Factory resetting a Samsung phone is the process that erases all personal data and settings from the device, returning it to its original, out-of-the-box state. This procedure, also known as a hard reset or device formatting, is irreversible and completely deletes apps, accounts, photos, contacts, and any customized files or settings. Its use is recommended in the event of critical system failures, extreme slowness, difficult-to-eradicate malware, or before selling or giving away your phone to safeguard your privacy.
Before taking this step, it's essential to understand how it works, its risks, and how to prepare for the process to be completed successfully and without irreparable losses. Below, we explain in detail how to perform a factory reset on Samsung, along with precautions, alternative methods, and potential issues that may arise.
What does it mean to factory reset a Samsung and when should you do it?
A factory reset on a Samsung device involves erasing all user content and settings. The phone or tablet will be back to factory settings, with no accounts, apps, or personal data. This procedure is especially recommended in the following situations:
- Critical system problems: Automatic restarts, crashes, errors that prevent normal use or the installation of important updates.
- Malware infection: If after disinfection attempts the mobile phone remains infected or exhibits erratic behavior.
- Sale, gift or change of owner: essential to protect your privacy and prevent access to your data.
- Slow or saturated performance: accumulation of junk files or apps that slow down the system even after clearing the cache or deleting some files.
- Forgotten PIN, pattern or password: Hard reset can unlock your device if you can't access the menus.
Always keep in mind that a factory reset will result in the loss of everything stored on the internal storage., so proper preparation is crucial to avoid losing valuable files.
Preparations before resetting: Essential backups and precautions
Before starting the process, be sure to take the following precautions:
- Take a full backupYou can do this from your phone's settings, using Google Drive (for contacts, photos, apps, SMS, settings, etc.) or Samsung Cloud. Another option is to use apps like Samsung Smart Switch, which allows you to save information to a microSD card, computer, or USB storage. Don't forget to export media files, documents, or important conversations from apps like WhatsApp to the cloud or another device.
- Check the backup. Verify that your data has been saved correctly by accessing Google Drive or Samsung Cloud from another device or from the web.
- Charge the battery to at least 50% (preferably 100%)The process may take several minutes, and if interrupted due to a low battery, serious errors could occur.
- Stable Wi-Fi connectionIf you plan to restore data after formatting, it's recommended that you have internet access, as many accounts and cloud backups require a download upon startup.
- Take note of the Google/Samsung credentialsAfter the reset, you must authenticate the Google account you used previously (due to Android's FRP protection), so write down the username and password somewhere safe. If you're giving it away or selling it, remove all Google and Samsung accounts before formatting.
- Unlink SIM or microSD cards if you don't want them to be erased or affectedAlthough a reset typically doesn't affect the microSD card, it's wise to remove it if it contains important data.
If you suspect malware, first analyze whether your backup might be compromised, as restoring it after a reset could cause the problem to recur.
Step-by-step methods to factory reset a Samsung Galaxy
There are several ways to reset a Samsung phone depending on the model and situation. The main methods are detailed below:
Resetting from system settings (Recommended method)
- Access the app Settings on the home screen or from the notification panel.
- Scroll down to the option General Administration. On some models you must first press on More options.
- Tap on Resetting.
- Choose Factory data reset o Reset to defaults.
- Read the warning that tells you what data will be deleted: accounts, apps, photos, contacts, files...
- Push the button Resetting that appears at the bottom of the screen.
- Confirm the process by tapping remove all or the phrase that corresponds to your model.
- Enter your PIN, pattern, or password if requested (this is a security measure).
- The device will reboot and begin formatting. When complete, the Android welcome screen will appear.
This method is the easiest and safest as long as you can access the phone's menus.
Reset via recovery mode (Hard reset with physical buttons)
If your phone won't boot up, is stuck on the Samsung logo, or you've forgotten your PIN/password, you can enter recovery mode by following these steps:
- Completely power off your device. If it's unresponsive, press and hold the power and volume down buttons until it turns off.
- With the mobile phone turned off and connected to the charger or a USB cable on a computer (on some models it is mandatory), simultaneously press and hold:
- Models with Bixby button: Volume Up + Bixby + Power.
- Recent models without Bixby: Volume Up + Power.
Hold the buttons until the Samsung logo or recovery menu appears.
- Use the volume buttons to scroll and select Wipe data / factory reset. Press power to confirm.
- Choose Yes to confirm the total deletion.
- When the process is complete, select Reboot system now to restart.
This method is more complex and delicate, but very useful if conventional access to settings is blocked. Take this opportunity to check if an FRP (Factory Reset Protection) alert appears: in that case, you'll need to enter the previously associated Google account after the reset.
Reset from the dial pad (secret code)
Some models allow you to perform a quick reset by dialing a special code in the calling app:
- Open the Phone app and dial: * 2767 * 3855 #
- The process starts automatically and does not ask for confirmation.
