To factory reset a Samsung Galaxy, open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset, tap Reset, then Delete all. The phone restarts as if it were new, with no apps, accounts or files. Because nothing comes back after that, the steps that matter most happen before you tap anything: a backup you’ve checked and the right passwords on hand.
What to do before you reset
Samsung tells you to back up important data first. Go through this list in order.
- Photos and videos: open your gallery or backup app and confirm the latest shots show up in the cloud or on your computer.
- Contacts and documents: check that they sync to your Google or Samsung account, or copy them to a computer.
- WhatsApp chats: back them up separately. Our WhatsApp backup guide walks through it.
- microSD card: if the card is encrypted, Samsung says to decrypt it first, otherwise the phone can’t read it afterward. Search Settings for “Decrypt SD card” and follow the prompts.
- Passwords: keep your Samsung account password and the Google account password handy. Either one can come up.
- Network and battery: charge the phone and connect to Wi-Fi. Samsung notes the phone needs a network connection to sign out of your Samsung account before the reset can finish.
If you’re replacing the phone, our guide to moving your data to a new phone covers the whole switch. If you only need room for more photos, you may not need a reset at all.
Step by step: reset from Settings
Menu names can vary a little by model and One UI version. One UI is Samsung’s software layer on top of Android.
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management.
- Swipe to and tap Reset.
- Tap Factory data reset and read the screen that lists what will be erased.
- Swipe to the bottom and tap Reset.
- Tap Delete all.
- Enter your screen lock (PIN, password or pattern) if you have one.
- Enter your Samsung account password if an account is signed in.
- The phone restarts and lands on the setup screen.
Can’t find it? Type “factory data reset” into the search bar at the top of Settings.
Smaller resets that keep your data
A lot of people reach for a full reset when the real problem is a connection that won’t behave. Samsung lists four options in the same General management > Reset menu that leave apps and data in place:
- Reset all settings: returns system settings to default but keeps your accounts, personal data and app settings. The phone restarts.
- Reset mobile network settings: clears only cellular and data settings.
- Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings: you’ll reconnect to your networks and accessories afterward.
- Reset accessibility settings: erases your TalkBack and spoken assistance preferences.
Start with the smallest one that fits the problem. Save the full wipe for a phone that keeps freezing after those, one you plan to sell or give away, or a fresh start you actually want.
After the reset
On the setup screen, pick your language, join Wi-Fi and sign in with your Google account. If you backed up, the setup assistant can restore from it. Plan to sign back in to your accounts and reinstall your apps.
Google’s Factory Reset Protection (FRP)
Android has an anti-theft lock called Factory Reset Protection. If a phone is reset any way other than the Settings option above, Google can ask for the account that was registered on it. On Android 9 and later, Samsung says you may be able to verify with your previous screen lock instead.
The practical rule: if you’re selling or donating the phone, reset it from Settings and remove your Google account first. And if you bought a used phone that asks for an account you don’t know, Samsung’s advice is to visit a service center.
If the phone won’t turn on or stays stuck at startup
Then you can’t reach the Settings menu. Samsung’s support site points you to its support team or chat for devices that can’t start. Button-combination resets differ between models, and doing one the wrong way can trigger FRP.
FAQ
Does a factory reset delete my photos?
It erases everything stored on the phone: photos, videos, contacts, apps, accounts and settings. Anything already uploaded to the cloud is still there, but only if the backup finished.
Do I need my Google password to reset a Galaxy?
From Settings, Samsung asks for your screen lock and your Samsung account password if one is signed in. The Google account comes into play with FRP, when a reset happens another way. Keep the password handy anyway.
Will a reset make my phone faster?
Samsung’s pages don’t make that claim. If the phone is slow, try the smaller resets first and free up storage before wiping.
Can I reset a Galaxy if I forgot the screen lock?
The Settings path asks for the lock. If you’ve forgotten it, use Samsung’s locked-out guide or contact support rather than trying button combinations on your own.
