Mobile devices Samsung Galaxy Over time, they can accumulate software errors that slow down the system or cause application crashes. Sometimes the only effective solution is a complete reset, where the phone is returned to its out-of-the-box state. This process deletes all user data, settings and installed apps, leaving only the factory firmware.
Smartphone owners are often faced with the need to perform Hard Reset before selling the gadget or after unsuccessful installation of third-party modifications. The procedure requires care, since it will be almost impossible to restore deleted files without a preliminary backup copy. In this material, we will analyze all the current methods of performing a reset on modern models and devices with outdated versions of Android.
It is worth considering that the shell interface One UI may differ slightly depending on the version of the operating system. However, the logic of action remains the same for most devices of the South Korean giant. Before starting any manipulations, make sure that you understand the consequences of your actions and have access to the Google account that was linked to the device.
Preparing the device for a full reset
Before you begin the cleaning process, you need to complete several critical steps. Failure to prepare may result in the loss of valuable information or the device being blocked by security systems. First of all, create a backup copy of all important data: contacts, photos, documents and correspondence in instant messengers.
The second important step is to disable account protection. If you don't sign out of your Google and Samsung profiles first, after the reset the phone will ask for passwords for these accounts when you first activate it. This is a standard anti-theft measure known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the password for your Google account after resetting, it will be extremely difficult to unlock the phone; you often need to contact the service center with purchase receipts.
Also make sure that the battery charge is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to a low battery can damage system partitions and turn your smartphone into a brick. If the screen is broken and the sensor does not work, connect a USB mouse via an OTG adapter to navigate the menu.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Reset via the settings menu (standard method)
The safest and easiest way to return Samsung to factory settings is available directly from a running system. This method is suitable if the screen responds to touches and you can enter the menu. The algorithm of actions may vary slightly depending on the version One UI, but the general structure remains the same.
Open the “Settings” application and scroll the list to the “General settings” item. In some firmware versions, this section may be simply called “General” or located at the very bottom of the list. Next, select the “Reset” option. The system will offer several options, among which we are interested in “Data reset.”
A detailed list of what will be deleted will appear on the screen: accounts, applications, settings, media files. Please read the list carefully. If everything is correct, click the "Reset" button at the bottom of the screen. The device will ask you to confirm the action, enter a PIN code or pattern to protect against accidental pressing.
- 📱 Go to menu
Settings → General settings → Reset. - 🗑️ Select “Reset data” and examine the list of deleted information.
- 🔒 Enter the screen lock code to confirm the operation.
- ⏳ Click “Reset” and wait until the device reboots.
After confirmation, the phone will automatically reboot and begin the cleaning process. The screen may go off and on several times - this is normal behavior. Do not attempt to interrupt the process or remove the battery if it is removable. The whole process takes from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the amount of accumulated information.
If you have an SD card installed, there will be a separate checkbox in the reset menu to clear it. Remove it if you want to save files on the memory card.
Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone does not turn on)
If the smartphone freezes, does not respond to touches, or goes into an endless reboot, the standard method through the menu is not available. In this case, recovery mode is used Recovery Mode. On new models Samsung with Android 11 and higher, entering this mode often requires connecting to a computer via a USB cable.
First, turn off the device. If the phone is frozen and does not turn off in the standard way, press the volume down and power buttons at the same time for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes blank. As soon as the device turns off, perform the following sequence of actions.
Connect the smartphone with a USB cable to the turned on computer or laptop. This is a mandatory requirement for new models. Then press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button (or the Bixby button if you have one and are using it in combination). Hold them until the logo appears Samsung, then release.
⚠️ Attention: On devices without physical Home or Bixby buttons, use the Volume Up + Power combination. On older models with the Home button, all three buttons were pressed simultaneously.
In the menu that appears, navigation is carried out using the volume buttons (up/down), and the choice is confirmed with the power button. You need to find the item Wipe data/factory reset. Select it and confirm the action by selecting Yes or Factory data reset in the next menu. After completion, select Reboot system now.
What to do if Recovery does not open?
If the button combination does not work, try connecting the device to a wall charger rather than to a PC. On some older models, this changes the input logic. Also make sure that the cable is working properly and is transmitting data.
