Resetting Samsung to factory settings - radical, but sometimes necessary solution. It helps restore the device to its original performance, eliminate software glitches, or prepare the gadget for sale. However, not all users know that there is a reset: through the settings menu, mode three official methods reset: via settings menu, mode Recovery and service Find My Mobile. Each of them has its own nuances and is suitable for different situations.

In this article you will find step-by-step guide for all current models Galaxy (including series S24, A55, Z Fold/Flip), as well as unique recommendations for saving data before resetting and recovery after it. We will look at why sometimes a reset via Recovery is preferable to the standard method, and what to do if the device is locked or does not respond to touches.

When you need a factory reset settings

Resetting is not a panacea, but in some cases it is the only way to bring your smartphone back to life. Here 5 most common reasons:

  • 📉 Slowdown: the device slows down, applications constantly crash, and less than 10% of free memory remains even after clearing the cache.
  • 🔄 Preparation for sale: to delete all personal data (photos, messages, accounts) and return the gadget into a “clean” state.
  • 🔧 System errors: after updating Android, bugs appeared (for example, the camera or Wi-Fi does not work).
  • 🔒 Forgotten pattern key/PIN: if you do not remember the password, and Find My Mobile does not help unlock the device.
  • 🦠 Viruses or malware: when the antivirus cannot cope, and suspicious processes continue to load the processor.

However, before resetting, you should try alternative solutions. For example, if the problem is slow operation, first check:

  • 📊 RAM loading in Settings → Device care → Memory.
  • 🗑️ Application cache volume (cleared there).
  • 🔄 Availability of software updates in Settings → Software update.
⚠️ Attention: Reset deletes all data, including:
  • 📸 Photos and videos (including hidden folders).
  • 💬 Messages in instant messengers (if backup is not enabled).
  • 🎮 Saves in games (if not linked to a Google/Play Games account).
  • 📱 Settings Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and other wireless networks.
📊 How often do you reset your smartphone?
Never
Once a year for prevention
Only before selling
When the device is very strong slows down

Preparing for a reset: how to save important data

Even if you are planning a reset due to blocking, first try extract data via Samsung Smart Switch or Google Account. Here's what you need to do:

  1. Backup via Samsung Cloud:

    Go to Settings → Accounts and archiving → Backup and recovery and enable the option Backup data. Make sure that you have selected:

    • 📱 Contacts, calendar, notes.
    • 📷 Gallery (if enabled synchronization).
    • 🔧 Device settings (Wi-Fi, wallpaper, sounds).
  • Export to PC via Smart Switch:

    Install Samsung Smart Switch on your computer, connect your phone via USB and select Backup. The app will save:

    • 💬 Messages (SMS/MMS).
    • 📞 Call log.
    • 🎵 Music and documents (if they are not in the cloud).
    • Manual file transfer:

      Connect your smartphone to the PC as USB drive and copy the folders DCIM (photo), Downloads (downloads) and Documents.

      • If the device is locked, but you turned it on Find My Mobile, try unlocking it through the web version of the service (findmymobile.samsung.com) and only then proceed to reset.

      Make sure the battery charged by more than 50%|Save the IMEI of the device (dial *#06#)|Unlink payment cards (Google Pay, Samsung Pay)|Exit accounts in games (if purchases are linked)|Check that the backup has been created-->

      ⚠️ Attention: If you use Samsung Knox (for example, for work), resetting may lead to blocking corporate data. Check with your IT department administrator on how to properly prepare the device.

      Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the easiest)

      This method is suitable if the smartphone works stably, you remember the password and can go to the settings. The instructions are relevant for One UI 6.0/6.1 (Android 14), but are also suitable for older versions.

      1. Open Settings (gear on the main screen or in the notification panel).

      2. Go to section General settings → Reset (on some models the path may differ: Device care → General settings → Reset).

      3. Select Reset data (sometimes called Reset settings).

      4. Scroll down and press Reset (blue button).

      5. Enter PIN code, pattern or password from the device.

      6. Confirm the action by pressing Delete everything.

      The device will reboot and begin the reset process, which will take 5-15 minutes depending on the model. After completion, you will see the initial setup screen, as when you turned it on for the first time.

      Samsung model Path to reset in settings Notes
      Galaxy S24/S23 Settings → General settings → Reset → Data reset Requires confirmation via Samsung Accountif enabled protection.
      Galaxy A55/A35 Settings → Device care → General settings → Reset On some firmware the item is called Recovery and reset.
      Galaxy Z Fold5/Flip5 Settings → Accounts and archiving → Reset On folding models, the reset may take up to 20 minutes.
      Galaxy Tab S9 Settings → General settings → Reset → Reset all settings On tablets there is a separate item for reset settings only (without deleting files).
      💡

      If after resetting the device asks you to enter the old PIN code (even if you don’t remember it), connect to Wi-Fi and try to restore access via Find My Mobile. Sometimes rebooting into safe mode helps (hold the power button → "Safe Mode").

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

      If the smartphone stuck on logodoes not respond to touches or is locked, it will help hard reset via recovery mode (Recovery ModeThis method works even without access to the system, but). requires physical access to buttons device.

      Instructions for most models Samsung (except for old ones with a mechanical button Home):

      1. Turn off the device (if it freezes, hold the power button + volume down 10-15 seconds).

      2. Press and hold:

        • 🔽 Volume up + Power button (for Galaxy S22/S23/S24).
        • 🔽 Volume up + Bixby + Power button (for Galaxy S10/S20).
        • 🔽 Volume up + Volume down + Power button (for Galaxy A-series).

      Hold until the logo appears Samsungthen release.

    • When the menu appears Recovery (blue screen with Android on the back), use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select.

    • Select Wipe data/factory reset → Yes.

    • Once completed, select Reboot system now.

