When Samsung Galaxy freezes on the logo, does not respond to touches or requires a forgotten unlock password, a normal reboot becomes impossible, and the only way to return the device to a working state is to force a factory reset through a combination of physical buttons to enter Recovery mode.
It is through this hidden menu that you can perform a full data reset (Hard Reset), returning the phone to its out-of-the-box state. This process completely clears the device's internal memory, deleting all user files, accounts and installed applications. It is important to understand that this procedure is a last resort and should be used only when other methods of resuscitating the gadget have been exhausted.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for various models of the line Galaxy S, Galaxy A and Galaxy M. Since interfaces and key combinations may vary slightly depending on the version of the operating system Android and shell One UI, we will pay attention to nuances that are often overlooked. Correct execution of the sequence of actions guarantees a successful restart of the system.
Preparing the device for a forced reset
Before you begin manipulating the physical buttons, you need to make sure that the device is ready. The most critical parameter here is the battery charge level. The process of resetting and subsequent initial setup can take a significant amount of time, and if the phone turns off in the middle of the procedure, it can damage the system partitions. It is advisable that the battery be charged at least 50-60%.
If you have physical access to the settings menu and the phone is working, it is extremely important to disable the function FRP (Factory Reset Protection). This protection system links the device to your Google account. After the reset, the phone will require you to enter the login and password for the last synchronized account. If you do not do this, the device will remain locked forever.
⚠️ Attention: If you reset a phone that was purchased second-hand or found, and you do not know the data from the previous Google account, after the reset you will be faced with an FRP lock screen, which cannot be bypassed by legal methods without the owner's data.
It is also worth removing the card memory microSDif installed. Although modern versions One UI usually ask whether to format the internal memory or card, accidentally pressing the wrong button can result in the loss of photos and documents stored on external storage. It is better to play it safe and remove the SIM card and memory tray before starting the procedure.
☑️ Ready for Hard Reset
Key combinations to enter Recovery Mode
The most difficult stage for many users is the correct moment to press the buttons. On modern smartphones Samsung the algorithm for entering recovery mode has become more complicated for security reasons. Just pressing the buttons and holding them is no longer enough; interaction with a PC or a specific sequence of actions is required depending on the model.
For devices with a physical button Home (for example, old Galaxy S6, S7, J5), the scheme remains classic: turn off the phone, then simultaneously press Volume Up + Home + Power. Hold them until the logo appears Samsung, then release the power button, continuing to hold the other two until the Recovery menu appears.
However, for new models without a button Home (starting from Galaxy S8 and later, including the series A i M on Android 11 and higher) the procedure has changed dramatically. Now you need to connect to your computer via a USB cable. Without a connected cable, the phone will simply reboot in normal mode, ignoring pressing the recovery buttons.
Use the original USB cable and connect it to the USB port on the rear panel of the system unit, and not to the front panel or hub, to ensure a stable connection to enter Recovery.
The algorithm for new models looks like this: turn off the phone. Connect the USB cable to your computer (the computer must be turned on). Press the Volume Up and Powerbuttons. Hold them until the logo appears, then release. If everything is done correctly, you will see a black screen with menu text or an Android logo with the words "No Command".
Navigating the recovery menu and selecting functions
Once in the menu Android Recovery, many users are lost because the touch screen does not work here. Control is carried out exclusively by physical buttons. The volume buttons Volume Up and Volume Down are used to move the cursor up and down the list of menu items.
Button Power (Power) performs the function of confirming the selection (analogous to the Enter key). Be extremely careful when navigating: there is no option to “undo” the action in this menu if you have already started the formatting process. Items are usually highlighted in white or yellow, and the selected item may be highlighted in blue or orange.
⚠️ Attention: In the Recovery menu, the touch display is completely disabled. Do not try to poke the screen to select an item - this is useless and may lead to accidental activation of other functions if the screen is partially responsive.
The list of commands may vary, but the standard set includes: Reboot system now (reboot), Apply update from ADB (update through debugging), Wipe data/factory reset (data reset) and Wipe cache partition (cache clearing). Our goal is to find and select the data reset item.
What does the "Apply update from ADB" item mean?
This mode is intended for advanced users and developers. It allows you to install firmware or patches via your computer using the ADB (Android Debug Bridge) utility. The average user does not need this function, and accidentally entering it will not cause harm if you simply reboot the device.
Step-by-step guide for performing a Hard Reset
So, you are in the Recovery menu, the cursor is blinking on some item. Using the button Volume Down, go down to the line Wipe data/factory reset. Once you have highlighted this item, press the button Power to confirm. The system will immediately request additional confirmation, since this is an irreversible action.
A list of options will appear on the screen, usually consisting of many “No” items and one “Yes” item or phrase Factory data reset. You need to use the volume buttons again to find confirmation. In some firmware versions you need to select the item Factory data reset, in others - just click "Yes".
