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 contacts, no passwords saved in browsers. The operating system itself stays the same version. You use a factory reset when your device is running slowly, freezing constantly, or you plan to sell it and want to remove your personal data completely.
Before you start, understand that this action cannot be undone. Every photo, message, and file stored only on the device will be gone. If your Samsung is connected to a Samsung account or Google account, those backups may help you restore some data afterward, but local files are lost. Charge your battery to at least 50 percent before beginning.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset wipes all personal data from your Samsung device and returns it to factory settings, and the action cannot be reversed.
- You can reset through Settings on most Samsung phones and tablets, or through recovery mode if the device will not start normally.
- Back up your photos, contacts, and important files to a Samsung account or Google account before you reset.
- After reset, your device will ask you to sign in with a Samsung or Google account, and you may be able to restore some backed-up data.
- If you forget your Samsung or Google password after a reset, you will need proof of ownership to regain access to the device.
Back up your data before you reset
Open Settings and look for an option called Accounts, Cloud and accounts, or Samsung account — the exact name varies by model and Android version. Sign in with your Samsung account if you have one. Go to Backup or Sync and turn on backups for contacts, calendar, messages, and any other data you want to keep.
If you use Google instead, open Settings, find Google or Google Account, tap Manage your Google Account, then go to the Data & Privacy tab. Make sure Backup is turned on. This backs up your contacts, calendar, Gmail, and some app data to your Google account. Photos can be backed up separately through Google Photos — open the app, tap your profile picture, go to Photos settings, and turn on Backup and sync.
Take a moment to manually save any files you cannot afford to lose — documents, spreadsheets, or videos — to a cloud service like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox, or transfer them to a computer via USB cable. Once the reset begins, these files are gone from the device.
Reset through Settings if your device starts normally
Open Settings and scroll down to find General management, System, or About phone — the location depends on your Samsung model and Android version. Look for an option called Reset, Reset options, or Erase all data. Tap it.
You will see a screen asking you to confirm. It may show a list of what will be deleted — apps, settings, data. Read it carefully. Tap the button to confirm the reset, usually labeled Reset, Delete all, or Erase everything. The device will ask for your PIN, pattern, or password to make sure you are the owner. Enter it.
The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Your screen will go black, you may see a Samsung logo, and the device will restart. Do not turn it off or unplug it during this time. When it finishes, you will see the initial setup screen as if the device is brand new.
Reset through recovery mode if the device will not start
If your Samsung is frozen, stuck in a loop, or will not turn on normally, you can reset it through recovery mode. The button combination varies by model, but the most common method is to hold Power and Volume Up together for about 10 seconds until the Samsung logo appears, then release. On some older models, you hold Power, Home, and Volume Up together.
Once you see the recovery menu, use the volume buttons to navigate and the power button to select. Look for an option that says Wipe data/factory reset or Factory reset. Highlight it and press power to select. The next screen will ask you to confirm — usually you need to select Yes or Delete all user data. Press power to confirm.
The reset will take several minutes. You will see text scrolling on the screen. When it finishes, you will return to the recovery menu. Select Reboot system now or Restart and press power. The device will restart and show the setup screen.
Set up your device after the reset
When your Samsung restarts, it will ask you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. Follow the on-screen prompts. You will be asked to sign in with a Samsung account or Google account — use the same one you backed up to before the reset.
If you signed in with a Samsung account before the reset, you will see an option to restore your backed-up data. Select the data you want — contacts, calendar, messages, app list — and the device will read it. This process can take 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.
If you backed up to Google instead, sign in with your Google account during setup. Google will restore your contacts, calendar, and Gmail automatically. Photos backed up to Google Photos will not restore automatically — you will need to open Google Photos and read them again, or they will sync over time if you turn on backup and sync in the app.
What to do if you are locked out after the reset
If you forget the password or PIN you used before the reset, your Samsung device will ask you to sign in with the Samsung account or Google account that was on the device before the reset. This is a security feature called Reactivation Lock or Factory Reset Protection. Enter the correct password and you will regain access.
If you do not remember the password, go to the account recovery page for Samsung (findmymobile.samsung.com) or Google (accounts.google.com/signin/recovery) on a computer. Follow the steps to verify your identity — you may need to answer security questions, enter a recovery code, or verify a phone number. Once you reset the password, use the new password on your Samsung device.
If you cannot verify your identity through the account recovery process, you will need to contact Samsung or Google support with proof of ownership — a receipt, invoice, or IMEI number (found on the original box or by dialing *#06# on the device). The process can take several days.
Common mistakes to avoid
Do not reset your device while it is plugged into a computer or while a file transfer is in progress. Interrupting the reset can leave your device in an unusable state. Make sure the battery is charged to at least 50 percent and stay connected to power during the entire process.
Do not assume that a factory reset removes all traces of your data from the device's storage. For most users, a reset is sufficient before selling or giving away a device, but if you are concerned about data recovery, consider encrypting your device before the reset or using a find erase tool. Do not reset a device that is still under contract with a carrier without checking whether it will affect your service — some carriers lock devices, and a reset will not remove that lock.
Do not forget your Samsung or Google account password before you reset. Write it down or store it in a password manager. If you lose access to the account after the reset, you will be locked out of the device until you can prove ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my Samsung?
A factory reset will remove most malware because it deletes all apps and files you installed. However, if malware is in the device firmware itself (which is rare), a reset will not remove it. For most cases, a factory reset is an effective way to clean an infected device.
Can I undo a factory reset?
No. Once a factory reset completes, the data is gone from the device. If you backed up your data to a Samsung account or Google account before the reset, you can restore some of it during setup. Local files not backed up cannot be recovered.
How long does a factory reset take?
The reset itself takes 5 to 15 minutes. After the device restarts, setup and data restoration can take an additional 10 to 30 minutes depending on how much data you are restoring and your internet speed. Do not turn off the device during any of these steps.
Do I need to remove my SIM card before resetting?
No. A factory reset does not affect your SIM card or your carrier service. Your phone number and carrier plan will work normally after the reset. You do not need to remove the SIM card.
What if my device is asking for a Samsung account password after the reset and I do not have one?
If the device is asking for a Samsung account password but you do not have a Samsung account, you may have used a Google account instead before the reset. Look for an option to sign in with Google or skip this step. If you are locked out completely, you will need to verify your identity through Samsung or Google support.