Want to factory reset your Samsung phone? Learn how to reset a Samsung Galaxy using Settings or Recovery Mode, back up important data, fix common reset problems, and restore your device to factory settings safely.
How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone: Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Is your Samsung phone running slowly, freezing frequently, or experiencing software problems? Are you planning to sell your device or give it to someone else? A factory reset can help solve many common issues and prepare your phone for a fresh start.
Factory resetting a Samsung phone restores it to its original factory settings. It removes installed apps, personal files, photos, videos, accounts, downloaded content, and customised settings stored on the device.
However, before resetting your phone, there are a few important things you should know. If you do not back up your data properly, you could permanently lose important photos, contacts, messages, and documents.
In this guide, you will learn how to factory reset a Samsung Galaxy phone, how to reset it using Recovery Mode, what to do before resetting, and how to set it up again safely.
What Is a Factory Reset on a Samsung Phone?
A factory reset is a process that returns your Samsung smartphone to its original software configuration.
Think of it as starting with a clean phone. Your downloaded applications, saved accounts, personal settings, and locally stored data are erased.
For example, if your Samsung Galaxy phone has become unusually slow after installing several applications, a factory reset may help remove software-related problems and improve its performance.
A factory reset can be useful when:
Your Samsung phone frequently freezes or crashes.
Apps keep closing unexpectedly.
Your device has persistent software problems.
You want to sell or give away your phone.
You want to remove your personal information before handing over the device.
You want to start fresh after years of using the same phone.
Important: A factory reset does not necessarily fix hardware problems, such as a damaged screen, faulty battery, or broken charging port.
Things to Do Before Factory Resetting Your Samsung Phone
Before starting the reset process, take a few minutes to protect your important information.
Once the reset is complete, data stored only on your phone may not be recoverable.
Back Up Your Important Data
Save your important files before resetting your device.
You can use Samsung Cloud, Google One, Google Drive, or a computer to back up supported data.
Make sure you have copies of:
Photos and videos
Contacts and calendar events
Important documents
Messages and supported app data
WhatsApp chats
Downloaded files
Notes and other personal information
You can also transfer photos and documents to a computer using a USB cable.
Check Your Google and Samsung Accounts
Remember the Google account and Samsung account connected to your phone.
After a factory reset, Android's Factory Reset Protection (FRP) may require you to verify a previously synced Google account before you can use the device.
If you are selling or giving away your Samsung phone, remove your Google and Samsung accounts before performing the reset.
Charge Your Samsung Phone
Make sure your phone has enough battery power before beginning.
Ideally, charge it to at least 50%. If the battery is already low, connect the charger before starting the process.
Save Your Two-Factor Authentication Information
If you use an authenticator app for banking, email, or other online accounts, check whether its information is backed up or transferable.
Otherwise, you may have difficulty signing in to some accounts after resetting your phone.
How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone Using Settings
The easiest way to factory reset a Samsung Galaxy phone is through the Settings application.
This method works on most modern Samsung Galaxy smartphones, although menu names can vary slightly depending on the One UI version and device model.
Follow these steps:
Open the Settings App
Unlock your Samsung phone and open the Settings application.
You can find the Settings icon in your app drawer or Quick Settings panel.
Find the General Management Option
Scroll down through the Settings menu and tap General management.
This section contains language, keyboard, reset, and other system management options.
Select the Reset Option
Inside General management, find and tap Reset.
You will see different reset options, such as Reset all settings, Reset network settings, and Factory data reset.
Tap Factory Data Reset
Select Factory data reset.
Your Samsung phone will display information about the accounts, applications, and personal data that will be removed.
Read this information carefully before continuing.
Review the Information and Confirm
Scroll to the bottom of the screen and tap Reset.
If your phone has a screen lock, you may need to enter your PIN, password, or pattern.
Depending on your device, you may also be asked to confirm your Samsung account credentials.
Tap Delete All
Finally, tap Delete all to confirm the operation.
Your Samsung phone will restart and begin erasing its data.
Wait until the process finishes. Do not force the phone to shut down during the reset.
Once completed, the device will display the initial setup screen, just like a new phone.
How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone Using Recovery Mode
What if your Samsung phone is frozen, stuck on the startup screen, or you cannot access Settings?
In that situation, you may be able to perform a factory reset using Android Recovery Mode.
This method requires physical button combinations and may vary depending on your Samsung model.
Turn Off Your Samsung Phone
First, switch off your Samsung smartphone completely.
If the phone is unresponsive, you may need to force-restart it before attempting to enter Recovery Mode.
