Smartphones Samsung Galaxy over time begin to work slower, accumulating cache, system errors and unnecessary files. If the device is sold, given away to another user, or simply requires a major software update, a full reset must be performed. This process erases all personal information, returning the gadget to its “out of the box” state.
The reset procedure is not complicated, but requires care, since it will be impossible to restore deleted data without a prior backup. In this article, we will analyze in detail all the stages of preparation, methods of performing a hard reset and the nuances of working with account protection.
Before you begin manipulating the system, it is important to understand that Factory Reset affects all sections of memory, from system logs to photos in the gallery. Modern versions of the shell One UI have built-in protection mechanisms that can block the device after a reset if certain conditions are not met in advance.
Preparing the device for a full data reset
You should start with a backup. Even if you plan to sell your phone, you may need your contacts, message history, and app settings in the future. Use a cloud service Samsung Cloud or Google Drive to save critical data.
Pay special attention to multimedia files. Photos and videos usually take up the most space and are best transferred to a computer or external hard drive before starting the procedure. The internal memory will be completely formatted.
⚠️ Attention: Make sure the battery charge is at least 50-60%. Interrupting the reset process due to a low battery may damage system files and prevent the system from loading.
You should also check for security updates. Sometimes manufacturers release patches that affect the operation of the reset mechanisms. Go to Settings → Software update and check the system status.
☑️ Checklist before resetting
Deleting Google and Samsung accounts
One of the most important steps is unlinking the accounts records. In modern versions of Android, protection works. FRP (Factory Reset Protection). If you simply reset the settings without deleting the account, the next time the phone is activated, it will require you to enter the password for the last used Google account.
To delete a Samsung account, go to the settings menu and find the section Accounts and archiving. Select Account management, click on your Samsung profile and select the delete option. This will unlink the device from the manufacturer’s servers.
Similar actions must be done with your Google account. Go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Account Management, select the desired Gmail address and click Delete Account. This action will remove mail, contacts and calendar synchronization from this device.
What is FRP and why is it important?
Factory Reset Protection is a security mechanism introduced in Android 5.1 and above. It prevents a stolen phone from being used after a factory reset. Without deleting your account before resetting, you may end up with a locked device that cannot be activated without the owner's data.
If you forget to delete accounts, you can only unlock your phone by providing a purchase receipt or through complex flashing procedures that do not guarantee results. Therefore, it is better to spend two minutes manually deleting profiles.
Method 1: Reset through the Android settings menu
This is the simplest and safest method available to every user who has access to the smartphone’s desktop. It does not require special knowledge or connection to a computer.
Open the menu Settings and scroll down to the section General settings (in older versions One UI this item may be called simply “System” or located at the end of the list). Find the item Reset.
In the menu that opens, select the option Reset data. The system will show a list of data that will be deleted: applications, settings, media files and account data. Read the list carefully.
Press the button Reset or Delete everything. The system may ask you to confirm and enter your screen unlock PIN several times. After confirmation, the cleaning process will begin, which will take from 5 to 15 minutes depending on the amount of memory.
If you have an SD card installed, the reset menu often has a separate “Format memory card” checkbox. If you want to save files on a flash drive, do not forget to uncheck this box before starting the process.
Once completed, the phone will automatically reboot. You will see a welcome screen, just like when you turn on a new device for the first time. At this stage, you can re-set the language, Wi-Fi and log into your accounts.
Method 2: Hard Reset via Recovery mode
Method Hard Reset is used if the phone does not turn on, is stuck on the logo or does not respond to screen touches. This method allows you to perform a reset at the bootloader level, bypassing the operating system.
To enter recovery mode on modern models Samsung (with Android 11 and higher) you often need to connect to a computer via a USB cable. Turn off the phone completely.
Press and hold the button combination. Depending on the model, this may be Volume Up + Side button or Volume Up + Home + Power. Hold them until the logo appears Samsung, then release.
If you are in a menu with a black background and small text - this is Recovery Mode. Navigation here is carried out with the volume buttons, and selection is done with the power button. Select item Wipe data/factory reset.
| Action | Navigation button | Confirmation button | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move through the menu | Volume Up/Down | - | Cursor moves |
| Select item | - | Power | Enter submenu |
| Reset confirmation | Volume Down (to Yes) | Power | Start cleaning |
| Login | Volume (to Reboot) | Power | Reboot |
After selecting the reset item, the system will ask for confirmation. Select Yes or Factory data reset. Wait for the process to complete, then select the item Reboot system now.
Cleaning the memory card and SIM card
Many users forget about external drives. If your Samsung has a microSD card installed, a standard reset via the menu may not affect its contents unless you check the appropriate box.
For complete cleaning, it is recommended to remove the memory card before starting the procedure and connect it to the computer via a card reader. Format the drive in the file system FAT32 or exFAT using Windows or macOS.
It is also better to remove the SIM card before resetting. Although resetting the phone does not delete contacts from the SIM card (if they are stored there and not in the phone's memory), physical removal eliminates any risk of damage to the card data due to current surges, although this happens extremely rarely in modern smartphones.
If you did not remove the card and formatted it along with the phone, it will be more difficult to recover data than from internal memory, but there are chances if you use specialized recovery software.
Possible problems and solutions
Sometimes after a reset, the phone may get stuck on the manufacturer's logo or reboot cyclically. This may indicate damage to the system partition or cache incompatibility.
In this case, try entering the mode again Recovery and select item Wipe cache partition. This will clear the system's temporary files without affecting personal data (although after a hard reset it should no longer be there). This action often helps to “revive” the device.
⚠️ Attention: Recovery menu interfaces may differ on different models. If you are not sure of your actions, it is better to contact a service center so as not to aggravate the situation with incorrect commands.
Another common problem is the requirement to unlock after a reset. As mentioned earlier, this is FRP protection. If you have forgotten your Google account password, use the procedure for restoring access to the Google website from any other device.
The most common cause of problems after a reset is a forgotten Google account password. Always make sure you can sign in to your account before formatting your phone.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the Android operating system be deleted when you reset?
No, the operating system remains in place. Only user data, settings and applications are reset. The Android version and shell version One UI will remain the same as they were before the reset. Rolling back to an older version of the system using this method is impossible.
Is it possible to restore data after a Factory Reset?
Theoretically, this is possible using expensive professional equipment, but for the average user the data is considered irretrievably deleted. Modern smartphones use encryption, and after a reset, the encryption keys are destroyed, making recovery almost impossible.
What to do if the phone asks for the previous owner's account?
This means that the previous owner did not delete his Google account before the reset. You need to contact him and ask him to enter his login and password to unlock. Without this data, it will not be possible to unlock the device using legal methods.
How long does the reset process take?
Usually the process takes from 5 to 15 minutes. If you have a very large amount of data (for example, 256 GB is full), the process may take up to 30 minutes. Do not interrupt the process, even if the screen goes blank or the phone seems frozen.