What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung device and returns it to the state it left the factory — no apps you installed, no photos, no messages, no settings you changed. The operating system itself stays the same. You use a factory reset when you're selling or giving away the device, when it's running so slowly that nothing else has fixed it, or when you're locked out of your own account and need a clean start.

Before you reset, understand that this is permanent. Photos, contacts, messages — all gone unless you backed them up first. Samsung devices back up to your Samsung account automatically if you set it up, but not everything goes there. Your photos, for instance, only back up if you turned on that specific setting.

A factory reset takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much is on the device. Your device will restart several times during the process, which is normal.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up your photos, contacts, and messages to your Samsung account or Google account before you reset, because a factory reset deletes everything on the device.
  • You can reset through Settings on the device itself, or through Find Mobile on Samsung's website if you can't access the phone.
  • After a factory reset, you'll need to sign in with a Samsung account or Google account to use the device again — this is a security feature called Reactivation Lock.
  • If you're selling the device, reset it, then sign out of your accounts completely so the new owner can set it up with their own account.

Reset through Settings on your device

This is the most straightforward method if your phone or tablet turns on and you can navigate the menus. Open Settings, then scroll down and tap General management (on some older Samsung models, this section is called System). Tap Reset or Reset options.

You'll see several reset choices. Tap Factory data reset or Erase all data. The device will show you how much storage will be cleared and ask you to confirm. Read the warning — it will say something like "All data will be deleted." Tap the button to confirm, usually labeled Reset or Delete all. Your device will restart and begin erasing.

During the reset, you'll see a progress bar or a spinning icon. Don't turn off the device or remove the battery. When it finishes, you'll see the initial setup screen, the same one you saw when the device was brand new. The reset is complete.

Reset using Find Mobile if you can't access the phone

If your device won't turn on, is locked with a pattern or PIN you don't remember, or is lost, you can reset it remotely through Samsung's Find Mobile service. Go to findmobile.samsung.com on a computer and sign in with the Samsung account that's registered to the device.

Once you're signed in, you'll see your device listed. Click on it, then look for an option called Unlock, Remote unlock, or Factory reset — the exact wording varies by region and device model. Click the reset option. Samsung will send a command to your device, and the reset will begin the next time the device connects to the internet. This can take a few minutes to a few hours depending on whether the device is powered on and connected.

If you don't have a Samsung account set up for the device, you won't be able to use Find Mobile. In that case, you'll need to contact Samsung support or visit a Samsung service center with proof of ownership.

What happens after the reset

When your device finishes resetting, it will show the setup screen. You'll be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with a Google account or Samsung account. This is Reactivation Lock, a security feature that prevents someone else from using your device if it's stolen or lost.

If you're keeping the device, sign in with your own account. If you're giving it to someone else, let them sign in with their own account. If you're selling it, you should sign in with a temporary account, then sign out completely before handing it over — this way the new owner can set it up fresh with their own account.

After you sign in, the device will read your apps from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store if you had them linked to that account. This can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how many apps you had and your internet speed. Your photos and contacts won't come back automatically — you'll need to restore them from your backup if you made one.

Backing up before you reset

If you haven't reset yet and you want to keep your data, back it up now. Open Settings, tap Accounts and backup (or Accounts on older models), then tap Backup and restore or Samsung Cloud. You can back up to your Samsung account, or you can use Google's backup by going to Settings > Google > Manage your Google Account > Backup.

For photos specifically, open the Gallery app, tap the menu (three lines or three dots), and look for Settings. Make sure Cloud sync or Backup is turned on. This will upload new photos to Samsung Cloud or Google Photos as you take them.

Contacts usually back up automatically if you've signed in with a Google account, but you can check by opening Contacts, tapping the menu, and looking for Settings > Backup and restore. Make sure Backup to Google Account is on.

Troubleshooting a reset that won't start

If you're in Settings and the reset button is grayed out or won't respond, your device may be low on battery. Plug it in and wait for it to charge to at least 50 percent, then try again. Samsung requires a minimum battery level before allowing a reset to prevent the device from shutting down mid-process.

If the reset button is missing entirely, you may be looking in the wrong menu. On very new Samsung models, the reset option moved to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. On older models, it's under Settings > System > Reset options > Factory data reset. If you still can't find it, search "reset" in the Settings search bar at the top.

If the device is frozen and won't open Settings at all, try a force restart first. For most Samsung phones, hold the Power button and Volume Down button together for 10 seconds until you see the Samsung logo. For tablets, the button combination varies — check your device's manual. After the force restart, try opening Settings again.

When to contact Samsung support

If you've tried a factory reset and the device still won't work, or if you're locked out and can't sign in with your Samsung account, contact Samsung support. You can reach them through the Samsung Members app (built into most Samsung devices), through samsung.com/us/support, or by calling the number on your device's box or your receipt.

Have your device's serial number or IMEI ready — you can find this in Settings > About phone > Status, or by dialing *#06# on the phone. If you're selling the device and the new owner is locked out, they'll need to contact Samsung with proof of purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove the operating system?

No. A factory reset only removes the apps and data you added. The operating system — Android or Samsung's interface — stays the same. If you want to update to a newer version of Android, you do that separately through Settings > System > System update after the reset is complete.

Can I undo a factory reset?

Not directly. Once the reset finishes, the data is gone. However, if you backed up to Google or Samsung Cloud before the reset, you can restore from that backup during the setup process after the reset. You'll be asked if you want to restore from a backup when you sign in for the first time.

Do I need to remove my SIM card before resetting?

No. A factory reset doesn't affect your SIM card or your phone number. You can leave it in. However, if you're giving the device to someone else, remove your SIM card before handing it over so they can use their own.

What if I forgot the PIN and can't get into Settings?

Use Find Mobile on Samsung's website to reset the device remotely, or do a force restart and try entering the PIN again. If you've forgotten it completely, you'll need to sign in with your Samsung account or Google account after the force restart to regain access. If you don't remember those either, contact Samsung support with proof of ownership.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most resets finish in 5 to 15 minutes. Older devices or devices with a lot of storage may take longer. Don't turn off the device during the reset — let it restart on its own. You'll know it's done when you see the setup screen asking you to choose a language.