How do I perform a factory reset on my mobile device?
A factory reset, sometimes called a hard reset or a master reset, will remove all personal information, changes, and data from your device, returning it to the same settings and data that it had when it left the factory.
There are three main ways to perform a factory reset: via the Settings menu, using the buttons on your device or by using the SmartThings Find service.
To carry out a factory reset you will have to enter your PIN, password, or unlock pattern.
You will also need to ensure that your device is connected to a Wi-Fi connection before you can perform a factory reset.
Please note: most Android devices are secured with Factory Reset Protection. This is a feature designed by Google to prevent your phone from being reset without your permission. If you intend to give your device to someone else once it has been reset, please ensure that you remove your Google account from the device first. Follow the steps under Removing Google Factory Reset Protection for more details
If you want to factory reset your device to resolve a problem, first try restarting your device in safe mode. This will allow you to see if the problem is caused by a third-party app.
Soft vs hard reset
A soft reset is performed by turning a device on and off again. This will close any open applications and clear the memory of the device. Long term hard drive data is unaffected.
A hard reset is performed by completely resetting a device to its factory settings. Performing this kind of reset will permanently erase all the data on the device.
To perform a soft reset:
Back up your device
Please note: all apps can be downloaded again after logging back into your Google Account
A factory reset will permanently delete the following from your phone:
- All personal data
- Customised settings
- Applications downloaded from the Play Store
- Messages
- Contacts
- Photos
Therefore, before performing a factory reset, it is recommended that you first back up the data.
Find out how to back up your device using your Samsung account, Google Account or Smart Switch.
Find out how to back up your photos or videos using Dropbox.
Find out how to back up your photos and videos to your SD card.
Removing Google Factory Reset Protection
Most Android devices are protected by Google's Factory Reset Protection (FRP) feature. If your device has been reset using buttons, you will be asked to enter your Google password before you are allowed access. This feature is designed as a safeguard to prevent unwanted people from using your device if they managed to reset it without your permission, for example, if it was lost or stolen.
If you want to remove FRP you will need to follow the instructions below to remove your Google account from your device before resetting.
If you want to remove FRP but you are locked out of your device, you can bring your device, along with proof of purchase, to an authorised Samsung Service Centre.
Please note: The steps described in this example should be followed if your device is running Android Nougat or above. If your device is running an older version of Android, you may need to navigate using one of the following paths:
- Apps > Settings > Cloud and accounts > Accounts
- Apps > Settings > Accounts > Google
Factory reset via the Settings menu
The location of the Factory Reset option in your settings will differ sightly depending on the model and operating system of your device. If you are unsure what operating system your device uses find out how to check which operating system you are using in our FAQ on operating systems.
Please note: The steps described in the examples should be followed if your device is running Android Nougat or above. If your device is running an older version of Android, you may need to navigate using one of the following paths:
- Apps > Settings > Backup and reset > Factory data reset
- Apps > Settings > Privacy > Factory data reset
- Apps > Settings > About phone > Advanced > Reset > Factory data reset > Reset
Factory reset via SmartThings Find
SmartThings Find allows you to locate, lock and/or wipe your device remotely among other features.
To factory reset your device using SmartThings Find:
- Your device must be connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network
- Your device must be signed in to your Samsung Account
- Remote control and remote unlock settings must be enabled
If you don't receive a code, you have the option to verify by another means. Click Verify with text message or Verify with backup code. If you'd like to use another Galaxy device to verify your identity, click Verify with text message, then Verify with another Galaxy device.
Factory reset on a smartphone using the buttons
If you are locked out of your device, you can perform a factory reset using the buttons on your device.
Please note: most Android devices have security measures in place to stop them from being factory reset if they are stolen. One of these security measures is called Google Device Protection. This means that if you have a Google account on your phone, when your phone is reset using the buttons it will ask you for your Google account information. Make sure you know the email and password before resetting. These details will be the same password and email you use for the Play Store. If you're locked out and you don't remember your Google account details, you have a couple of options:
1. If you know your email but don't know the password, use the Google account recovery tool to recover or reset it. Then, use your new password to unlock your Galaxy device. You might need to wait 24 hours (or longer) for the new password to become active.
2. If you cannot remember any of your Google account information, you can send your device, along with proof of purchase, to an authorised Samsung Service Centre.
If your device does not have a Home button (for example, Note 10, Note20, S20, S21, Fold, Z Flip), press and hold the Volume Up, Home and Side buttons simultaneously until your device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears. You can then release the buttons.
If your device does not have a physical home button but does have a separate Power button (for example, S8, S9, S10), press the Volume Up, Bixby, and Power buttons simultaneously until your device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears. You can then release all buttons.
If your device does have a physical home button (for example, S6 or S7), press and hold the Volume Up, Home and Power buttons simultaneously. When you feel the device vibrate, release the Power button. Your device will vibrate again, and a menu will appear. When you see this, release the remaining buttons.
Please note: it may take a few minutes for your device to reset. Wait while it reboots. It will power on automatically when it is ready to be set up. When it switches on, you will be prompted to go through the steps to set up the device as if it were the first time it has been used.
Factory reset on a tablet using the buttons
If you can use the screen on your tablet, you should follow the steps for resetting through the settings menu. The steps are the same for both smartphones and tablets. If you are locked out of your device, you can perform a factory reset using the buttons on your device.
Please note: if your device does not have a Home button, hold down the Volume up and Power buttons instead.
If you're experiencing unusual behaviour on Samsung mobiles, tablets or wearables, you can send us an error report or ask us a question in the Samsung Members app.
This allows us to take a closer look at what is happening. The data is anonymised and only held for the duration of the investigation. Find out more about the Samsung Members app and how to send an error report through it.
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