How to Perform a Factory Reset on Your Samsung Device

Whether you are preparing to sell or trade in your device, troubleshooting persistent software glitches, or looking to give your phone a clean start, performing a factory reset (master reset) restores your Samsung Galaxy smartphone back to its original out-of-the-box system state. Follow this guide to safely back up your data, bypass account locks, and execute a complete wipe.

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1. Crucial Step: Remove Your Google & Samsung Accounts First

Modern Android devices feature Factory Reset Protection (FRP). If you reset your phone while your Google or Samsung account is still logged in, the phone will require your account password upon reboot before anyone else can set it up.

If you are selling or trading in your phone, remove your accounts first:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Tap Accounts and backup > Manage accounts.
3. Tap on your Google Account and select Remove account.
4. Tap on your Samsung Account, select Remove account, and enter your password to confirm.

2. Back Up Your Data Before Proceeding

A factory reset permanently erases all internal storage, including photos, contacts, call logs, messages, and downloaded apps. Ensure you back up your files:

• Samsung Cloud / Smart Switch: Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Back up data (Samsung Cloud) or use a USB cable with the Samsung Smart Switch app on your PC or Mac.
• Google One: Go to Settings > Google > All services > Backup and tap Back up now.

3. Method 1: Factory Reset via the Settings Menu (Standard)

If your phone is functioning normally and you can access the screen interface, use the standard One UI reset option:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap General management.
3. Tap Reset.
4. Select Factory data reset.
5. Review the list of apps and data to be removed, then scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
6. Enter your PIN, pattern, or security password.
7. Tap Delete all. Your phone will shut down, erase all memory, and restart to the initial initial setup screen (this process takes 3 to 8 minutes).

4. Method 2: Factory Reset via Recovery Mode (When Locked or Frozen)

If you forgot your lock screen PIN or your screen is unresponsive, perform a hardware button reset using Android Recovery Mode:

1. Turn off your phone completely. (If the screen is locked, hold the Volume Down + Side Key for 10 seconds to force a power down).
2. Connect your phone to a computer or USB charger using a USB-C cable (required for One UI recovery mode entry on modern Galaxy models).
3. Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Side Key (Power button) simultaneously.
4. Release both buttons when the Samsung Galaxy logo appears on the screen. The Android Recovery Menu will load.
5. Use the Volume Down button to highlight Wipe data / factory reset.
6. Press the Side Key to select it.
7. Press Volume Down to highlight Factory data reset and press the Side Key to confirm.
8. Once the wipe completes, select Reboot system now.

Samsung Factory Reset Quick Reference Checklist