How to completely format a Samsung Galaxy phone: 5 proven methods

Formatting a smartphone Samsung Galaxy is a radical, but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, prepare for sale or eliminate viruses. However, not all users understand the difference between a soft reset (soft reset), full formatting (hard reset) and a reset via recovery mode. This article will help you figure out which method to choose for your model - be it Galaxy S23 Ultra, Galaxy A54 or an older series Note.

We will look at all the current methods: from a standard reset in the settings to formatting via ADB for experienced users. Let's pay special attention data recovery after formatting —this stage is often missed, although it is critical for saving photos, contacts and documents. We will also figure out why sometimes the smartphone “hangs” on the logo Samsung after a reset and how to fix it.

1. When you need to format your Samsung Galaxy: 7 good reasons

Before you start resetting, make sure that it is really necessary. Formatting removes all user data, including:

• 📸 Photos and videos (including screenshots and downloads from messengers)
• 📞 Contacts, messages and call log (if not synchronized with Google Account)
• 🎮 Saving games and application settings
• 📁 Files in internal memory (documents, music, APK)

Here are situations when formatting is justified:

• 🐢 The phone is very slows down, despite clearing the cache and optimization.
• 🦠 Suspicion of a virus or malware that is not removed by the antivirus.
• 🔄 Preparation for selling or transferring the device to another user.
• 🔧 Constant application crashes or system errors (for example, com.android.phone stopped).
• 🔒 Forgotten pattern key or PIN code (if other unlocking methods did not help).
• 📱 Unsuccessful firmware update, which led to a "brick" (the device does not boot).
• 🔄 Switch to custom firmware (requires a complete wipe of the partition /data).

⚠️ Attention: If your Samsung Galaxy is under warranty, a reset via recovery mode or ADB can invalidate it. An official reset through the settings menu does not void the warranty.

2. Preparing for formatting: what to do before resetting

Despite the fact that formatting only takes 5-10 minutes, preparation can take several hours - especially if you have a lot of data. Here is a checklist of required actions:

Backup —the most important stage. Use a combination of methods:

• 🖥️ Samsung Smart Switch (saves contacts, messages, photos, application settings).
• ☁️ Google Drive (automatically backs up contacts, calendar, some settings).
• 📁 Manually copying files to a PC (connect your phone via USB in File transfer mode).
• 📱 Backup applications (for example Swift Backup for root users).

Pay special attention Factory Reset Protection (FRP) - functions protection against theft. After resetting, the phone will require you to enter the data of the last one associated with the device. If you have forgotten the password, it will be difficult to unlock your smartphone! To disable FRP: Google Account Google Accountassociated with the device. If you have forgotten your password, it will be difficult to unlock your smartphone! To disable FRP:

1. Go to Settings → Accounts and archiving. → Accounts Settings → Accounts and archiving → Accounts.
2. Delete all Google Accounts (except the main one, if it is not blocked).
3. Disable Find device in Settings → Biometrics and security.

3. Method 1: Standard reset through the settings menu

The simplest and safest method is to reset directly from a running system. Suitable if:

• 📱 The phone turns on and responds to touches.
• 🔓 You remember the PIN code or pattern.
• 🔄 Do you want to save data on a memory card (if it is not encrypted).

Instructions for Samsung Galaxy on One UI 5/6 (valid for models 2020–2026):

1. Open Settings (gear icon).
2. Go to General management → Reset.
3. Select Reset data (or Reset settings on older versions).
4. Scroll down and press Reset (blue button).
5. Enter the PIN code or pattern to confirm.
6. Confirm the action by clicking Delete everything.

The process will take 5-15 minutes. The phone will reboot and offer to set it up as new. If after the reset a message appears “The device has been reset. Sign in to your Google account.”, enter the details of the last linked account.

⚠️ Attention: On some models (for example, Galaxy S22+ c One UI 4.1after the reset, you may need to connect to Wi-Fi to check the FRP. Make sure you know the network password in advance.

