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 a reset, your phone will ask you to set it up again as though it were brand new.
You might reset your phone if it's running slowly, freezing repeatedly, or behaving erratically. A reset also clears out malware or unwanted apps that won't uninstall normally. If you're selling or giving away your phone, a reset removes your personal data so the next owner starts fresh.
Before you reset, understand that this action cannot be undone. Everything will be gone. Back up your photos, messages, and any data you want to keep before you start.
Key Takeaways
- A factory reset wipes your phone completely and returns it to its original state — back up your data first because the action cannot be reversed.
- You can reset through Settings on most Samsung phones by going to General Management, then Reset, then Factory Data Reset.
- If your phone won't turn on or respond, you can force a reset using hardware buttons: hold Power and Volume Down together until the recovery menu appears.
- After a reset, your phone will ask you to sign in with a Samsung account or Google account, and you'll need to set up your apps and preferences again.
- If you forget your Samsung account password after a reset, you may not be able to use the phone until you recover or reset that account.
How to reset through Settings on a working phone
If your phone turns on and responds normally, the easiest path is through the Settings app. Open Settings, then scroll down and tap General Management (on some older Samsung models this may be called "Backup and Reset"). Tap Reset, then tap Factory Data Reset.
Your phone will show a warning that all data will be erased. Read it carefully. If you're sure you want to proceed, tap Reset or Delete All (the exact wording varies by model). Your phone will ask you to confirm by entering your PIN, pattern, or password — this is a safety step to prevent accidental erasure.
The reset process usually takes a few minutes. Your phone will restart automatically when it's done. Do not turn off the phone or remove the battery during this time.
How to force a reset if your phone is frozen or won't start
If your phone is stuck, frozen, or won't turn on, you can force a reset using the hardware buttons. The exact button combination depends on your Samsung model, but the most common method is to hold the Power button and Volume Down button together for about 10 seconds until you see the Samsung logo or a recovery menu.
Once the recovery menu appears, use the Volume buttons to navigate to Factory Reset or Wipe Data/Factory Reset. Press the Power button to select it. The phone will ask you to confirm — use Volume Down to highlight Yes and Power to confirm. The reset will begin.
This method works even if your phone is completely unresponsive, but it's also more forceful. Use it only when the Settings method won't work. The process may take several minutes, and your phone will restart on its own when finished.
What happens after the reset is complete
When your phone restarts, it will look like a brand-new device. You'll see the initial setup screen asking you to choose a language and connect to Wi-Fi. Your phone will then ask you to sign in with a Google account or a Samsung account.
If you sign in with your Google account, your phone can restore some data — contacts, calendar events, and some app data that was backed up to Google Drive. If you don't remember your Google password, you can recover it through Google's account recovery page on a computer or another device.
If you set up a Samsung account before the reset, signing in with that account may restore some Samsung-specific settings and apps. However, most of your personal data (photos, messages, locally stored files) will not return unless you backed them up separately.
Backing up your data before a reset
The safest approach is to back up your important data before you reset. On most Samsung phones, open Settings, go to Accounts and Backup, and tap Backup and Restore or Samsung Cloud. You can back up contacts, calendar, messages, and some app data to your Samsung account or Google account.
For photos and videos, connect your phone to a computer and copy them to a folder, or use Google Photos to back them up to the cloud. For messages, you can use a third-party app like SMS Backup+ to save text messages to your Google account.
Once your backup is complete and you've confirmed the files are saved, you can proceed with the reset. After setup, sign back in with the same account you used for the backup, and your data will be restored.
If you're locked out after a reset
Some Samsung phones have a security feature called Reactivation Lock or Find Mobile that prevents someone else from using your phone after a reset. If you reset your own phone, you'll need to sign in with the Samsung account or Google account that was on the phone before the reset.
If you don't remember the password to that account, you'll need to recover it. For a Google account, visit the Google Account Recovery page on a computer and follow the steps to reset your password. For a Samsung account, go to the Samsung Find Mobile website and use the recovery option there.
If you cannot recover the account, you may need to contact Samsung support with proof of purchase to regain access to your phone. This is by design — it's meant to prevent theft.
When to call Samsung support instead
If your phone won't respond to either the Settings method or the hardware button method, or if it keeps restarting in a loop after a reset attempt, contact Samsung support. You can reach them through the Samsung Members app (if it will open), through Samsung's website, or by calling the support number for your region.
If you're resetting because of a hardware problem — a cracked screen, water damage, or a battery that won't hold a charge — a reset won't fix those issues. A technician can diagnose whether the problem is software or hardware and advise you on repair or replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a factory reset remove viruses or malware from my Samsung phone?
A factory reset will remove most malware because it deletes all apps and data. However, if malware is embedded in your phone's firmware (the core software), a standard reset may not remove it. If your phone continues to behave strangely after a reset, contact Samsung support.
Can I undo a factory reset after I've done it?
No. A factory reset cannot be undone. Once it's complete, all data is permanently erased. This is why backing up before you reset is critical. If you backed up to Google or Samsung Cloud, you can restore that data after setup, but anything not backed up is gone.
How long does a factory reset take?
A factory reset usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on your phone model and how much data was on it. Do not turn off your phone or remove the battery during this time, or you may damage the phone's software.
Do I need to remove my SIM card before resetting?
No, you don't need to remove your SIM card. A factory reset erases the phone's internal storage but does not affect the SIM card. Your phone number and carrier information will remain on the SIM card.
What if I forgot my Samsung account password and can't sign in after the reset?
Go to the Samsung Find Mobile website on a computer and use the password recovery option. If you can't recover it, you can create a new Samsung account and sign in with that instead. You won't be able to restore data from the old account, but you'll be able to use your phone.