Sometimes smartphone users Samsung face situations when the device stops responding to commands, is blocked by a forgotten password, or starts working critically slowly due to software glitches. In such cases, a standard reset through the settings menu becomes impossible, and the only option is to use a special mode Recovery. This method, often called Hard Reset, allows you to completely clear the device's memory and return it to its original state, ignoring screen locks or interface freezes.
The reset procedure through physical buttons is a powerful recovery tool, but it requires extreme care and understanding of the consequences. Any data stored in the internal memory - photos, contacts, messages and installed applications - will be permanently deleted. Therefore, before starting manipulations, you need to make sure that you have a backup copy of important files, if it is still technically possible to create it. In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithm of actions for different models Galaxy, features of entering recovery mode and nuances that official instructions are silent about.
Preparing the device for a forced reset
Before you start pressing key combinations, it is critical to assess the current state of battery charge. The process of formatting the system partition and rebooting requires stable power, and if the smartphone turns off in the middle of the operation, it may damage the bootloader. It is desirable that the charge level is at least 50-60%, and ideally the device should be connected to the original charger, although in Recovery mode charging may not be displayed visually.
The next step is to remove the memory card microSD and SIM card. This is done so as not to accidentally format the external storage with your personal archives, since in some custom recovery menus the choice of partition for cleaning may not be obvious. In addition, removing the SIM card will prevent possible conflicts with the network when the cleaned system is booted for the first time.
⚠️ Attention: If protection is activated on your phone FRP (Factory Reset Protection), linked to a Google account, then after resetting the device will require you to enter the login and password from the previous account. Without this data, it will be impossible to turn on the phone, so make sure you remember the credentials.
☑️ Preparing for Hard Reset
Do not forget that modern models Samsung with processors Exynos and Snapdragon may have different nuances of entering the mode recovery, especially after updates to Android 11, 12, 13 and newer. In some cases, it is necessary to connect the USB cable to the computer before pressing the buttons, otherwise the menu simply will not open. This nuance is often overlooked, which leads to a false conclusion that the buttons are faulty.
The algorithm for entering Recovery mode on different models
The method of entering the recovery menu directly depends on the presence of a physical button Home and screen lock type. For older models, such as Galaxy S6, S7, J5, A5 (manufactured before 2017), the classic combination is used. You need to completely turn off the smartphone, then simultaneously press and hold three buttons: Volume Up, Home and Power. You need to hold them until the logo appears Samsung, after which you can release the power button, continuing to hold the other two until a menu with text appears.
For more modern devices without a button Home (series S8, S9, S10, S20, S21, S22, S23, S24 and new ones A-series), the procedure has changed. First you need to turn off your phone. Then press Volume Up and Power. As soon as the logo appears, all buttons are released. However, if you have a screen lock set or your phone has been turned on recently, you may need to connect a USB-C cable to your PC. Without connecting, the cable can simply reboot the phone into normal mode.
What to do if the menu does not appear?
If standard combinations do not work, try connecting the phone with a cable to the computer, turn it off, hold down the volume and power buttons, and only then insert the other end of the cable into the PC. On new models with Android 11+, this is often a prerequisite for entering Recovery.
There is also a nuance for devices with a side fingerprint scanner combined with the power button. In such cases, the press may be less clear, so it is important to press the button firmly, but without excessive force, so as not to damage the mechanism. If the screen remains black for more than 10-15 seconds of holding the buttons, try a forced reboot (hold Volume Down + Power about 7-10 seconds) and try to log in again immediately after turning off.
| Series devices | Button combination | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy S6, S7, J, A (old) | Vol Up + Home + Power |
Hold to logo |
| Galaxy S8 - S20, Note 8-10 | Vol Up + Bixby + Power |
USB cable required for new versions of Android |
| Galaxy S21 - S24, A52-A55 | Vol Up + Power |
Must be connected to a PC via USB |
| Galaxy Tab tablets | Vol Up + Power |
Depends on the presence of the Home button |
Navigate and perform a reset in the Recovery menu
After successful login, you will see a screen with a black background and a list of options, often written in blue or yellow. It is important to understand that in this mode the touch screen does not work. Control is carried out exclusively by physical buttons: Volume Up/Down serves to move the cursor up and down the list, and the button Food performs the function of confirming the selection (analogous to pressing "Enter").
You need to find the item called Wipe data/factory reset. It's usually in the middle of the list. Use the volume rocker to highlight this line and press the power button to enter the submenu. Next, the system will ask for confirmation, since the action is irreversible. You will need to select the item Factory data reset or Yes, again confirming the selection with the power button.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the item
Wipe cache partition(clear cache) with a complete data reset. The first option is safe and deletes only temporary files, the second option erases all personal information of the user. Be extremely careful when navigating.
