Resetting your smartphone Samsung to factory settings via Recovery mode is radical, but an effective way to return the device to functionality when standard methods do not help. This reset removes all user data, apps, and settings, returning the phone to its out-of-the-box state. Most often, this method is used when the system freezes, virus attacks, errors after updates or before selling the gadget.

Unlike resetting through the settings menu, Hard Reset via Recovery works even if the smartphone does not turn on, freezes on the logo or is locked with a password. However, the process has its pitfalls: incorrect actions can lead to complete loss of data without the possibility of recovery or even “bricking” the device. This article contains step-by-step guide taking into account the features of firmware One UI 5.0/6.0, as well as solutions to typical problems.

When you need a reset via Recovery, and when you can get by with a standard one method

Before moving on to radical measures, assess the situation. Reset via Recovery justified in the following cases:

  • 📱 The smartphone does not turn on or freezes on the logo Samsung/Galaxy
  • 🔒 The pattern key/PIN code is forgotten, and the function Find My Mobile is disabled
  • 🦠 Suspicion of a viral infection that blocks access to settings
  • 🔄 After updating the OS, the device is unstable (lags, overheating)
  • 📦 It is necessary to completely clean the phone before selling/transferring

If the smartphone turns on and responds to commands, it is easier to use a standard reset via Settings → General management → Reset. This method saves some of the system logs and allows you to choose whether to clear the internal memory. In Recovery Mode all data is erased permanently, including:

  • 📸 Photos and videos in the gallery
  • 📱 Contacts (if not synchronized with Google Account)
  • 🎵 Music and downloaded files
  • 📥 Installed applications and their data
  • 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords and saved networks
📊 Why did you decide to reset Samsung?
The device freezes
Forgot the password
Preparing for sale
After an unsuccessful update
Other

Preparing for a reset: what to do in advance

Even if the smartphone does not respond to commands, preparation will help to avoid additional problems. Here is a checklist of required actions:

Remove the SIM card and memory card (if any)

Charge the phone to at least 50% (optimally - 70-80%)

Prepare your Google account login information (required) after reset)

Check for a backup in Samsung Cloud or Google Drive

Remember the IMEI of the device (printed on the box or under the battery)-->

Pay special attention Samsung account. After a reset, on some models (for example, Galaxy S22 or A73), anti-theft protection may work, requiring you to enter the login/password from the last linked account. If you do not remember the data, restore it in advance on the website Factory Reset Protection (FRP) — protection against theft, requiring you to enter the login/password from the last linked account. If you do not remember the data, restore it in advance on the website account.samsung.com.

If the phone still turns on, copy important data:

  • 📁 Use Smart Switch (official software from Samsung) to backup to PC
  • ☁️ Upload photos to Google Photos or Samsung Cloud
  • 📩 Export SMS through applications like SMS Backup & Restore
💡

On models with support Dex (for example, Galaxy S23 Ultra) you can connect your phone to the monitor via an HDMI adapter and copy files manually if the sensor does not work.

How to enter Recovery Mode on Samsung: a universal method

Button combinations for entering recovery mode depend on the model and year of manufacture. Below are the current diagrams for devices on One UI 4.0–6.0 (2021–2026):

Model range Button combination Notes
Galaxy S23/S22/S21, Z Fold/Flip 4/5 Volume up + Bixby + Power Hold for 10-15 seconds until the logo appears Android Recovery
Galaxy A54/A34/A14, M53/M33 Volume up + Power On some models you need to first hold down Volume Upthen Power
Galaxy Note 20/10, S20/S10 Volume Up + Bixby + Power If Bixby is disabled, the button still works to enter Recovery
Old models (Galaxy S9, A50 etc.) Home + Volume up + Power On devices with a physical button Home

Input algorithm:

  1. Turn off the phone (if it is frozen, hold Power + Volume down 10 seconds to force a reboot).
  2. Hold down the combination of buttons for your model (see table).
  3. When the screen goes dark and then the logo appears Samsung, release Power, but continue to hold the other buttons.
  4. After 5-10 seconds the menu will appear Android Recovery (blue screen with a green robot).
⚠️ Attention: On some firmwares, after the logo appears Samsung you need to quickly release all buttons and immediately press Volume up + Power again. Otherwise, the phone will boot in normal mode.

Step-by-step guide: how to reset Samsung via Recovery

After successfully logging in Recovery Mode you will see a menu with control via the volume buttons (Up/Down for navigation, Power for selection). On new models (One UI 5.0+), the interface can be touch-sensitive.

Follow this algorithm:

  1. Select item Wipe data/factory reset (use Volume down to scroll).
  2. Confirm selection by pressing Power.
  3. On the next screen select Factory data reset (sometimes called Yes — delete all user data).
  4. Wait for the process to complete (may take 1-5 minutes). The message will appear on the screen Data wipe complete.
  5. Return to the main menu by selecting Reboot system now.

