How to reformat a Samsung phone: 5 ways to reset to factory settings

Reformatting a smartphone Samsung is a radical, but sometimes necessary step to solve system problems, remove viruses, or prepare the device for sale. The procedure erases all user data, returning the phone to its out-of-the-box state. However, not everyone knows that there are several ways to perform a reset: from the standard menu Android settings to using mode Recovery or even commands through ADB.

In this article we will analyze all the current reformatting methods for devices Samsung Galaxy (including models S23 Ultra, A54, S22+ and older series). We will pay special attention to the nuances: how to save important data before resetting, what to do if the phone does not turn on, and how to avoid common mistakes. The instructions are adapted for One UI 6.0/6.1 (Android 14), but are also suitable for earlier versions.

1. Preparing for reformatting: what needs to be done before resetting

Resetting to factory settings deletes all data from the internal memory of the phone: photos, contacts, messages, installed applications and even files in the folder Download. This is why preparation is a critical step.

Start with a backup. Samsung has a built-in solution - Samsung Cloud, but it is limited to 15 GB of free space. Alternatives:

• 📁 Google Drive: automatically saves contacts, calendars and some applications. To enable, go to Settings → Accounts and Backup → Backup and Restore → Google Data Backup.
• 💾 Smart Switch: official software from Samsung for transferring data to a PC. Supports backup of SMS, calls and even screen settings. Download from official website.
• 📱 Local copy: connect the phone to the computer via USB (in File transfermode) and manually copy the folders DCIM (photo), Downloads and Documents.

Equally important remember your credentials. After the reset, the phone will require you to enter the login and password from the last linked account Google (protection FRP). If you have forgotten your password, restore it in advance on the page accounts.google.com. For devices with Samsung Knox (for example, Galaxy S23 or Note 20), you may additionally need an account Samsung.

⚠️ Attention: If the phone was purchased second-hand and linked to someone else's account Google, resetting via Recovery will not help bypass FRP lock. In this case, you will need to contact the previous owner or provide the purchase receipt to the service center.

Also check:

• 🔋 Battery charge (at least 50%). If the reset is interrupted due to a discharge, the phone may stop turning on.
• 📶 Stable Wi-Fi connection (if you plan to reset through the settings menu).
• 🔑 Lock screen password. After resetting, you will need to enter it for confirmation.

2. Method 1: Reset through the settings menu (the easiest method)

This is the standard method that is suitable for most users. It works if the phone turns on and you remember the lock screen password.

Instructions for One UI 6.x (Android 14/13):

1. Open Settings (gear in the notification panel or on the main screen).
2. Go to section General management → Reset.
3. Select Reset data (sometimes called Reset settings).
4. Scroll down and press Reset (blue button).
5. Enter the PIN code/password/pattern for the lock screen.
6. Confirm the action by pressing Delete all.

The process will take 5-10 minutes. The phone will reboot and offer to configure it as new. At this stage, you can restore the data from a backup (if one was created).

⚠️ Attention: On some models (Galaxy A13, A23), after the reset, the error “The reset could not be completed” may appear. In this case, repeat the procedure or use the method via Recovery (described below).

Advantages of this method:

• ✅ Does not require a computer or additional tools.
• ✅ Saves firmware updates (does not roll back to the factory version Android).
• ✅ Minimal risk of errors.

Make a backup|Charge your phone >50%|Connect to Wi-Fi|Remember your Google account password|Make sure your phone is not locked by FRP-->

3. Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (if the phone does not turn on). This method is also useful if you have forgotten the lock screen password (but remember the account data

If Samsung does not respond to clicks, is stuck on the logo or reboots cyclically, this will help recovery mode (Recovery Mode). This method is also useful if you forgot your lock screen password (but remember your account details Google).

Instructions for most models Galaxy (2018–2026):

1. Turn off the phone (press and hold Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds if it freezes).
2. Hold down the button combination:
   • For Galaxy S22/S23/A54 and newer: Power + Volume Up.
   • For Galaxy S10/Note 10 and older: Power + Volume Up + Bixby.

Hold the buttons until the logo appears Samsungthen release.

After 5-10 seconds you will see the menu Recovery (blue screen with yellow text).

Use the volume buttons to navigate and Power to select.

Select Wipe data/factory reset → Yes.

After completion, select Reboot system now.

If after resetting the phone requires you to enter the password from the previous account Google (FRP lock, use the official instructions for restoring access: support.google.com.

Samsung model	Combination to enter Recovery	Features
Galaxy S23/S22/S21	Power + Volume Up	Menu in English, sensor not works
Galaxy A54/A34/A14	Power + Volume Up	Confirmation may be required via Bixby
Galaxy Note 20/10	Power + Volume Up + Bixby	On some firmware, the menu is in Korean
Galaxy S10 and older	Power + Bixby + Zoom volume	There may be lags when navigating with buttons

On phones with a chip Exynos (European versions), after resetting via Recovery, the firmware region may be lost. This will result in OTA update errors. To avoid the problem, after resetting, immediately check the region in Settings → Phone information → Software version (must match your country).

What to do if Recovery does not open?

If after pressing the combination the phone vibrates, but does not load the Recovery menu, try:

1. Repeat the procedure with a fully charged battery.

2. Use a different combination of buttons (for example, add Bixby).

3. Connect the phone to charging and try again.

If all else fails, the partition may be damaged recovery —you will need to flash it via Odin (described below).

