How to reset Samsung to factory settings without errors and losing important files is a question that most often arises before selling the phone, after freezes, Android crashes or when the Samsung Galaxy starts to work noticeably slower. Resetting the settings to factory settings returns the smartphone to its initial state: deletes applications, photos, accounts, system settings and other data from the device's memory.
Below we will consider the main methods of resetting Samsung: through the settings menu, Recovery mode and dialing code. We will also explain what to do before the procedure, how to avoid blocking Google FRP and what problems may appear after cleaning the phone.
Why Factory Reset Samsung?
Factory reset should not be done unnecessarily, because the procedure completely clears the internal memory of the smartphone. But in many situations, this is the fastest way to return the device to stable operation.
- Fixing software crashes and freezes. If your phone reboots frequently, won't open apps, hangs on the Samsung logo, or has errors after the One UI update, a reset may remove corrupted system settings.
- Preparation for the sale or transfer of the device. Before giving your Samsung to another person, you need to delete personal data, accounts, banking applications, photos, messages and saved passwords.
- Data cleaning for personal security. Regular file deletion isn't always enough. A factory reset helps remove most of your personal information from your device.
- Restoring the speed of the device. If Samsung hasn't been cleaned for years, has accumulated a lot of programs and cache, a full reset can make the system noticeably faster.
At the same time, resetting will not solve hardware malfunctions: problems with the battery, screen, charging port, camera or memory of the device. If the symptoms remain after cleaning, you should contact the service center.
Preparing to reset settings
Before you factory reset your Samsung, prepare your phone. This will reduce the risk of data loss and login issues after a restart.
Back up important data
After the reset, almost everything will be deleted from the internal memory: photos, videos, downloaded files, apps, SMS, call history and local settings. Save the information you need in advance.
- Photos and videos — to Google Photos, Samsung Cloud, OneDrive, or to your computer.
- Contacts — in a Google account or Samsung Account.
- Documents - to a memory card, cloud storage or PC.
- Chats — through built-in backups of WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber or other messengers.
- Two-factor authentication codes - transfer to a new application or save backup codes.
Charge your smartphone
It is desirable to have at least 50-60% charge. If the phone shuts down during reset or first boot, it can cause system errors. For older models, it is better to connect a charger.
Check your Google and Samsung accounts
Factory Reset Protection works on modern Samsungs. If the phone had a Google account before the reset, after cleaning, the system may ask to log in to it. Therefore, before selling or transferring the device, it is better to log out of Google and Samsung Accounts.
Update the software if applicable
If the problem is not critical, check for One UI and Android updates: sometimes errors are fixed without completely wiping the phone. To do this, open Settings → Software update → Download and install.
How to reset Samsung through the settings menu
This is the most convenient and safest way, if the phone turns on, you know the password or PIN and can open the menu. The names of the items may differ slightly depending on the version of One UI, but the logic is the same.
Step-by-step instructions
- Open it Settings on a Samsung smartphone.
- Go to the section General management. On some models, it may be called Manage general settings.
- Click Resetting.
- Select Reset to factory settings.
- See the list of data that will be deleted.
- Click Reset or Delete all.
- Enter your PIN, password, or pattern key if the system asks for confirmation.
After that, Samsung will reboot and start cleaning. The process usually takes a few minutes, but may take longer on older models or phones with a lot of data.
Once it's done, you'll see the Android setup start screen, just like when you turn on a new smartphone for the first time. If you keep your phone with you, sign in to your Google account and restore the backup. If you are selling, it is better not to go through the initial setup, but leave the device on the welcome screen.
Resetting Samsung through recovery mode (Recovery mode)
Recovery mode is required if Samsung does not boot, hangs on the logo, you forgot the lock screen password or you cannot enter the settings. This method also deletes all data from the phone.
How to enter Recovery mode on Samsung
The combination of buttons depends on the model. The following scheme is used on most modern Samsung Galaxy without a physical Home button:
- Turn off the phone completely.
- Connect it to your computer or charger with a cable if Recovery won't open without it.
- Squeeze at the same time power button and increasing the volume.
- When the Samsung logo appears, release the power button, but hold the volume up button a little longer.