If after rebooting the phone requires you to enter data from Google account (protection FRP), use this algorithm:

  • 📧 Connect to Wi-Fi (if the device asks)
  • 🔑 Enter the email and password from the last linked account
  • 🔄 If you don’t remember the data, restore access via accounts.google.com on another device
What to do if the reset is stuck at the "Erasing" stage

If the process of "erasing" data lasts more than 20 minutes and the progress indicator does not move:

1. Force restart the phone (hold Power + Volume Down 15 seconds).

2. Log in to Recovery again and start the reset again.

3. If the problem persists, flash the device via Odin (requires a PC and official firmware).

Typical errors and how to avoid them

Even when following the instructions, users encounter problems. Here are the most common ones and their solutions:

Error Cause Solution
Not included in Recovery Incorrect button combination or “broken” button Nutrition Try alternative combinations (see table above). If the button is broken, connect the charger and try again.
"No command" with a lying robot Recovery failure Hold Power, then briefly press Volume up, not releasing Power.
Reset does not complete Damaged memory sectors or interrupted process Flash the phone through Odin with complete cleaning (BL, AP, CP, CSC).
After reset it asks for the old PIN Residual encryption data (on Android 10+) Reset again or flash full firmware.
⚠️ Attention: On devices with Knox (for example, Galaxy S23+) multiple unsuccessful reset attempts may result in a trigger Knox 0x1 - this will void the warranty and block some features (for example, Samsung Pay).

If after resetting the phone does not turn on or is stuck on the screen saver, try:

  1. Charge the device for at least 30 minutes (sometimes the battery drains in the process).
  2. Enter Recovery and select Wipe cache partition (does not erase data, but clears the cache).
  3. Flash stock firmware via Odin (instructions are on the forums XDA Developers or 4PDA).

What to do after the reset: setting up and restoring data

After successful Hard Reset the phone will start up like new. You will have to:

  • 🌐 Connect to Wi-Fi or mobile network
  • 🔑 Log in in Google account (required, otherwise you won’t be able to download applications)
  • ☁️ Restore data from a backup (if one was created)
  • 🔒 Set up a screen lock (PIN or pattern is recommended key)
  • 📱 Update the firmware to the latest version (Settings → Software update)

To restore data:

  • 📁 If used Smart Switch - connect the phone to the PC and select Restore.
  • ☁️ For Google contacts and Google Photos synchronization will begin automatically after logging into your account.
  • 🎵 Music and documents can be copied from a memory card or the cloud.

On models with One UI 6.0 (for example, Galaxy S24) After the reset, the setup wizard Galaxy Setup Wizardwill appear. It will offer:

  • Transfer data from the old device via cable or Wi-Fi Direct
  • Restore settings from Samsung Cloud
  • Configure Bixby and other Samsung services
💡

After resetting, be sure to check the operation of the sensors (gyroscope, camera, proximity sensor) in the application #0# (test mode). This will help identify hardware problems, if any.

Alternative reset methods if Recovery is not available

If logging in Recovery Mode fails, try alternative methods:

  • 🖥️ Via Find My Mobile: Log in on findmymobile.samsung.com, select the device and press Erase data. It only works if the phone is connected to the Internet and linked to a Samsung account.
  • 🔌 Via Odin: Flash the full firmware with the flag CSC (erases all data). Requires a PC and official firmware.
  • 📱 Via ADB: If USB debugging is enabled, you can send a reset command from the computer: 
    adb shell recovery --wipe_data

For methods from a PC you will need:

  • 💻 Installed drivers Samsung USB Drivers
  • 🔌 Original USB cable (preferably included)
  • 📥 Official firmware for your model (download from Sammobile or Frija)
⚠️ Attention: Firmware via Odin on unofficial software versions (custom ROMs) can lead to network blocking (IMEI) on some models Samsung with Exynosprocessors.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible reset Samsung via Recovery if the screen is broken?

Yes, but you will need an OTG adapter and a USB mouse. Connect the mouse to the phone - a cursor will appear on the screen and you will be able to control the Recovery menu. Alternative: connect the phone to the monitor via Dex (if the model supports it).

Will Recovery reset the data on the memory card?

No, Hard Reset via Recovery cleans only the internal memory. The files on microSD will remain untouched, but for security, remove the card before resetting.

Why does the phone ask for the old password after resetting?

This happens due to the function Secure Startup (on Android 9+). If you previously set a password, the system may require you to enter it even after resetting. Solution: flash the phone via Odin with a complete wipe (CSC file).

How to reset Galaxy Watch via Recovery?

On a smart watch Samsung no classic Recovery. To reset: Settings → General management → Reset → Reset data. If the watch does not respond, hold Home + Back 10 seconds to force a reboot.

Is it possible to cancel the reset via Recovery?

No, the process is irreversible. The only way to get your data back is to restore it from a backup (if one was created before the reset). Recovery apps like Dr.Fone or EaseUS can help only if the phone was not reflashed after the reset.