What a Factory Reset Does and When to Use It

A factory reset erases everything on your Samsung Galaxy 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 though you just unboxed the phone for the first time.

Factory resets are useful when your phone runs slowly, an app keeps crashing, you're selling or giving away the device, or you've forgotten your PIN or pattern lock. They are not reversible, so back up anything you want to keep before you start.

A factory reset is different from a soft reset (powering off and on), which fixes temporary glitches without erasing data. If your phone is just sluggish or frozen, try a soft reset first. If that doesn't work, or if you're preparing to hand the phone to someone else, a factory reset is the right choice.

Key Takeaways

  • Back up your photos, contacts, messages, and any other data you want to keep before starting, because a factory reset permanently deletes everything on the phone.
  • You can factory reset through Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset, or by holding Power and Volume Up together during startup.
  • If you've forgotten your lock screen PIN or pattern, you may be able to reset through your Samsung or Google account instead of wiping the phone entirely.
  • The reset process takes 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data is on the phone, and the phone will restart several times during the process.
  • After the reset finishes, you'll need to set up the phone again with a Samsung account or Google account, just as you would with a new phone.

Back Up Your Data Before You Start

Before you reset, save anything you want to keep. The easiest way is to sign into your Samsung account on the phone, then go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud. Tap Backup and select what you want to save — contacts, messages, calendar, app data, and home screen layout are all options. The backup uploads to Samsung's servers and you can restore it after the reset.

If you use Google instead, go to Settings > Google > Manage Your Google Account > Backup. Turn on Backup by Google One if it's not already on. This backs up contacts, calendar, photos, and some app data to your Google account.

For photos and videos, open the Gallery app, tap the menu (three lines), and look for a backup or cloud option. You can also connect the phone to a computer with a USB cable and copy files manually to your computer's hard drive.

Factory Reset Through Settings (Easiest Method)

This method works on all Samsung Galaxy phones running Android 10 or newer. Open Settings and scroll down to find General Management (on some phones it's called System Management). Tap it.

Inside General Management, look for Reset or Reset Options. Tap it, then tap Factory Data Reset or Reset Phone. The phone will show you a summary of what will be deleted and ask you to confirm. Read it carefully — this is your last warning before everything is erased.

Tap Reset or Delete All. If your phone is locked with a PIN, pattern, or password, you'll need to enter it to confirm. The phone will then restart and begin the reset process. You'll see a progress bar and the phone may restart multiple times. Do not turn off the phone or remove the battery during this time. The whole process usually takes 5 to 15 minutes.

When the reset finishes, the phone will show the initial setup screen. You can now set it up as a new phone or sign into your Samsung or Google account to restore your backed-up data.

Factory Reset Using Hardware Buttons (If You Can't Access Settings)

If your phone won't turn on normally, is frozen, or you can't reach Settings, you can force a factory reset using the power and volume buttons. This method is the same on nearly all Samsung Galaxy phones.

First, turn off the phone completely. Then press and hold the Power button and the Volume Up button at the same time. Keep holding both buttons until the Samsung logo appears — this usually takes 5 to 10 seconds. Do not release when you see the logo; keep holding until you see the recovery menu.

The recovery menu shows options in white text on a black background. Use the Volume Down button to move the highlight down to "Wipe Data / Factory Reset" and press the Power button to select it. The phone will ask you to confirm. Use Volume Down to highlight "Yes" and press Power to confirm. The reset will begin when ready.

The phone will show a progress bar. When it finishes, you'll see "Reboot System Now" highlighted. Press Power to restart the phone. It will boot into the setup screen.

What to Do If You're Locked Out of Your Phone

If you've forgotten your PIN, pattern, or password and can't reach Settings, the hardware button method (above) will reset the phone. However, there's a faster option if you remember your Samsung account email and password.

On the lock screen, tap "Forgot Pattern" or "Forgot PIN" (the exact wording varies by phone). You'll be asked to enter your Samsung account email and password. If you enter them correctly, the phone will unlock without erasing your data. Your apps, photos, and messages stay on the phone.

If you don't remember your Samsung account password, go to samsung.com on a computer, click "Sign In," and use "Forgot Password" to reset it. Once you've reset your Samsung password, try unlocking the phone again with the new password.

If you don't have a Samsung account or can't remember that password either, the hardware button factory reset is your only option to regain access to the phone.

Set Up Your Phone After the Reset

When the reset finishes and the phone restarts, you'll see the initial setup screen. Select your language and region, then connect to a Wi-Fi network. The phone will ask whether you want to restore from a backup or set up as new.

If you backed up to Samsung Cloud, sign into your Samsung account and choose "Restore." The phone will read your contacts, messages, calendar, and other backed-up data. If you backed up to Google, sign into your Google account and the phone will restore Google contacts and calendar automatically.

If you set up as new, you'll need to manually add your contacts and reinstall your apps from the Google Play Store. This takes longer but gives you a completely clean start if that's what you prefer.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is not backing up before you reset. Once the reset starts, there is no way to stop it or recover deleted data. Always back up first, even if you think you don't need anything on the phone.

Another mistake is turning off the phone or removing the battery during the reset. The phone needs to complete the process without interruption. If the phone dies during a reset, it may not boot up properly afterward. Let it finish, even if it takes longer than you expect.

Some people also forget their Samsung or Google account password before they reset, then can't sign back in to restore their backup. If you're not sure of your password, reset it on a computer before you factory reset the phone.

Finally, don't assume the reset is finished just because the phone restarts. It may restart several times during the process. Wait until you see the full setup screen before you interact with the phone.

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. Your SIM card, phone number, and carrier account are not affected. After the reset, your phone will still work on your carrier's network with the same phone number.

Can I factory reset my Samsung Galaxy if it's password protected?

Yes. If you use the Settings method, you'll need to enter your PIN or password to confirm the reset. If you use the hardware button method, you can reset without entering a password. Either way, the reset will proceed.

How long does a factory reset take?

Most factory resets take 5 to 15 minutes from start to finish. Phones with a lot of data or older models may take up to 30 minutes. The phone will restart several times during the process. Do not turn it off until you see the setup screen.

What if my phone won't turn back on after the reset?

This is rare, but if it happens, try charging the phone for at least 30 minutes, then press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds. If the phone still won't start, try the hardware button method again to force another reset. If neither works, contact Samsung support or visit a carrier store.

Can I undo a factory reset?

No. A factory reset is permanent and cannot be undone. The only way to recover data is to restore from a backup you made before the reset. This is why backing up is so important.