What a factory reset does and when you need one
A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung Chromebook — all files, settings, accounts, and installed apps — and returns it to the state it left the factory. You do this when the device is running slowly, won't start properly, you're selling or giving it away, or you've forgotten your password and can't log in any other way.
The reset process itself takes 10 to 20 minutes, but you lose access to anything stored only on the device. Files saved to Google Drive stay in your Google account and can be retrieved after you sign back in. Files saved only locally — in the Downloads folder or elsewhere on the Chromebook itself — are gone.
Samsung Chromebooks use the same reset process as all Chromebooks because they run Chrome OS, which is made by Google. The steps are identical whether you have a Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, a Samsung Chromebook 4, or any other model.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset wipes the Chromebook completely and returns it to original settings, erasing all local files but not anything stored in Google Drive.
- You can reset from the login screen if you've forgotten your password, or from Settings if you can still sign in.
- The reset takes 10 to 20 minutes and requires the device to be plugged in and connected to the internet.
- After reset, you sign in with your Google account and can restore files from Google Drive, but local files are permanently deleted.
How to reset from the login screen
If you can't sign in — because you've forgotten your password or the account is locked — you can reset without logging in. This is the fastest route when you're locked out.
On the login screen, press Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R all at once. A window will appear asking "Powerwash your device?" Select Powerwash. The Chromebook will restart and begin erasing itself. Do not turn off the device or close the lid during this process.
When the reset finishes, you'll see the welcome screen. Plug in the power adapter if it's not already connected, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account — either the same one you used before or a different one.
How to reset from Settings if you can sign in
If you can log in normally, you can reset through the Settings menu. This route is useful when the device is running poorly but still functional.
Sign in to your Chromebook. Click the time in the bottom right corner, then click the gear icon to open Settings. Select Advanced on the left side. Scroll down and select Reset settingsPowerwash, then Powerwash again to confirm. The device will restart and erase itself.
When the reset finishes, the welcome screen appears. Connect to Wi-Fi and sign in with your Google account.
What to do before you reset
Before you start, check what's actually on your Chromebook. Open the Files app and look in the Downloads folder and any other local folders. Anything there will be deleted and cannot be recovered.
If you have files you want to keep, move them to Google Drive before you reset. Open Drive in your browser, click New, select File upload, and choose the files from your Downloads folder. Wait for the upload to finish before you start the reset.
Make sure the Chromebook is plugged into power. A reset can take 10 to 20 minutes, and if the battery dies during the process, the device may not restart properly. You'll also need a working internet connection — the reset downloads and installs the current version of Chrome OS.
What happens after the reset is complete
When your Chromebook finishes resetting, it shows the welcome screen. Sign in with your Google account — the same one you used before, or a new one if you prefer. Chrome OS will read your settings, bookmarks, and extensions from Google's servers.
Files you saved to Google Drive before the reset will still be there. Open Drive in your browser and read them back to your Chromebook if you need them locally. Anything that was only on the device — in Downloads, for example — is permanently gone.
If you're giving the Chromebook to someone else, don't sign in with your account after the reset. Let the new owner sign in with their own Google account instead. This way, the device is ready for them to use, and your personal data stays in your own account.
Troubleshooting a reset that won't start or finish
If pressing Ctrl + Alt + Shift + R on the login screen doesn't open the Powerwash window, try these steps. Make sure you're on the login screen, not signed in. Press the keys one at a time in order: hold Ctrl, then hold Alt, then hold Shift, then press R while holding all three. If that doesn't work, restart the Chromebook by holding the power button for 10 seconds, then try again.
If the reset starts but seems to hang — the screen doesn't change for more than 30 minutes — the device may have lost its internet connection. Check that Wi-Fi is still connected. If it's not, restart the Chromebook and try the reset again, making sure you stay connected to Wi-Fi throughout.
If the Chromebook won't turn on after a reset, plug it in and let it charge for at least 30 minutes, then press the power button. If it still won't start, hold the power button for 30 seconds, release it, wait 10 seconds, then press it again. If the device remains unresponsive, contact Samsung support with your model number — you can find it on a sticker on the bottom of the device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my Google account after a reset?
No. Your Google account still exists and you can sign back in after the reset. All your email, Drive files, and account settings are stored on Google's servers, not on the Chromebook itself. After you sign in, your bookmarks and extensions will read automatically.
Can I reset a Samsung Chromebook without a Google account?
You can start the reset without signing in, but you'll need a Google account to finish. After the reset completes, the welcome screen requires you to sign in with a Google account before you can use the device. If you don't have one, you can create one for free at accounts.google.com.
What if I forgot which Google account I used on the Chromebook?
If you can't remember your account email, you can reset the device and sign in with a different Google account. After the reset, the welcome screen lets you choose any account. If you want to recover files from your old account, sign in with that account after the reset, open Google Drive, and read your files.
Does a reset remove Chrome OS itself?
No. A reset only erases your files and settings. Chrome OS stays on the device and is actually refreshed during the reset — the Chromebook downloads the latest version from Google's servers. You'll have a clean, up-to-date operating system when the reset finishes.
How long does a factory reset actually take?
Most resets finish in 10 to 20 minutes, depending on your internet speed and how much data was on the device. A faster connection speeds up the process. Don't turn off the Chromebook or close the lid while it's resetting — let it run until you see the welcome screen.