Use this method only if you understand the risks, as it is immediate and displays no prior warnings. May not be available on newer models or those with enhanced security layers.
Setup process after reset
After the reset is complete, the Android welcome screen will appear, and you'll need to set up your device as it was when it was new. Some basic steps are:
- Select language and region.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Enter your Google and/or Samsung account if you want to restore data and apps.
- Restore the backup if you have previously made one.
- Set up PIN, pattern or fingerprint.
- Reinstall apps manually from Google Play or the Samsung Galaxy Store.
- Restore media files, contacts, and documents from the cloud, microSD, or other devices.
Please note that the restore process may take several minutes if you had a large amount of data backed up.
Special considerations by model and One UI version
Samsung offers different paths and menus depending on the series (Galaxy S, Note, A, J) or the version of its One UI layer. Some examples:
- En Recent Galaxy S and A, search Settings > Accounts & Backup > Backup & Restore > Back Up before using the reset on General Administration.
- On older terminals, the option may be in Settings > Backup & reset.
- On models with a physical home button, the button combination for recovery is Volume Up + Home + Power.
- On Samsung tablets, the process is identical, adapting the menus according to the model.
Always consult your model's specific manual if the menus differ or you cannot find the "Reset" section.
Alternatives and less destructive restorations
A complete reset is a drastic option. Problems can often be resolved with less aggressive alternatives:
- Soft reset: Erase only network settings, app preferences, or system settings without deleting personal files or apps.
- Clear app or system cache: fixes specific app errors without touching other data.
- Update software and apps: Many bugs are fixed by installing the latest version of Android and apps.
- Safe Mode: Start the phone with only basic apps, useful to check if the problem is caused by a third-party app.
- Simply restart the device: Often a simple reboot clears temporary freezes and minor errors.
Only if the phone continues to fail after these options, consider a full format.
Common Errors and Security Protection After Reset
During or after a factory reset, several issues may arise:
- The process does not end: If the formatting stops, repeat the process after charging the battery and making sure not to press any buttons during the restore.
- Data loss: Recovery is impossible without a backup, so always check your backup before starting.
- Google Account Lock (FRP): After a restart, Android may ask for the username and password for the previously associated account. If you don't have them, your phone will be locked until you can verify your identity. This protects against theft, but it can be a problem with secondhand devices or if you forget your password.
- Software errors after formatting: If the system does not boot after the reset, it may be necessary to reinstall the official Samsung firmware using advanced tools, which should be done by a professional.
- Bricking: A critical error during the hard reset (incorrect recovery selection, sudden power failure) can render your phone unusable. Therefore, follow the recommended steps exactly.
In case of doubt or persistent failure, Always go to the official technical service or an experienced professional. Don't attempt procedures you're not experienced with, especially if your device is expensive or contains valuable information.
Frequently Asked Questions About Factory Reset on Samsung
- Does a factory reset erase the SIM or microSD? It does not delete data from the SIM card or microSD card, although it is always recommended to remove them before starting for added security.
- Can I recover files after a hard reset? No, unless you've previously backed up your data. Formatting is irreversible and secure precisely to protect your privacy.
- Why am I asked for my Google account after reset? It is Android's Factory Reset Protection system to prevent the use of stolen phones.
- How long does the process take? It usually takes 2 to 15 minutes depending on the model and the amount of data.
- How often is it recommended to reset a mobile phone? Only when strictly necessary due to serious errors, malware, or a change of ownership; don't do this as a routine fix.
When to seek professional or technical service help
Don't hesitate to seek professional support if:
- The phone cannot be reset from settings or recovery.
- The device freezes after reset or displays critical firmware errors.
- You need to recover valuable data without prior backup (consult a data recovery specialist, although this is almost never possible after a complete hard reset).
- The mobile phone is business-grade or associated with corporate accounts that require additional protection procedures.
Official technical services can reinstall the operating system using advanced tools and usually offer a higher success rate.
Safety tips and best practices
- Unlink accounts and remove screen lock before selling/gifting.
- Save backups in at least two locations (cloud and computer) for added protection.
- Avoid using third-party hard reset software if it is not directly from Samsung.Unofficial apps can harm your device.
- Read each warning screen carefully before confirming the deletion.
- Update your operating system after the reset to reduce security risks.
Forums and online support for questions and problems
If you have any difficult questions or unusual errors, you can seek help in the Samsung and Android support forums, where users and experts share experiences and solutions to problems related to hard resets, recovery mode, or account resets. Participating in these forums can resolve issues such as unexpected freezes, failures to access recovery, or activation issues after a reset.
Factory resetting a Samsung phone is a delicate task that, when properly planned, can restore your device's full agility and security, preparing it for a new life cycle or solving problems that would otherwise be impossible to repair. Don't forget to share this guide, as many people are unaware of the risks and correct steps for such a critical process, and they need accurate, up-to-date, and reliable information to protect their data and devices.