Connect Your Phone if Required
On many newer Samsung Galaxy models, connecting the phone to a computer using a USB cable is required to access Recovery Mode.
Keep the cable connected if your model requires it.
Enter Recovery Mode
On many recent Galaxy models, press and hold the Volume Up and Power/Side buttons together.
Release the buttons when the Samsung logo or Recovery Mode screen appears.
Some older models use different button combinations, particularly devices with a physical Home or Bixby button.
Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset
When the Android Recovery menu appears, use the volume buttons to navigate.
Highlight Wipe data/factory reset and press the Power/Side button to select it.
Confirm the Factory Reset
Select the confirmation option, usually labelled Factory data reset or Yes, depending on the software version.
The phone will erase its user data.
Reboot Your Samsung Phone
After the reset finishes, select Reboot system now.
Your device will restart and display the initial Android setup screen.
Remember: Recovery Mode does not bypass Google Factory Reset Protection. You may still need the Google account previously associated with the device.
Factory Reset vs Reset All Settings: What's the Difference?
Samsung offers several reset options. Choosing the correct one is important because not every reset deletes your personal files.
Here is a quick comparison:
| Reset option | What it does | Deletes personal files? |
|---|---|---|
| Reset all settings | Restores system settings to their defaults | Generally no |
| Reset network settings | Resets Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and mobile network settings | No |
| Reset accessibility settings | Restores accessibility preferences | No |
| Factory data reset | Erases device data and restores factory settings | Yes |
For example, if your Wi-Fi connection is not working properly, resetting network settings may be enough. You do not need to erase your entire phone.
However, if you are preparing your Samsung phone for resale, a factory data reset is generally the appropriate option.
What Happens After Factory Resetting a Samsung Phone?
After a successful factory reset, your Samsung phone will restart and display the welcome screen.
You will need to complete the initial setup process.
Here is what to expect:
Select your preferred language.
Connect to a Wi-Fi network or mobile network.
Accept the necessary setup terms.
Verify your Google account if requested.
Sign in to your Samsung account if required.
Restore supported data from your backup.
Reinstall your favourite applications.
Configure your screen lock and security settings.
You do not have to restore everything immediately. You can also set up the phone as a new device and install only the applications you actually need.
How to Fix Common Samsung Factory Reset Problems
Sometimes, a factory reset does not go as smoothly as expected. Here are a few common problems and their possible solutions.
Samsung Phone Is Stuck During Factory Reset
If your phone appears stuck on the Samsung logo or reset screen, give it some time.
The first startup after a factory reset can take longer than usual.
If it remains unresponsive for an unusually long time, try restarting the device. If the problem continues, Recovery Mode or an authorised Samsung service centre may be necessary.
Samsung Phone Asks for the Previous Google Account
This usually happens because Factory Reset Protection is enabled.
Enter the Google account credentials that were previously synchronised with the device.
If you recently changed your Google password, you may need to wait before completing device verification.
Factory Reset Option Is Greyed Out
Check whether your phone is managed by a company, school, or organisation.
Device management policies can restrict certain reset options.
If the device belongs to an organisation, contact its administrator for assistance.
Samsung Phone Keeps Restarting After Reset
Repeated restarts may indicate a software issue or hardware fault.
Try accessing Recovery Mode and checking whether the device can complete a reset. If the problem continues, contact Samsung support or visit an authorised service centre.
Is It Safe to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone?
Yes. A factory reset is generally safe when performed correctly using the built-in Settings menu or Recovery Mode.
However, you should understand its limitations.
A standard factory reset removes user data and restores the phone's software settings. It does not necessarily remove every trace of data from external storage, cloud backups, or other connected services.
If you are selling your phone, remove your accounts, back up your files, remove the SIM card and physical memory card if present, and perform the factory reset.
For additional security, make sure your device has completed the reset and displays the initial welcome screen before handing it over.
Final Thoughts
Factory resetting a Samsung phone is a straightforward way to start fresh, troubleshoot certain software problems, or prepare your device for resale.
For most users, the easiest method is through Settings → General management → Reset → Factory data reset.
If your phone is frozen or you cannot access Settings, Recovery Mode may provide another way to reset it.
The most important step is backing up your personal information before proceeding. A few minutes of preparation can save you from losing valuable photos, contacts, documents, and other important files.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Factory resetting a Samsung phone permanently deletes locally stored personal data, including photos, videos, applications, and other files. Always back up important information before proceeding. Menu options and reset procedures may vary depending on your Samsung Galaxy model and One UI version. We are not responsible for data loss, device issues, or problems resulting from incorrect reset procedures. For model-specific assistance, consult official Samsung support.
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