After confirmation, the formatting process will begin. A ticker or progress percentage may appear on the screen. This operation takes from a few seconds to a couple of minutes depending on the amount of memory used and the speed of the eMMC or UFS drive. Under no circumstances try to interrupt this process by removing the battery (if it is non-removable) or pressing the buttons for a long time.
Sequence of actions:1. Volume Down -> select "Wipe data/factory reset"
2. Food -> confirm selection
3. Volume Down -> select "Factory data reset" (or Yes)
4. Power -> start cleaning
5. Waiting for the message "Data wipe complete"
When the process is completed, the system will return you to the main Recovery menu, and the cursor will automatically move to the item Reboot system now. This is the final step. Press the button Power again to restart your smartphone. The first startup after the reset will be long, sometimes up to 5-10 minutes, as the system optimizes applications and creates new partitions.
A successful reset is confirmed by the message “Data wipe complete” at the bottom of the Recovery screen. Only after this inscription can you proceed to reboot.
Problem solving: if the phone does not enter Recovery mode
Quite often, users are faced with a situation where the phone, instead of the recovery menu, simply starts a normal Android boot or freezes at the logo. The most common reason on new models is the lack of connection to the computer. Remember that for devices running Android 11+, a cable is required.
Another problem is incorrect press timing. If you release the buttons too early, the phone will go into normal boot. If you hold it too long after the logo appears, a forced reboot may occur. Try changing the rhythm: hold down the buttons, wait for the logo, release the power, but hold the volume down for another 2-3 seconds.
In some cases, especially on custom firmware or after unsuccessful updates, the Recovery partition may be damaged or replaced with CWM/TWRP, where the interface looks different. If you see a menu with a blue background and a list in English, but the items differ from the standard ones, look for the section Wipe or Format Data.
| Samsung model | Button combination | Do I need a PC | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S20 / S21 / S22 | Volume Up + Power | Yes (required) | Only when the phone is turned off |
| Galaxy A50 / A51 / A52 | Volume Up + Power | Yes (desirable) | It often doesn’t work without a cable |
| Galaxy S7 / S7 Edge | Volume Up + Home + Power | No | Classic scheme for old flagships |
| Galaxy J3 / J5 / J7 (2016-2017) | Volume Up + Home + Power | No | Sometimes a charging connection is required |
What to do after the reboot: initial setup
After the phone has booted, you will see a welcome screen, as if you were holding a new device in your hands, just from the store. You have to go through the standard setup procedure: select a language, connect to a Wi-Fi network and set the date and time. Without an Internet connection, further setup is impossible.
The most important step is checking the FRP protection. The system will ask you to enter the email and password for the Google account that was synchronized with the phone before the reset. This is done to protect against theft: if a thief steals the phone and resets it with the buttons, he will not be able to use it without the owner's password.
If you enter the correct data, the phone will unlock and you can create a new account or log into an old one. After this, the process of restoring contacts and settings from the cloud will begin, if you previously enabled synchronization. Application installation will begin automatically in the background.
⚠️ Attention: Google interfaces and security requirements are constantly updated. If the standard password entry does not work, you may need to confirm via a notification on another trusted device or enter the screen unlock PIN you used previously.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Will the information on the SD memory card be deleted when resetting buttons?
By default, the standard procedure Wipe data/factory reset affects only the internal memory of the device. The data on the memory card microSD should remain intact. However, in some rare cases or when choosing advanced options in custom recovery, you may be prompted to format the SD card. Always read the warnings on the screen carefully before confirming.
Is it possible to reset the phone if the screen is black and unresponsive?
Yes, this is one of the main scenarios for using Recovery mode. Even if the display does not show an image (but the phone vibrates or makes sounds), the button combination works at the hardware level. You can do it blindly: hold down the buttons, wait the required time, press the combination to select (usually 5 presses of the volume down and 1 power press to confirm the reset on the standard menu), but this is risky without visual control.
How long does the first startup after a Hard Reset take?
The first startup can take from 5 to 15 minutes. At this time, the system optimizes applications, checks the integrity of files and configures drivers. The screen may hang for a long time on the logo Samsung or loading animation. Don't panic and don't reboot your phone during this period, otherwise the process will start again.
What is "EFS" and why can't it be touched in Recovery?
EFS is a hidden section containing your phone's unique identifiers, including IMEI and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth MAC addresses. Some advanced Recovery menus have an option to clean or format this partition. Never do this unless you know exactly why you need it. Losing the EFS partition will cause the phone to stop seeing SIM cards and connecting to cellular networks forever.
Will a button reset help if I forgot the pattern?
Yes, this is the only way to remove the pattern, PIN or fingerprint if you forgot them. After the reset, the screen lock will be removed. However, as mentioned earlier, Google protection (FRP) will work, and you will need to know the password for the Google account that was on the phone before the lock.