Do you need to reset your Samsung Galaxy phone to factory settings? Here's how to do it. Smartphones have become an essential part of our life nowadays. This is why before you pass your phone to a friend or family member or sell it, it is recommended that you reset it to the factory state so that all data and other content from the device is wiped.
Resetting the device will also unlink your Google account and other accounts that you are logged into the device with. It deletes all your apps and data and essentially brings it back to the same state as when you first bought it.
If you own a Samsung Galaxy S21, A52 or another model, the steps to restore it to factory settings are pretty straightforward. Let's begin.
What to know before resetting your Samsung Galaxy device
Before you start resetting your Samsung Galaxy device, there are a few things you should know.
- Restoring the Galaxy device will erase all data stored on it. Therefore, it is important to backup your Android device and all data on it before proceeding with the recovery process.
- Resetting your Galaxy device will not restore any software updates installed on it. So, if your Galaxy device was running Android 10 out of the box but received the update to Android 11, it will stay on Android 11 after the reset.
- You don't necessarily have to perform a full factory data reset. You also have the option to reset all settings, network settings or accessibility settings on your device, leaving your data intact.
- If you use a microSD card on your Galaxy device, you have the option not to erase its contents during a factory data reset.
You won't be able to recover Android data that has been deleted due to a factory reset, so double check your backups before starting.
If you are resetting your Samsung Galaxy device for troubleshooting, you can try resetting the network or settings first. In case that solves the problem you are facing then you will avoid the headache of setting up your Galaxy device again after a factory data reset.
How to factory reset your Samsung Galaxy device
- Open the Settings app and go to General Management> Reset.
- Various reset options will be shown here, including the ability to reset all settings, network settings, etc. However, you need to select the option Factory data reset.
- You will be provided with a summary of all content that will be deleted and all accounts that will be unlinked from your Galaxy device.
- Scroll to the bottom and select the option Restore.
- For confirmation, you will need to enter your device unlock pattern or password followed by your Samsung account password if you are logged in. Finally, tap the button Delete everything.
If you are switching to another phone, you also have the option to erase all your eSIMs from the phone. Select this option only if you plan to sell or give away your Galaxy device.
If you're factory resetting your Galaxy device for some other reason and plan to use it again after the reset, don't wipe your eSIMs. If not, you will need to contact your carrier to set them up again.
Factory reset your Samsung Galaxy device
Factory reset of your Samsung Galaxy device is a pretty simple and straightforward process. Since performing a reset will completely wipe the device, it is always advisable to create a backup of all important data.
Unfortunately, Android doesn't offer a proper way to back up app data, so some data will still be erased as part of the process.
In addition to a factory reset, you can also reset the network settings or general settings of your Samsung Galaxy device if you don't want to have the hassle of setting up your device again after a factory reset.