4. Method 3: Reset via Find My Mobile (remotely)

If the phone is lost or stolen, but you have access to your account Samsung, you can reset it remotely through the service Find My MobileThis is also useful if the device is locked but connected to. Internet.

Instructions:

1. Go to the website findmymobile.samsung.com and log in.
2. In the left menu, select your phone (if several devices are linked).
3. Click Erase data (Erase data).
4. Confirm the action by entering your account password Samsung.
5. Wait for the process to complete (may take up to 30 minutes).

Method limitations:

• 🚫 The phone must be turned on connected to the Internet (Wi-Fi or mobile network).
• 🚫 After resetting the device will be unlinked from your account Samsung, and it will be impossible to track it.
• 🚫 Does not work on phones with custom firmware (for example, LineageOS).

⚠️ Attention: If the function is enabled on the phone Knox data protection (activated when using Secure Folder or Samsung Pay), a remote reset can lead to locking the bootloader. In this case, official firmware via Odin.

5. Method 4: Reset via ADB (for advanced users)

If standard methods do not work (for example, due to a system failure), you can use Android Debug Bridge (ADB. This method requires a computer and USB debugging enabled, so it is only suitable for experienced users.

Preparation:

1. Install ADB and Fastboot on a PC.
2. Enable USB Debugging on your phone: Settings → About the phone → Build number (press 7 times to unlock Developer mode), then return to Settings → Developer mode → USB debugging.
3. Connect the phone to the PC via USB (select mode Transfer files).

Performing a reset:

adb shell
pm uninstall -k --user 0 com.android.providers.settings
settings put global device_provisioned 0
reboot recovery

After rebooting, the phone will prompt you to perform the initial setup, as after purchase. This method does not erase data completely, but resets the system settings. For complete formatting, use the command:

adb shell recovery --wipe_data

Warnings:

• 🛑 Incorrect commands ADB can damage the system.
• 🛑 On some firmware Samsung USB debugging is disabled after a reboot.
• 🛑 The method does not work if the phone is in bootloop (cyclic reboot).

1. Reinstall drivers Samsung USB Driver.

2. Use another USB cable (original).

3. Enable the Developer mode option Cancel USB debugging authorization and connect again.-->

6. Method 5: Flashing via Odin (as a last resort)

If the phone does not respond to a reset or the system firmware is damaged, the only option is full flashing through the app Odin. This method will return the device to its factory state, but requires caution: incorrect firmware can turn the phone into a “brick.”

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with Windows.
• 📥 Official firmware for your model (download from samfw.com or sammobile.com).
• 🔧 app Odin3 (version 3.14.4 or later).
• 🔌 Original USB cable.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Unpack the firmware (file with extension .tar.md5).
2. Run Odin as administrator.
3. Turn off the phone and transfer to mode Download Mode:
   • For most models: Power + Volume Down + Bixby (hold for 10 seconds).
   • Confirm by pressing Volume up.

Connect the phone to the PC. In Odin a message should appear Added! and a blue indicator in the field ID:COM.

In the section AP select the firmware file.

Make sure that the checkboxes are only opposite Auto Reboot and F. Reset Time.

Press Start and wait for completion (10-15 minutes).

After flashing, the phone will automatically reset and reboot. The first startup may take up to 20 minutes - do not interrupt the process!

⚠️ Attention: Firmware via Odin resets the counter Knox (if unofficial firmware is used). This will void the warranty and may lead to problems with Samsung Pay, Secure Folder and OTA updates.

7. Typical errors and their solutions

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

Error	Cause	Solution
Reset is interrupted at 50%	Damaged partition data or lack of space	Reset via Recovery or Odin
After the reset, the phone asks for the password for the old account Google	FRP lock (Factory Reset Protection)	Restore access to account or provide proof of purchase to the service center
Phone stuck on logo Samsung after reset	Damaged firmware or module conflict Knox	Reflash via Odin with a checkmark Re-Partition
Sensor does not work after reset	Calibration failure or driver damage	Reset via Recovery or update the software via Smart Switch

If none of the methods helped, the problem may be hardware (for example, memory is damaged eMMC). In this case, contact the service center. For devices Samsung with a valid warranty, repair will be free (if the reset was not performed through Odin).

8. Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Is it possible to return data after a reset?

If a backup has not been created, it is almost impossible to restore data. There are apps like Dr.Fone or EaseUS MobiSaver, but they only work if the phone was not overwritten with new data after the reset. The chances are minimal - no more than 10-20%.

Resetting will delete photos from the card. memory?

No, formatting through the settings menu or Recovery affects only internal memory. The files on SD card will remain untouched. However, if you selected the "Empty memory card" option manually, the data will be erased.

How to reset Samsung Galaxy Watch together with the phone?

The clock is reset separately:

1. Open to. watch Settings → General → Reset.
2. Select Reset data and confirm.
3. After resetting the phone, reconnect the watch via application Galaxy Wearable.

Why did the phone become slower after the reset?

This may be due to:

• 🔄 Background application recovery (wait 1-2 hours).
• 📉 Outdated firmware (check for updates in Settings → Software update).
• 🛠️ Memory corruption (if the reset was performed frequently).

If lags persist, try disabling animation in Settings → Developer Mode (options Animation scale → Without animation).

Is it possible to reset the phone without a password?

Yes, but only through Recovery Mode or Find My MobileIf FRP blocking is active, you will need to enter data from your last account Google. It is legally impossible to bypass this protection - this is a security measure against theft.