How to properly reset a Samsung phone to factory settings: 3 proven methods

Reset Samsung Resetting to factory settings is a drastic but effective way to return your smartphone to its original performance, fix software glitches, or prepare the device for sale. However, incorrect actions can lead to loss of important data, account blocking Google or even bricking the phone. In this article we will look at three official methods reset (through settings Recovery Mode and Samsung Smart Switch), tell you how to avoid common mistakes, and give a checklist for safe preparation.

A feature of the devices Samsung is the presence of a proprietary shell One UI, which modifies the standard reset process Android. For example, on some models (for example Galaxy S23 Ultra or Galaxy A54) after a reset you may need to re-authorize in Samsung Accounteven if you did not use it. It is also important to consider that on devices with Android 12+ the function Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is enabled - without knowing the login and password from the last account Google The phone will remain locked.

Before you begin, answer yourself two questions: why do you need a reset (slow operation, viruses, preparation for sale?) and what data it is critical to save. The choice of method and additional steps depend on this - for example, backup via Samsung Cloud or unlinking the device from Find My Mobile.

1. Preparing for the reset: what you must do before you start

Even if you are sure that there is nothing important on the phone, neglecting preparation it can turn into problems. For example, after a reset, you may lose access to WhatsAppchats if you did not save a backup copy to Google Drive. Or the phone will require you to enter a password from the account of the previous owner (if you bought the device used). Here minimum set of actions before the reset:

• 📱 Save the IMEI. Dial *#06# —this number is useful for unlocking an operator or proving ownership of the device.
• 🔐 Make sure you remember the password for your Google accountlinked to the phone. After resetting, you will need to enter it to activate.
• 📁 Transfer the files on your PC or cloud. Photos, videos and documents from the DCIM, Downloads and Documents folders will be deleted.
• 🔄 Unlink the device from services: Samsung Pay, Find My Mobile, SmartThings. This will prevent blocking.

Pay special attention applications with two-factor authentication (for example, Google Authenticator or banking apps). If you do not transfer the codes before resetting, access to your accounts may be lost! To Authenticator export the backup copy in advance to Google Drive (the setting appeared in 2023).

⚠️ Attention: On devices with root access or custom firmware (for example, LineageOS), a standard reset can lead to a boot loop. In this case, flashing is required via Odin.

Make a backup of contacts in Google Account

Save SMS via Samsung Messages Backup

Disable WhatsApp synchronization with Google Drive (if not needed)

Remove the phone from trusted devices in Google Account

Check Samsung Pay balance (reset linked cards)

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2. Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the most secure)

This method is suitable if the phone turns on and responds to touchesand you remember the pattern or PIN code. The main advantage is minimal risk of errors, since the process is controlled by the shell One UI. The instructions are relevant for all models Samsung on Android 10–14 (including Galaxy S24, Galaxy Z Fold 5, Galaxy A34 etc.).

Steps to reset:

1. Open Settings → Device Maintenance → Reset (on older versions: Settings → General → Reset).
2. Select "Reset data" (not to be confused with "Reset settings" - this is a different process!).
3. Scroll down and click "Reset" (or "Delete" everything").
4. When prompted, enter PIN code, pattern or password.
5. Confirm the action with the button "Delete all".

The process will take 5-15 minutes depending on the model. The phone will reboot and you will see the initial setup screen just like after purchase. If after the reset a request appears to enter an account Googlethat you do not remember, use instructions for bypassing FRP.

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone does not turn on)

If Samsung does not respond to the screen, stuck on the logo or locked after an unsuccessful update, this will help hard reset via Recovery. This method is also useful if you forgot your pattern key. However, there are risks: incorrect actions can lead to loss of access to internal memory (on some models) or firmware failure.

Instructions for logging in Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds if it does not respond).
2. Press simultaneously Power + Volume Up + Bixby (on models without a button Bixby —only Power + Volume Up).
3. When the logo appears Samsungrelease Powerbut continue to hold Volume Upuntil you see the menu Recovery.
4. Use the volume buttons to select "Wipe data/factory reset" and confirm with the button Power.
5. Select "Yes" and wait for completion.
6. Return to the main menu and select "Reboot system now".

On new models (Galaxy S22 and newer) menu Recovery may be in English or Korean. If you are not sure about the item you choose, refer to its position: "Wipe data" usually second or third on the list. After the reset, the phone will reboot to the factory state.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices with encrypted memory (for example, after updating to Android 13), resetting via Recovery may require a password to unlock the internal storage. If you do not remember the password, the data will not be accessible even after a reset!

What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

If the button combination does not work, try:

1. Connect the phone to charge for 30 minutes (a low battery blocks the entry to Recovery).

2. Use combination Power + Volume Up + Volume Down (on some models).

3. To Galaxy Z Flip/Fold first expand the screen, then hold down the buttons.

If all else fails, you will need firmware via Odin (see section 5).

