What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung device — all apps, photos, messages, contacts, and settings — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. After a reset, your phone or tablet will be blank and ready to set up as new. You lose all your data unless you back it up first.

You might reset your Samsung if it's running slowly, freezing constantly, or behaving erratically. A reset also removes malware or unwanted apps that won't uninstall normally. If you're selling or giving away your device, a reset wipes your personal information so the new owner starts fresh.

Before you reset, back up anything you want to keep. Samsung devices can back up to your Samsung account, Google account, or a computer. Once you start the reset, there's no stopping it partway through.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up your photos, contacts, and messages to your Samsung account or Google account before you reset, because the reset deletes everything on the device.
  • On most Samsung phones and tablets, you reset through Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, then confirm twice.
  • The reset takes 5 to 15 minutes and your device will restart several times; do not turn it off during the process.
  • If your device is frozen or won't turn on, you can force a reset using hardware buttons instead of the Settings menu.
  • After the reset completes, your device will ask you to sign in with a Samsung or Google account to finish setup.

Back up your data before you reset

The fastest way to back up a Samsung device is through your Samsung account. Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Accounts > Add Account, sign in with your Samsung account (or create one), then go back to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Backup and Restore > Back Up My Data. Choose what you want to back up — contacts, messages, app data, settings — and tap Back Up. This usually takes a few minutes depending on how much data you have.

If you use Google services, your Google account automatically backs up contacts, calendar, Gmail, and some app data. You can also back up photos and videos to Google Photos. Open the Google Photos app, tap your profile picture, go to Photos Settings > Backup and Sync, and turn it on. Photos upload in the background over Wi-Fi.

For files, documents, and anything else, connect your Samsung to a computer with a USB cable, open the file manager on your computer, and copy the folders you need to your computer's hard drive. This is the safest method for data you absolutely cannot lose.

Reset through Settings on a working device

If your Samsung phone or tablet is responding normally, use the Settings menu to reset it. Open Settings, scroll down and tap General Management (on some older Samsung models this may be called System or About Phone), then tap Reset. You'll see options including Factory Data Reset or Reset All Settings — tap Factory Data Reset.

The next screen will show what will be deleted and ask you to confirm. Read it carefully. Tap Reset or Delete All, then enter your PIN, pattern, or password if prompted. Samsung will ask you to confirm one more time. Tap the final confirmation button, and the reset begins.

Your device will restart and show a progress bar. This can take 5 to 15 minutes. You may see the Samsung logo, the Android logo, or a spinning circle multiple times — this is normal. Do not turn off the device, remove the battery, or disconnect it from power during this time. When the reset finishes, your device will restart and show the initial setup screen.

Force a reset if your device is frozen or won't start

If your Samsung is completely frozen, unresponsive, or won't turn on, you can force a reset using the hardware buttons. The exact button combination depends on your model, but the most common method is to hold the Power button and Volume Up button together for 10 to 20 seconds until the device vibrates or the Samsung logo appears. Release the buttons.

Your device will boot into Recovery Mode, which shows a menu with white text on a black background. Use the Volume Down button to navigate to Wipe Data / Factory Reset, then press the Power button to select it. The menu will ask you to confirm — use Volume Down to highlight Yes and press Power to confirm. The reset will begin. Do not interrupt it.

If the button combination doesn't work for your specific model, search online for "[your exact Samsung model] factory reset buttons" — Samsung has many models with different button combinations. The manual that came with your device also lists the correct buttons.

Set up your device after the reset

When the reset finishes, your device will restart and show the Welcome screen or initial setup wizard. You'll be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. Use the same account you backed up to so your contacts, photos, and apps can restore automatically.

After you sign in, your device will read and reinstall your apps from the Play Store. This can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. You can use your device while this happens, but it will be slower. Your backed-up data will restore in the background.

Once setup is complete, check that your photos, contacts, and messages are back. If something didn't restore, you can manually restore from your Samsung account by going to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Restore and selecting what you need.

What to do if the reset doesn't fix your problem

If your device is still slow, freezing, or behaving strangely after a factory reset, the problem may be hardware-related rather than software. A failing battery, overheating, or a hardware defect can cause the same symptoms as software problems.

Try these steps first: restart your device, clear the cache partition (hold Power and Volume Up, navigate to Wipe Cache Partition, and confirm), or check if a specific app is causing the issue by using Safe Mode. To enter Safe Mode, hold the Power button until the power menu appears, then hold Power Off until a Safe Mode prompt appears. In Safe Mode, only essential apps run. If your device works normally in Safe Mode, an app you installed is the problem.

If none of these work, contact Samsung support or visit a Samsung service center. Bring your device and proof of purchase if you think it's still under warranty. A technician can run diagnostics to determine if the hardware is failing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove my Google account lock?

No. After a factory reset, your device will ask you to sign in with the Google account that was on it before the reset. This is a security feature called Factory Reset Protection. If you don't remember the password, you'll need to recover your Google account through Google's account recovery process before you can use the device.

Can I cancel a factory reset once it starts?

No. Once you confirm the reset, it cannot be stopped. The device will complete the reset even if you try to turn it off. Let it finish — interrupting it can damage the device or leave it in an unusable state.

How long does a factory reset take?

A factory reset usually takes 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Older devices or devices with a lot of storage may take longer. Your device will restart multiple times during this process, which is normal.

Do I need to remove my SIM card before resetting?

No. A factory reset does not affect your SIM card or your phone number. Your SIM card will work normally after the reset. You do not need to remove it.

What if I forgot to back up my data before resetting?

Once a factory reset completes, your data is gone and cannot be recovered through normal means. If your device is still under warranty and the data is critical, contact Samsung support — they may be able to help, though recovery is not may provide. For the future, set up automatic backups to your Google account or Samsung account so you don't lose data if you reset again.