The formatting process can take from a few seconds to a couple of minutes, depending on the amount of occupied memory and the speed of the flash drive. A progress bar or simply log text can be displayed on the screen. Upon completion of the operation, the system will automatically return you to the main Recovery menu, where the item Reboot system nowwill be highlighted. This is what you need to select to reboot the phone.
If after resetting the phone is stuck on the logo for more than 10 minutes, try logging into Recovery again and selecting "Wipe cache partition" and then rebooting. This helps solve problems with the update cache.
Reset features on devices with Android 11 and later
Starting with updating the interface One UI 3.0 based on Android 11, the company Samsung has implemented additional security measures. Now, to enter recovery mode on many models, the smartphone must be connected with a USB cable to a running computer or laptop. If you try to enter Recovery by simply connecting the charger to an outlet, the phone may ignore the command and reboot in normal mode.
This change is dictated by protection against unauthorized reset by attackers in case the device is stolen. The computer acts as a trusted host, confirming the legitimacy of the actions. Therefore, if you have a modern flagship or a mid-budget device released after 2020, prepare the cable and PC in advance. Drivers are usually installed automatically, the main thing is that the system sees the connection.
It is also worth noting that on some devices, after a reset, it may take a long time to boot for the first time (up to 5-10 minutes). Don't panic if you see the logo animation taking longer than usual - the system is optimizing applications and checking the integrity of partitions. A forced reboot at this moment can lead to a cyclic freeze (bootloop).
Problem solving: if the reset does not start or is frozen
Sometimes users are faced with a situation where the phone after executing a command Wipe data does not reboot, but hangs on the Recovery menu or a black screen. First of all, try to force a reboot by holding down the combination Volume Down + Power and holding them for about 10-15 seconds. This emulates removing the battery and should restart the device.
If the phone boots but prompts you to reset again or enters a reboot loop, the system partition may be damaged. In this case, re-entering Recovery and selecting the item Repair apps (if available) or re-entering Wipe data/factory resetmay help. It is also recommended to check if the volume button is accidentally pressed in the case, as this may constantly return the phone to recovery mode.
A cyclic reboot after a reset often indicates corruption of system files or a hardware conflict, which may require flashing via Odin.
In rare cases, especially on custom firmware or rooted devices, the standard Recovery menu can be replaced by a third party (for example, TWRP). The interface there will be graphical and touch-sensitive, and the reset procedure is performed through the menu Wipe -> Factory Reset. The principle remains the same, but control becomes more convenient.
What to do after completing the Hard Reset
After a successful reboot, you will see a welcome screen, just like when you turn on a new phone for the first time. You have to go through the initial setup: select a language, connect to Wi-Fi and enter your Google account information. It is at this stage that the FRP protection we mentioned earlier kicks in. If you do not remember the password, it will be extremely difficult to restore access without contacting the service center with purchase documents.
After logging into your account, the system will offer to restore data from a backup if you previously created it in the cloud Samsung Cloud or Google Drive. This is a convenient way to get back your contacts, call history, and desktop settings. However, applications will have to be reinstalled manually, although a list of apps suggested for installation will be generated automatically based on your history.
⚠️ Attention: After resetting, it is recommended to immediately check for system updates in the menu
Settings → Software update. Often, the factory firmware installed initially contains security vulnerabilities that have been fixed in more recent versions.
Do not rush to install all applications at once. Let the system run in the background for about an hour to complete file indexing and battery optimization. This will help avoid false throttling and rapid discharge in the first days after the reset. Only after this can you begin to actively use the device.
Will a button reset remove viruses and Trojans?
Yes, a full reset to factory settings (Wipe data/factory reset) deletes all user data and applications, including malware, if it has not penetrated the system partition (which is extremely rare on non-rooted devices). This is one of the most effective ways to clean viruses.
Is it possible to reset a phone if it is turned off and does not turn on?
No, to enter Recovery mode, the device must have sufficient battery power to respond to button presses. If the phone is completely discharged, you must first charge it for at least 15-20 minutes, even if the screen does not light up.
Is the Android version reset during a Hard Reset?
No, a button reset only returns user settings and data to the factory state. The operating system version Android and shell version One UI remain those that were installed at the time of the reset (including any updates received).
What is FRP and how to bypass it after a reset?
FRP (Factory Reset Protection) is Google protection that requires entering the password for the account that was synchronized with the phone before the reset. Officially, you can bypass it only by remembering your password. Unofficial methods exist, but they are complex, depend on the specific software version and are often covered by security updates.
Why does the phone get hot and slow after a reset?
In the first hours after the reset, the system performs background optimization of applications, indexing media files, and downloading updates. This puts a strain on the processor, causing heat and temporary stuttering. Usually this goes away on its own within 24 hours.