Smartphones Samsung are known for their reliability and long service life, but over time, even the most advanced devices can begin to work slower or produce software errors. Often the only correct solution in such a situation is a complete return to the original state, when all user data and settings are deleted from the device. This procedure, known as Hard Resetmay be needed not only in case of problems, but also before selling the gadget to protect your personal information from prying eyes.
The reset process on devices with a shell One UI has become more intuitive in recent years, but the risk of losing important contacts or photos still exists. Before you decide to take this step, you need to clearly understand the difference between simply clearing the cache and completely formatting the internal memory. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the available methods, from standard settings to using the engineering menu, so that you can choose the most suitable option for your model.
Regardless of whether you own a flagship series Galaxy S or a budget device of the series Galaxy A, the principle of restoring factory software remains the same. However, slight differences in button placement and menu item names can confuse an inexperienced user. We have prepared detailed instructions that will help you avoid common mistakes and successfully complete the process without the need to contact a service center.
Preparing the device for a full reset
Before initiating the data erasing process, it is critical to perform a number of preparatory steps that will save your information from irretrievable loss. The most important task is to create a backup copy of all important files, since once you click the confirm button there will be no way back. You can use a cloud service Samsung Cloud or Google Drive to save contacts, calendar and photos, or connect your phone to a computer via a USB cable for manual copying.
Particular attention should be paid to accounts linked to the device. The security system FRP (Factory Reset Protection) requires you to enter your Google account information after the reset to confirm ownership of the phone. If you forget the password, unlocking the device will be extremely difficult, and in some cases impossible, without a purchase receipt. Therefore, make sure that you remember your login details or delete your account from the settings in advance.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%. A sudden power outage while formatting memory partitions can damage system files and turn the phone into a “brick.”
It is also recommended to remove the memory card microSD and SIM card before starting the procedure. Although modern versions Android usually do not affect external drives when resetting, accidental storage formatting can occur if the wrong option is selected. Physical removal of cards guarantees the safety of your media files and mobile operator data.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Reset through the standard settings menu
The safest and easiest way to return Samsung to factory settings is to use the system's built-in interface. This method is suitable for devices that turn on and allow the user to interact with the screen. Menu navigation may vary slightly depending on the version, but the general logic remains the same for most models. First, unlock the screen and find the application icon, which usually looks like a gear. In the list that opens, you need to scroll down to the section One UI, but the general logic remains the same for most models.
First, unlock the screen and find the application icon Settings, which usually looks like a gear. In the list that opens, you need to scroll down to the section General settings or General management. This is where the main device maintenance tools are concentrated, including data reset points. In some older firmware versions, this item may be located directly in the main settings menu.
Select the item Reset, after which the system will offer several options for action. We are interested in the option Reset data. When you click on it, the phone will show a list of what will be deleted: photos, music, downloaded applications and system settings. Read the list carefully to make sure there are no important files that you forgot to save.
A button Reset or Delete everythingwill appear at the bottom of the screen. The system will require you to confirm your identity using a PIN code, pattern or fingerprint. After entering the password, a final warning will appear where you need to press Delete everything again. The device will reboot and begin the cleaning process, which may take from a few minutes to half an hour depending on the amount of memory.
If you plan to sell the phone, do not set it up again after resetting. Just turn off the device on the welcome screen so that the new owner can customize it.
Using Recovery mode to reset
Situations are different, and sometimes the phone freezes on the logo, does not respond to touches, or goes into an endless reboot. In such cases, the standard menu is not available, and a special system section comes to the rescue - Recovery Mode. This mode allows you to perform deep operations with the file system, regardless of the state of the main operating system.
Entering recovery mode on modern smartphones Samsung has its own characteristics. Devices without a physical Home button (since Galaxy S8 and later) often require a connection to your computer via a USB cable before the button combination. First, turn off your phone completely. If it freezes, hold down the Volume Down button and the Power button for about 7-10 seconds to force a reboot, and then immediately proceed to the next step.
Hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Hold them until the logo Samsungappears, then release the Power button, but continue to hold the volume up. If a menu appears with a black background and text in English or a blue background with an Android robot, you have successfully logged in Recovery. Control here is carried out using the volume buttons (up and down) and the power button (select).
Using the volume rocker, go down to the point Wipe data/factory reset. Press the Power button to confirm. Next, the system will ask for confirmation of the action, usually this is item Factory data reset or Yes. After the process is completed, which will be displayed as a log at the bottom of the screen, select Reboot system now to reboot the phone in normal mode.
What to do if Recovery does not open?