4. Method 3: Reset via Samsung Smart Switch (for PC)

If the phone turns on, but stuck on the loading screen or does not respond to touches, you can use the official utility Samsung Smart Switch. This method is suitable for models Galaxy S8 and newer, as well as for tablets Galaxy Tab. Advantage - visual control of the process via a computer and the ability to restore the firmware in case of failures.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download and install Samsung Smart Switch from official website.
2. Connect the phone to the PC via original USB cable (important!)
3. Run Smart Switch and wait until the app recognizes the device.
4. If the phone is not detected, click "More" → "Crash recovery".
5. Select "Reset data" and follow the prompts on the screen.

The process may take up to 30 minutesas the app downloads the latest firmware version. If Smart Switch offers to update the software before resetting, agree - this will prevent conflicts after recovery. After completion, the phone will reboot to the factory state.

Reset method	When to use	Execution time	Risks
Through settings	The phone works fine	5–15 minutes	Minimum
Recovery Mode	The phone does not turn on or is blocked	10–20 minutes	Data loss during encryption
Smart Switch	The phone is stuck on the logo or does not respond to the screen	20–30 minutes	Requires a PC and original cable
Odin (firmware)	Serious firmware failures	30–60 minutes	High (risk of “bricking”)

Through phone settings

Via Recovery Mode

Via Samsung Smart Switch

Never reset

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5. What to do if after resetting the phone requires a Google account (FRP)

Function Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is an anti-theft protection that is activated on all Samsung s Android 5.1+. After the reset, the phone will require you to enter the login and password from the last linked account Google. If you forgot your data or bought a used phone, there are legitimate ways to bypass (without hacking!):

• 🔑 Restore access to your account via Google recovery page. If you have linked a phone number or a backup email, there will be no problems.
• 📞 Contact the previous owner (if the phone is used). Ask him to enter data or delete the device from his account Google remotely.
• 📄 Provide proof of purchase to the service center Samsung. They can remove the block by receipt or warranty card.

⚠️ Attention: Using bypass apps (for example, FRP Bypass APK) or services on the Internet can lead to lost warranty or installing malware. Samsung does not officially support such methods and may block the device again.

6. Typical reset mistakes and how to avoid them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that complicate the reset process. Here the most common mistakes and ways to prevent them:

• ⚡ Dead battery. If the phone turns off during the reset, the firmware may be damaged. Charge to 50%+ Before you begin.
• 🔌 Non-original cable. When resetting via Smart Switch cheap cables can interrupt the connection. Use a proprietary USB-Type C.
• 📱 Unremoved SIM card or SD card. On some models this causes crashes. Remove them before resetting.
• 🔒 Forgotten password from Samsung Account. After the reset, you may need to enter it even if you didn't use it. Check the data in advance.

Another common problem is "cyclic reboot" after a reset. This happens if:

• Installed custom firmware (requires flashing via Odin).
• Damaged folder /efs (needs repair through a service center).
• Failure memory module (often on cheap models Galaxy A after falls).

⚠️ Attention: If after resetting the phone no longer sees the SIM card, check the network settings in Settings → Connections → Mobile networks → Telecom operators. Sometimes resetting resets the APN settings.

7. Reset vs. flashing: when you need Odin

If the standard reset did not help (the phone still slows down, errors occur or does not turn on), perhaps the problem is damaged firmware. In this case, you will need full flashing via Odin - official utility Samsung for service centers This method risky requires:

• 🖥️ Computer with Windows (on Mac/Linux Odin does not work).
• 🔗 Original USB cable and drivers Samsung.
• 📦 Correct firmware for your model (download only from verified sources).

Firmware via Odin deletes all data is irrecoverable and resets the counter KNOX (which may void the warranty). data-i="302">this guide this guide.

How to check the KNOX counter?

Load the phone into Download Mode (press Power + Volume Down + Volume Up).

If there is an inscription in the upper left corner "KNOX WARRANTY VOID: 0x1", the warranty is already lost.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Samsung

🔹 Is it possible to return data after a reset?

If there was no backup, recovery is only possible through specialized apps (for example, Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver), but the chances are low - One UI uses data encryption. For photos, try Google Photos (if there was synchronization).

🔹 Why did the phone become slower after the reset?

Probable reasons:

• Too many applications are installed out of the box (disable unnecessary ones in Settings → Applications).
• Old firmware version (check for updates in Settings → Software update).
• Memory problems (run Settings → Device maintenance → Memory and optimize).

🔹 Do I need to remove the SIM card before reset?

Required if:

• You plan to sell the phone (the new owner should not see your number).
• The phone is locked by the operator (a reset can reset the network settings).

If you still have the SIM, you don’t have to remove it, but keep in mind that after the reset you will need to re-set up the mobile network.

🔹 How to reset Galaxy Watch along with phone?

The clock is reset separately:

1. On the clock: Settings → General → Reset.
2. In the application Galaxy Wearable on the phone: remove the device from list.

If the watch is linked to an account Samsung, after resetting you will need to re-authorize.

🔹 Is it possible to reset the phone without losing data?

No, Full reset always deletes data from the internal memory. Alternatives:

• Use "Reset settings" (not data!) in Settings → Reset - this will return the settings to default, but will keep the files.
• To clear the cache: Settings → Memory → Clear cache.