Three ways to reset a Samsung device, and when to use each one

A Samsung reset falls into three categories: a soft reset (restart), a factory reset (wipe everything), or a reset through your Samsung account. A soft reset clears temporary files and stops frozen apps without erasing anything. A factory reset erases all data, photos, and apps, then returns the device to its original state — use this only when you plan to sell the device or need to fix a serious problem. A Samsung account reset lets you regain access if you forget your password or lock screen PIN. Which one you need depends on what is wrong with your device and whether you want to keep your data.

Start with a soft reset if your device is slow or an app is frozen. Move to a factory reset only if the soft reset does not work and you are ready to erase everything. Use a Samsung account reset if you have forgotten a password but want to keep your data and apps intact.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft reset (holding the power and volume buttons) fixes freezes and slow performance without erasing anything.
  • A factory reset wipes all data and apps, so back up your photos and files first if you want to keep them.
  • You can reset a forgotten Samsung account password through your email or phone number on Samsung's Find Mobile website.
  • A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes and the device will restart several times during the process.
  • After a factory reset, you will need to sign in with a Samsung account or Google account to use the device again.

Soft reset: restart your device without losing data

A soft reset stops frozen apps, clears temporary files, and fixes lag without erasing photos, messages, or installed apps. Use this first if your device is slow, an app keeps crashing, or the screen is unresponsive.

On most Samsung phones and tablets, hold the Power button and the Volume Down button at the same time for about 10 seconds. The device will vibrate and show a power menu. Release both buttons. The screen will go black and the Samsung logo will appear — this takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Your device will restart and return to the lock screen. No data is erased.

If your device is completely frozen and will not respond to button presses, try holding the Power button alone for 30 seconds. Some older Samsung models will power off this way even when they appear stuck. After the device powers off, press the Power button again to turn it back on normally.

Factory reset: erase everything and return to factory settings

A factory reset removes all photos, messages, contacts, apps, and settings. Use this only if you are selling or giving away the device, or if a serious software problem cannot be fixed any other way. Back up your data first through Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or by connecting to a computer.

To factory reset through Settings: open Settings, tap General Management, then Reset. Tap Factory Data Reset. Read the warning, then tap Reset again. Enter your PIN or password if prompted. The device will restart and show a progress bar. Do not turn off the device during this time. The process takes 5 to 15 minutes and the device will restart multiple times. When it finishes, you will see the initial setup screen as if the device is brand new.

If you cannot access Settings because you forgot your lock screen PIN or pattern, you can factory reset from the recovery menu. Turn off the device completely. Hold the Power button, Volume Up button, and Bixby button (or Home button on older models) at the same time for about 10 seconds until the recovery menu appears. Use Volume Up and Volume Down to navigate to Wipe Data / Factory Reset, then press the Power button to select it. Confirm the action. The device will reset and restart.

Reset your Samsung account password

If you forget the password to your Samsung account, you can reset it through the Find Mobile website without erasing your device. Go to findmobile.samsung.com and click Sign In. Click Forgot Password. Enter the email address or phone number linked to your Samsung account. Samsung will send a reset link to that email or a verification code to that phone number. Follow the link or enter the code to create a new password.

If you do not remember the email or phone number on your account, click Can't find your account and follow the steps to search by device serial number or IMEI. You will need proof of purchase or the device itself to verify your identity. This process does not erase any data on your device.

Reset your lock screen PIN or pattern

If you forget your lock screen PIN, pattern, or password, Samsung offers a few paths depending on your device model and whether you set up a recovery email or phone number.

On newer Samsung devices, after entering the wrong PIN or pattern several times, you will see an option to Unlock with Samsung Account or Unlock with Google Account. Tap that option and sign in with the email and password for the account you linked to the device. You will then be able to set a new PIN or pattern without losing any data.

If that option does not appear, you can factory reset the device using the recovery menu (see the factory reset section above). This will erase all data but will let you set up the device again with a new lock screen. Before you do this, make sure you have backed up any important photos, messages, or files.

What happens after a factory reset

After the device restarts following a factory reset, you will see the initial setup screen. You will be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. If you sign in with the same account you used before, some apps and settings may restore from your backup — this depends on whether you had automatic backup turned on before the reset.

If you do not sign in with an account, the device will work but you will not be able to read apps from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store. You can add an account later by going to Settings > Accounts > Add Account. The device will function normally once you complete the setup process.

Troubleshooting: what to do if the reset does not work

If a soft reset does not fix a frozen or slow device, try clearing the cache partition. Turn off the device, then hold Power, Volume Up, and Bixby (or Home) until the recovery menu appears. Select Wipe Cache Partition using the volume buttons and Power button to confirm. This removes temporary system files without erasing your data. The device will restart and may run faster.

If the device still does not work after a soft reset and cache clear, a factory reset is usually the next step. If a factory reset fails or the device will not turn on at all, the device may have a hardware problem. Contact Samsung Support through samsung.com/us/support or visit a Samsung service center for diagnosis and repair options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a soft reset erase my photos or messages?

No. A soft reset only restarts the device and clears temporary files. All photos, messages, contacts, and apps stay on the device. A factory reset is the only type of reset that erases data.

How do I back up my data before a factory reset?

Open Settings, tap Accounts, then Samsung Account (or Google Account). Tap Backup and turn on the toggle for Photos, Messages, Contacts, and Settings. The backup will upload to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive. You can also connect your device to a computer and copy files manually to an external drive.

What if I forgot my Samsung account email and password?

Go to account.samsung.com and click Forgot ID or Forgot Password. You can search for your account using your device serial number or IMEI if you have the device. If you do not have access to the recovery email or phone number, contact Samsung Support with proof of purchase.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset permanently erases all data on the device. If you have a backup in Samsung Cloud or Google Drive, you can restore from that backup after the reset completes and you sign in with your account. Without a backup, the data cannot be recovered.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. The device will restart several times and show a progress bar. Do not turn off the device or remove the battery during this time, as it can cause the reset to fail or leave the device in an unusable state.