at the same time. Hold them until the logo Samsungappears, then release the power button, but continue to hold the volume up button until a black menu with text appears. Navigation here is carried out using the volume buttons, and selection is made using the power button.
| Device model | Button combination | Input nuances |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Galaxy S10-S20 | Volume Up + Power | Requires a USB cable connection |
| Samsung Galaxy A-series | Volume Up + Power | Sometimes a hold of up to 10 seconds is required |
| Devices with a Home button | Volume Up + Home + Power | It is not necessary to connect a cable |
| Samsung Galaxy S21 and newer | Volume Up + Power | Strictly via connection to a PC |
In the Recovery menu, find the item Wipe data/factory reset. Confirm your choice, then agree to the warning in paragraph Yes or Factory data reset. After cleaning is complete, select the option Reboot system now to reboot.
What to do if the Recovery menu does not appear?
If the button combination does not work, try connecting the phone to a charger or computer before pressing the buttons. On some models, recovery mode is only available when a USB-C cable is connected due to changes in the security policy of Android 11+.
Bypassing FRP protection and accounts
Protection FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is a security standard for all modern devices based on Android. Its goal is to make a stolen phone useless to an attacker even after a hard reset. When you first set up after the format, the system will request the details of the last synchronized Google account.
If you are resetting your personal phone, just enter your username and password. Problems arise if the device was purchased second-hand and the previous owner did not log out of his account before selling. In this case, the phone will be locked by the activation screen.
The only legal way to remove the lock is to contact the seller and ask him to remove the device from the list of trusted devices in his Google account settings through a browser on a computer. Any third-party FRP bypass methods are temporary and may be covered by security updates.
⚠️ Warning: Attempting to use unofficial FRP hacking software may result in your device being locked by IMEI or breaking the Knox security modules, making it impossible to use banking applications.
Possible errors and methods for them Elimination
During the reset process, users may encounter various software glitches. One common phenomenon is getting stuck on the manufacturer's logo after a reboot. This may indicate damage to the system partition or a cache conflict.
To resolve this problem, it is recommended to re-enter the mode Recovery and select the item Wipe cache partition. This operation clears temporary system files without affecting personal data (if there is any left), and often solves the problem of cyclic reboots.
If the phone displays the message “Command failed” or “No command” in recovery mode, try holding down the power button and pressing the volume up button once. This will bring up a hidden command menu. In rare cases, it is necessary to flash the device through a app Odin on the computer.
Wipe cache partition is a safe procedure that should be performed in case of any oddities in the operation of the system before a radical data reset.
The impact of the reset on the warranty and condition devices
Many users fear that a soft reset may void the manufacturer's warranty. This is a misconception. Restoring to factory settings is a standard function of the operating system Android and is not considered interference with the design or unauthorized modification of the software.
The warranty is void only if you obtain superuser rights (Root), unlock the bootloader or physically break the components. Software errors that can be resolved by resetting, on the contrary, are often the first step of official technical support before accepting the device for repair.
However, it is worth considering the condition of the meter Knox. If there were attempts to install custom firmware on the device before the reset, the counter could switch to position 0x1. A factory reset does not clear this bit. When it is triggered, protected functions such as Samsung Pay and Secure Folder.
⚠️ are permanently disabled. Attention: The interface and location of menu items may vary depending on the regional firmware version and the specific Galaxy model. Always check the official user manual for your modification.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the information on the SD memory card be deleted when resetting?
By default, the Data Reset function formats only the internal memory of the device. The MicroSD memory card remains untouched. However, the reset menu often contains a “Format memory card” checkbox, which can be accidentally activated. It is recommended to physically remove the card before starting the procedure.
How long does the reset process take on Samsung?
The time depends on the amount of data and the speed of the flash memory. Typically, the data deletion process takes from 5 to 15 minutes. The subsequent first download and optimization of applications by the system can last another 10-20 minutes. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen goes dark.
Is it possible to recover deleted photos after a Hard Reset?
Data recovery after a full factory reset is almost impossible for the average user. Modern encryption protocols Android make data unreadable without keys, which are destroyed when formatted. Only pre-created backups will help.
What should I do if the phone asks for an account that I did not create?
This means that the device was previously registered to another person. You will need to contact the previous owner to remove the device from their Google account. Without this, you will not be able to legally use the phone due to FRP protection.
Does this reset your carrier settings?
Yes, resetting removes APN access point settings and preferred networks. After turning on, the phone will automatically load the basic operator settings via the SIM card, but in rare cases, you may need to manually configure the Internet and MMS through the mobile networks menu.