What a factory reset does and when you need one

A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung phone — all apps, photos, messages, contacts, and settings — and returns it to the state it was in when it left the factory. After the reset completes, you'll see the initial setup screen, as if the phone were brand new.

You might need a factory reset if your phone is running slowly, an app keeps crashing, you're selling or giving away the device, or you've forgotten your PIN or pattern lock. A reset is also the standard fix when a phone won't turn on or gets stuck in a boot loop.

Before you start, understand that a factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. Back up anything you want to keep — photos, contacts, messages, documents — to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or your computer before you proceed.

Key Takeaways

  • A factory reset erases all data on your phone and returns it to factory settings; back up your files first because the process cannot be reversed.
  • You can reset through Settings on a working phone, or through recovery mode if the phone won't start normally.
  • If you've set up a Samsung account or Google account on the phone, you'll need the password to that account after the reset to use the phone again.
  • The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on the phone.
  • If you're locked out of your phone, you may be able to reset it through Find Mobile, Samsung's remote device management tool.

Factory reset through Settings on a working phone

If your Samsung phone turns on and responds normally, the fastest way to reset is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then tap General management (or System on some models). Scroll down and tap Reset or Reset options.

You'll see several reset choices. Tap Factory data reset or Erase all data. The phone will show you a summary of what will be deleted and ask you to confirm. Read it carefully — this is your final note to back out. Tap the button to confirm, and the reset will begin.

The phone may ask for your PIN, pattern, or password before it proceeds. If you've set up a Samsung account or Google account, you may also need to enter that password. Once the reset starts, do not turn off the phone or remove the battery. Let it run until you see the setup screen again, which usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

Factory reset through recovery mode if the phone won't start

If your Samsung phone won't turn on, won't respond to touch, or is stuck on a boot screen, you can reset it through recovery mode. This is a special menu built into every Samsung phone that runs even when the main system won't load.

To enter recovery mode, turn off the phone completely. Then press and hold Volume Up and Power at the same time for several seconds. Keep holding until you see the Samsung logo or a menu appear. Release the buttons.

You'll see a menu with options in white text. Use the Volume buttons to move up and down, and press Power to select. Look for an option that says Wipe data/factory reset or Factory reset. Select it, then confirm when the phone asks. The reset will begin and may take 10 to 20 minutes. When it's done, select Reboot system now to restart the phone.

What happens after the reset is complete

When the reset finishes, your Samsung phone will show the initial setup screen — the same one you saw when you first turned it on. You'll be asked to choose a language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to a Google account or Samsung account.

If you set up a Google account or Samsung account on the phone before the reset, you'll need the password to that account to proceed. This is a security feature called Factory Reset Protection, and it prevents someone else from using your phone if it's stolen or lost. If you don't remember the password, you can reset it through the account provider's website on a computer.

After you sign in, the phone will read your apps, contacts, photos, and other data from your backup if you saved them to Google Drive or Samsung Cloud. This can take 30 minutes to several hours depending on how much data you have and your internet speed.

Resetting a phone you're locked out of

If you've forgotten your PIN, pattern, or password and can't get into your phone, you have a few options. If the phone is connected to Wi-Fi and you remember your Google account password, you can use Find My Mobile, Samsung's remote management tool. Go to findmymobile.samsung.com on a computer, sign in with your Samsung account, and look for an option to unlock or reset the device.

If you don't have a Samsung account set up, you can try signing in with your Google account on the lock screen. After several failed attempts, Android will offer you the option to sign in with Google instead. If you can do that, you can then go to Settings and perform a factory reset as described above.

If neither of those options work, you'll need to take the phone to a Samsung service center or authorized repair shop. They can verify that you own the phone and reset it for you, though there may be a fee.

Backing up your data before you reset

The easiest way to back up a Samsung phone is through Samsung Cloud. Open Settings, tap Accounts and backup (or Accounts), then Samsung Cloud. Tap Back up and choose what you want to save — contacts, messages, apps, settings, and more. The backup will run in the background and may take several minutes to an hour depending on how much data you have.

You can also back up to Google Drive. Open Settings, tap Google, then Manage your Google Account. Go to the Data & Privacy tab and look for backup options. Google will back up your contacts, calendar, photos, and app data automatically if you have a Google account signed in.

For photos and videos, you can also connect your phone to a computer with a USB cable and copy files manually, or use a cloud service like Google Photos, OneDrive, or Dropbox. The more places you back up your data, the less you'll lose if something goes wrong.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset remove my SIM card data or phone number?

No. A factory reset only erases data stored on the phone itself — apps, photos, messages, and settings. Your SIM card and phone number are separate and will not be affected. When the phone restarts, it will still have the same phone number and carrier.

Can I stop a factory reset once it has started?

No. Once a factory reset begins, it cannot be stopped or reversed. Do not turn off the phone, remove the battery, or disconnect it from power while the reset is running. Let it finish completely, which usually takes 10 to 20 minutes.

What if I don't remember my Google account password after the reset?

You can reset your Google password on any computer or another device by going to accounts.google.com and clicking "Forgot password?" You'll need to verify your identity using a recovery email or phone number. Once you've reset the password, you can sign in on your Samsung phone.

Do I need to charge my phone before I reset it?

Yes. Make sure your phone has at least 50 percent battery before you start a factory reset. If the battery dies during the reset, the phone may not restart properly. If your phone won't charge, take it to a service center before attempting a reset.

Will a factory reset fix a phone that's running slowly?

Often yes. A reset removes apps, files, and settings that may be slowing the phone down. However, if the phone is slow because of a hardware problem — a failing storage drive or overheating processor — a reset won't fix it. If the phone is still slow after a reset and you haven't reinstalled many apps, the problem is likely hardware and you should contact Samsung support.