- Wait for the Android Recovery menu.
Older models with a Home button may use a combination power + volume up + Home. On some devices with a Bixby button— power + volume up + Bixby.
How to reset in Recovery mode
- Use the volume buttons to go to the item Wipe data/factory reset.
- Confirm the selection with the power button.
- Select Factory data reset or Yes.
- Wait for the cleaning to finish.
- Select Reboot system nowto restart the phone.
After such a reset, Samsung may ask for the data of the Google account that was synchronized with the device earlier. This is the normal operation of FRP protection. If you don't remember your login or password, first restore access to your Google account.
Reset Samsung using dial code
Some older Samsung models had service codes for quick resets, for example *2767*3855#. They were entered in the "Phone" application as a regular number. However, in 2026, this method cannot be considered universal: on many modern devices with new versions of Android and One UI, such codes do not work or are blocked for security reasons.
Advantages of the method
- No need to look for the reset item in the menu.
- The process can run very quickly on older models.
Disadvantages and risks
- The code can trigger the cleanup without further warning.
- The method is not suitable for most modern Samsung Galaxy.
- Incorrect use of service codes can change system settings or cause data loss.
- You don't always have time to make a backup copy before starting the procedure.
If you're not sure what the code does, don't use it. For an ordinary user, it is safer to perform a reset through the settings menu or Recovery mode.
Problems after resetting settings
After a factory reset, the phone usually works stably, but sometimes users face additional difficulties. Most of them can be solved without repair.
| The problem | what to do |
|---|---|
| The phone asks for the old Google account | Sign in to the account that was on the device before the reset. If you forgot your password, reset it through Google. |
| Samsung takes a long time to boot after reset | The first power-on may take longer than usual. If the phone remains unresponsive for more than 20-30 minutes, reboot it or try wiping data again via Recovery. |
| Photos, contacts or chats are not restored | Check if you're signed in to the same Google Account, Samsung Account, or Messenger that was backed up. |
| Freezes again after reset | Do not restore all programs at once. Install them one by one to find the problematic app. |
After setting up, check the main functions: calls, Wi-Fi, mobile Internet, Bluetooth, camera, charging, speakers, microphone and sensor operation. This is especially important if you did a reset before selling or after a major system failure.
If you need to recover data after a reset, the chance depends on whether there was a backup. Due to the encryption of modern Android smartphones, it is almost impossible to recover deleted files from the internal memory without a copy.
Tips and recommendations
In order to reset Samsung without unpleasant surprises, check in advance not only photos and contacts, but also less obvious data.
- Save your passwords or make sure you have them in a password manager.
- Move files from folders Download, Documents, messengers and voice recorder.
- Check backups of banking applications, notes, calendar and work programs.
- Sign out of your Google Account and Samsung Account if you are preparing the phone for sale.
- After the reset, install only the apps you need to avoid overloading the system.
- Update Android, One UI and apps via Galaxy Store and Google Play.
You should not reset your smartphone too often "for prevention". If the device works normally, it is enough to regularly update the system, delete unnecessary programs, clear the cache of individual applications and monitor the free space in the memory. A hard reset is appropriate when the usual methods no longer help or the phone is transferred to another owner.
Conclusion
A Samsung factory reset can be a necessary step to keep your device running optimally, fix serious software bugs, or safely prepare your smartphone for sale. The best way is through the settings menu if the phone is available. If the device is locked or does not boot, Recovery mode will help.
Before cleaning, be sure to back up, charge your phone, and verify access to your Google account. This way you can reset your Samsung without the risk of losing important data or getting locked after restarting.
FAQ
Will I lose all my data when I reset my Samsung?
Yes, all data stored on the device will be deleted: applications, photos, videos, messages, files and settings. Before resetting, it is recommended to back up to Google, Samsung Cloud, OneDrive, or to a computer.
Can I reset a Samsung smartphone without a password?
Yes, you can reset your device through Recovery mode. But this will delete all data, and after restarting the phone may ask to sign in with the Google account that was on it before.
What are the main reasons for a reset?
The main reasons include fixing bugs, speeding up the device, fixing freezes after updates, cleaning personal data and preparing Samsung for sale or transfer to another person.