Remote reset via the Find My Mobile service
The Company Samsung has provided the ability to remotely control the device through its service Find My Mobile. This method is ideal if you have forgotten the pattern, but the phone is connected to the Internet and is logged into your Samsung account. This is the only way to reset the settings without having physical access to the menu.
Go to the official website of the service from any other device (computer or phone) and log in with your Samsung account. Select the desired smartphone from the list of devices. In the menu of available options, find the item “Erase data” or “Wipe data”.
The system will require you to re-enter the account password to confirm the owner’s identity. After this, all settings and data will be completely reset on the target device. The phone will restart and clear even if the screen is locked.
| Reset method | Prerequisites | Risks | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Through Settings | Menu access, battery charge | Minimum | Low |
| Recovery Mode | Working buttons, PC (for new ones) | User error | Medium |
| Find My Mobile | Samsung account, Internet | Account password required | Low |
| Code combination | Working display, network signal | Does not work on new Android | Low |
This method is especially useful if the device is stolen or lost, allowing you to remotely destroy confidential information. However, it is worth remembering that for the service to work, the phone must be turned on and have an active connection to a Wi-Fi network or mobile data.
Using engineering codes and commands
Android has special USSD codes and commands for accessing hidden functions. One of these codes is *2767*3855#. Entering this code in the Phone application causes an automatic reset without additional confirmation. However, on modern versions of One UI Android this method is often blocked by the manufacturer for security reasons.
The use of codes requires extreme caution. Unlike the settings menu, there are no warnings about data loss - the process starts instantly. On some custom firmware or older models (for example, series Samsung (for example, series Galaxy S3-S7), this method may still work.
There is also a command ##7780##that performs a soft reset. It deletes installed applications and their data, system settings, but retains personal files (photos, videos, music) and pre-installed system applications. This is a good alternative to full formatting if the problem is not critical.
- 📞 Code
*2767*3855#—hard reset. - 🔄 Code
##7780##—soft reset (Soft Reset) with saving media. - ⚙️ Code
*#9900#— system menu (Dumpstate/Status). - 🚫 On new Androids, codes may not work without root access.
Possible problems and solutions
After performing the reset procedure, users may encounter a number of typical situations. Understanding their nature will help you avoid panic and unnecessary actions. Most often, problems are related to Google protection or damage to system files.
If, after turning on, the phone requires you to enter the password for the Google account that you used before, this is FRP protection. It is activated if the reset was not performed through the settings menu (for example, through Recovery). Enter your account information to unlock.
If the phone freezes at the logo Samsung (bootloop) after a reset, the system partition or cache may be damaged. Try to enter Recovery mode again and select Wipe cache partition. This will clear temporary system files without affecting personal data (although after a full reset they are no longer there).
⚠️ Attention: Recovery menu interfaces may vary. If you see a menu with the Android robot and "No command" written on it, press and hold the power button, then press the volume up once to display the menu.
Sometimes after a reset, the touchscreen may not work correctly or the calibration may be lost. In this case, rebooting again or waiting for the system to be fully indexed will help, which can take up to 30-40 minutes after the first turn on. Do not rush to take the device for repair if it just works slowly in the first minutes.
If after resetting the phone does not turn on for more than 20 minutes or constantly reboots, the firmware is probably damaged - flashing via Odin is required.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Reset phone if I remove the SIM card before the procedure?
Yes, removing the SIM card before resetting is not only possible, but also recommended. This will keep your contacts safe (if they are stored on the SIM) and prevent you from accidentally sending data. The system reset occurs regardless of the presence of a SIM card.
How long does the reset process take on Samsung?
Usually the formatting process itself takes from 5 to 15 minutes. However, after this the phone will reboot and configure the system for another 10-20 minutes. The total time depends on the amount of internal memory and the speed of the drive.
Can I interrupt the reset if I change my mind?
It is absolutely impossible to interrupt the process. If you turn off your phone or remove the battery while formatting, there is a high risk of damaging the file system. The phone may stop turning on, and recovery will require a flashing in the service.
Will the operating system be deleted during a reset?
No, the Android operating system and the One UI shell will remain. Resetting only removes user data, settings, and apps. The Android version will remain the same on which the reset was performed (updates are not rolled back).