4. Method 2: Formatting via Recovery Mode (buttons)

If the phone does not turn on, freezes on the logo Samsung or does not respond to touches, use recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method works even with damaged firmware, but requires caution - incorrect actions can lead to brick (complete inoperability) of the device.

Instructions for most models Samsung Galaxy (including S21 FE, A73, Note 20):

1. Turn off the phone (press Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds).
2. Hold the combination of buttons:
   • Power + Volume Up + Bixby (for models with a button Bixby).
   • Power + Volume Up (for models without Bixby).

If after rebooting the phone freezes on the logo again, try resetting it again or flashing the device via Odin (see method 5).

5. Method 3: Formatting via Samsung Smart Switch (for PC)

If the phone turns on, but the sensor does not work or you are afraid of making a mistake Recovery Mode, use Samsung Smart Switch on the computer. This method allows you to reset the device via a USB connection without entering button combinations.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download and install Samsung Smart Switch on your PC (Windows or macOS).
2. Connect your phone to your computer via original cable USB-C.
3. Run Smart Switch and wait until the device is recognized.
4. Click More → Recovery → Reset data.
5. Follow the instructions on the screen (you will need to confirm the action on phone, if the sensor works).

Advantages of this method:

• 🔌 Does not require memorizing button combinations.
• 🖥️ Visual interface reduces the risk of errors.
• 🔄 You can simultaneously create a backup copy before reset.

⚠️ Attention: If Smart Switch does not see the phone, check:

• 🔌 USB cable and port (try another cable or port).
• 🔄 Connection mode on the phone (must be File transfer or MTP).
• 🖥️ Availability of drivers Samsung USB Driver on PC.

6. Method 4: Formatting via ADB (for experienced users)

Method for advanced users who want to control the process or are faced with a blocking FRPRequires enabled USB debugging (USB Debugging) and installed tools ADB.

Instructions:

1. Enable Developer mode:
   • Go to Settings → About phone → Software information.
   • Click 7 times on Build numberuntil a notification appears You have become a developer.

adb devices

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

adb reboot recovery

This method is useful if:

• 🔓 Need to bypass FRP (but this breaks the rules Google and can block the device).
• 🛠️ A partial reset is required (for example, only the cache dalvik-cache).
• 📱 The phone does not respond to sensor, but USB debugging is enabled.

7. Method 5: Full formatting via Odin (flashing)

If the standard reset did not help (for example, after an unsuccessful update), you will have to reflash the phone via Odin. This method erases all. firmware and installs a clean version One UISuitable for:

• 🔄 Elimination of "brick" (the phone does not turn on or boots into bootloop).
• 📱 Return to stock firmware after custom modifications.
• 🔧 Error corrections after unofficial updates.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Download Odin (version 3.14+) and the official firmware for your model from the website SamFW or Sammobile.
2. Extract the firmware (file with the extension .tar.md5).
3. Run Odin as administrator.
4. Move the phone to Download Mode:
   • Turn off the device.
   • Hold Power + Volume Down + Bixby (or Power + Volume Down for new models).
   • Confirm the entry with the button Volume Up.

After flashing the phone will be like new, but:

• 🔄 All data will be deleted without the possibility of recovery.
• 🔒 FRP will be reset only if you flashed full firmware (not Home CSC).
• 📱 Bugs are possible if the firmware is not for your region (CSC).

⚠️ Attention: Firmware via Odin voids the warranty and may lead to blocking Knox (on models with Knox 3.7+). Use only official firmware!

8. Data recovery after formatting

If you haven't made a backup, the chances of getting your data back depend on the reset method:

If you still want to try to recover data:

1. Stop using the phone immediately (new data will overwrite old data).
2. Connect your phone to your PC and use the apps:
   • Dr.Fone (paid, but with trial scanning).
   • Recuva (free, but less effective for Android).
   • 7-Data Recovery (supports Samsung s Exynos).

The chances are higher if:

• 📱 The phone was formatted recently (less than 24 hours ago).
• 💾 The internal memory is not encrypted (on Android 10+ encryption is enabled by default).
• 🔧 Used soft resetand not hard reset.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about formatting Samsung Galaxy

adb shell
su
wipe data