    If the menu Recovery does not appear, Your model may have a different combination. For older devices (before 2018), you may need:

    • 🔘 Home + Volume up + Power (for Galaxy S6/S7).
    • 🔘 Bixby + Volume up + Power (for Galaxy Note 8/9).
    What to do if Recovery Mode does not open?

    If the button combinations do not work, the firmware or buttons may be damaged. In this case, only flashing it via Odin (for experienced users) or contacting a service center will help. Do not try to disassemble the device yourself - this will help. will void your warranty!

    ⚠️ Attention: On some models, after resetting via Recovery you may need to re-activation via Samsung AccountIf you do not remember your account data, the device will remain locked (function Factory Reset Protection, FRP).

    Method 3: Remote reset via Find My Mobile

    If the phone lost or stolen, but you had the service turned on Find My Mobile, you can reset it remotely. This method is also useful if the device is locked but connected to the Internet.

    To reset:

    1. Go to the site findmymobile.samsung.com from any device.

    2. Login using the same one Samsung Accountthat is associated with the phone.

    3. In the left menu, select your device (if there are several of them).

    4. Click Erase data → Reset.

    5. Confirm the action by entering your account password Samsung.

    Advantages of this method:

    • 🌍 Works from anywhere in the world (the main thing is that the device is online).
    • 🔒 Does not require physical access to the phone.
    • 📱 After resetting, the device will automatically log out of your account Samsung.

    However, there are limitations:

    • 🚫 It will not work if the phone is turned off Find My Mobile or there is no Internet.
    • 🔋 The device must be turned on (if the battery is low, the reset will not be performed).
    • 🔐 If after the reset the phone is found, to activate it you will need to enter the data Samsung Accountto which it was linked.
    💡

    Remote reset via Find My Mobile is the only official way to erase data from a lost phone. Alternatives (like Google Find My Device) do not support a full reset on devices with Samsung. Alternatives (like Google Find My Device) do not support hard reset on devices with One UI.

    What to do after the reset: setup and recovery

    After the reset, the device will return to initial stateas after purchase. You will have to:

    1. Go through the initial setup:

      • Select a language, region, connect to Wi-Fi.
      • Log in Google Account and/or Samsung Account (if required).
      • Restore data from a backup (if one was created).

  • Restore applications:

    Open Galaxy Store or Play Market, go to Library → Previously installed and select apps to reinstall.

  • Configure security:

    • Install new PIN code or pattern.
    • Enable Find My Mobile (Settings → Biometrics and security → Find My Mobile).
    • Activate Auto-update Software (Settings → Software update → Auto update).

    If after resetting the device works slower than before, check:

    • 🔄 Availability of firmware updates.
    • 🧹 Residual files in the folder Android/obb (sometimes they are not deleted when resetting).
    • 📡 Network signal quality (if the Internet is slow).
    ⚠️ Attention: If you sell or transfer the device to another person, be sure to log out of all accounts (Google, Samsung, Social Media) and unlink payment cards. Otherwise, the new owner will be able to access yours. data!

    Common errors and their solutions

    Even if the reset is performed correctly, problems may arise Here the most common ones and how to solve them. solutions:

    Problem Cause Solution
    Reset is interrupted by 30–50% The partition is damaged /data or the memory is faulty Try resetting via Recovery. If that doesn’t help, flashing via Odin
    After the reset it asks for the old PIN Activated Factory Reset Protection (FRP) Enter the data Samsung Accountthat was bound before the reset
    The device does not turn on after the reset Firmware failure or battery drain during the process Charge the phone for 30 minutes, then try turning it on. If it doesn't help, flashing the firmware
    Google account is not deleted after resetting On devices with Android 9+, confirmation is required after resetting Enter the details of the account that was on the phone before reset

    If none of the methods helped, there may be a problem hardware (for example, the flash memory is damaged). In this case, contact the service center Samsung.

    What to do if resetting does not help against viruses?

    Some malware (for example xHelper or Shamoon) can survive a reset if they are embedded in system partitions. In this case:

    1. Install alternative firmware via Odin.

    2. Use Samsung Knox to scan for threats.

    3. Contact support Samsung —they can offer specialized cleaning tools.

    FAQ: Frequently asked questions about resetting Samsung

    Is it possible to reset Samsung without losing it? data?

    No, a hard reset always deletes user data. However, you can:

    • Create a backup via Smart Switch or Samsung Cloud.
    • Use the option Resetting settings (not data) in the menu - it saves the files, but resets Wi-Fi, sound settings, etc.
    How long does a reset take?

    Time depends on the model and memory size:

    • Galaxy S24/S23: 5–10 minutes.
    • Galaxy A-series: 10–15 minutes.
    • Galaxy Tab: up to 20 minutes.

    If the process took more than 30 minutes, a failure may have occurred - try rebooting the device.

    How to reset Samsung if you forgot your Samsung account password?

    If you forgot your data Samsung Account, but remember the email address associated with it:

    1. Go to account.samsung.com.
    2. Click Forgot your email/password?.
    3. Follow the instructions to restore access.

    If your account cannot be restored, contact support Samsung with proof of purchase of the device.

    Will a reset delete files from the memory card (SD)?

    No, factory reset does not affect external memory card. However:

    • If you selected Format the SD card manually, the data will be deleted.
    • Some system applications (for example, a camera) can save files to the card - they will remain.

    We recommend removing the card before resetting if there is important data on it.

    Is it possible to cancel the reset after it has started?

    No, after confirming the reset process irreversible. Interruption (for example, removing the battery) can lead to:

    • Damage to system files.
    • Cyclic reboot of the device (bootloop).
    • Loss of all data without the possibility of recovery.

    If the reset is stuck, wait at least 30 minutes before a forced reboot.