On some new models with Android 11 and higher, to enter Recovery you must connect the phone with a cable to a switched on PC. Without connecting to a computer, the button combination can simply reboot the phone into normal mode.
Remote reset via the Find My Mobile service
If you have lost the device or it has been stolen, physical access to the buttons becomes impossible. In this case, the company Samsung provides a powerful tool - service Find My Mobile. For it to work, it is necessary that the phone is turned on, connected to the Internet (mobile or Wi-Fi) and pre-linked to an account Samsung Account.
Log in from any other device to the official website of the service and log in with your username and password. The location of your gadget will be displayed on the map, and a list of available actions will appear in the side menu. Among them there will be an option Erase data. Activating this feature will launch a remote command to perform a full factory reset.
This method has its limitations. If the phone is turned off or is in an area without network coverage, the command will only be executed after the device comes online. It is also worth noting that after such a reset, the protection function FRP will remain active, and your account information will be required to turn on the phone.
| Reset method | Requirements | Difficulty | Risk of data loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings | Home screen, access to menu | Low | Full |
| Recovery Mode | Physical access to buttons | Medium | Full |
| Find My Mobile | Internet, Samsung account | Low | Full |
| Service code | Home screen, code entry | Medium | Full |
Remote reset is not possible if the phone is not logged into Samsung Account or data transfer is disabled.
Reset using service tools codes
For advanced users, there is an alternative method that does not require a deep dive into the settings menu. The engineering menu of smartphones Samsung supports special USSD codes that can initiate various system processes, including a reset. This method works quickly, but requires caution as some codes may perform actions without additional warnings.
Open the application Phone and go to the dialing tab. Enter the combination *2767*3855#. Once you enter the last number, the device should immediately begin the reboot and reset process. Unlike the settings menu, this often does not ask for additional confirmation, so using this code should be a deliberate step.
It is important to understand that this code is intended for service centers and may not work on devices with the latest security updates or on phones purchased from certain carriers that block such features. If the code does not work or you see an error message, use standard methods through the menu.
⚠️ Attention: Do not experiment with other service codes found on the Internet. The wrong combination can change the radio module settings or block certain phone functions.
Recovery after a reset and typical problems
After the formatting process is completed and the phone turns on, you will see the initial setup screen, as if you had just taken it out of the box. You have to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi and log in to your Google account. At this stage, the system may offer to restore data from the backup you created at the beginning.
The process of restoring applications and settings may take considerable time. The phone will download and install apps in the background, which may temporarily reduce performance and increase battery drain. Do not panic if the device heats up or works slowly in the first hours after setup - this is normal behavior when indexing files and optimizing the system.
Sometimes users encounter a problem when the phone, after resetting, asks for the password from the previous Google account. This is the protection FRPthat we mentioned earlier. If you don't remember your password, use the procedure to restore access through the Google website on your computer. Without successful authorization, you will not be able to use the phone.
In rare cases, after a reset, problems with the sensor or network connection may occur. If such problems occur, try resetting the network settings separately or check for software updates in the Settings → Software updatesection. Manufacturers regularly release patches that correct errors that may have appeared after a clean installation.
⚠️ Attention: The interface and names of menu items may vary depending on the version of One UI and the device model. If you do not find the item you need, use the search in the settings (magnifying glass icon at the top of the screen).
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will information be deleted from the SD memory card when resetting?
By default, the standard reset procedure through the settings menu does not affect the external memory card. However, in Recovery mode there is sometimes a separate option for formatting the SD card. If you did not specifically select it, your files on the flash drive should be preserved. For a complete guarantee, it is better to remove the card before the procedure.
How long does the Samsung reset process take?
Usually the formatting and rebooting process itself takes from 5 to 15 minutes. However, subsequent initial setup and data recovery from the cloud can take 30-60 minutes, depending on the Internet speed and the amount of information being restored.
Is it possible to interrupt the reset if the phone is frozen?
Interrupting the formatting process is highly undesirable, as this can damage the system partition. If your phone is stuck on the logo for more than 20 minutes, try performing a forced reboot (press volume down and power for 10 seconds). If the problem persists, you may need to reflash it via your computer.
Does a reset remove the Android version?
No, a factory reset only returns software settings and deletes user data. The operating system version and installed security updates remain at the current level. To roll back the Android version, more complex manipulations with the firmware are required.
What should I do if, after resetting, the phone asks for an account that I do not have?
This means that FRP protection was enabled on the device, but you are trying to log into another account. You must use the exact Google account that was synchronized with the phone before the reset. If the account is deleted or forgotten, you will need to contact the service center with purchase documents to confirm ownership.