How to Reset Factory Settings on Samsung Galaxy

Below you will find a complete, practical, and updated guide on factory resetting Samsung Galaxy phones: when it’s necessary, how to safely perform it through Settings, Recovery menu, or remotely (using SmartThings Find), how to prepare backups, what FRP (Factory Reset Protection) means, and what mistakes to avoid.

Factory Reset: essence, benefits, and consequences

A factory reset completely wipes the device’s internal memory (personal data, apps, settings) and returns the system to its original state. This helps when the phone slows down, freezes due to a software bug or malware, when preparing to sell or transfer the device to another person, or when dealing with serious OS issues. After the reset, the same Android / One UI version remains, but everything needs to be configured again.

Through Settings, Recovery menu, and remotely

1) Through the phone’s Settings (easiest when the device is unlocked)

Quick steps: open Settings → General management → Reset → Factory data reset → confirm the action (enter PIN/password and select Delete all). The phone will reboot and start deleting data; soon you will see the initial setup screen. Note: if you leave Google/Samsung accounts connected, you will be prompted for them again after the reset (see the FRP section).

2) Through the Recovery menu (when the OS won’t boot, PIN is forgotten, or the device is freezing)

Quick steps: turn off the phone (make sure the battery is at least ~30–50%), then, depending on the model, hold Volume Up + Side (Power) (or with Bixby / Home the corresponding combinations) until the Samsung logo and Android Recovery appear. Use the buttons to select wipe data/factory reset → confirm → select Yes – delete all user data → finally Reboot system now. The button combinations may vary slightly, so follow the on-screen instructions.

3) Remote wipe via SmartThings Find (Find My Mobile)

If the device is linked to your Samsung account and remote features are enabled, you can log into SmartThings Find online, select the device, and remotely erase data (Erase data). This is especially useful if the phone is lost or stolen. The device must be connected to the internet for the task to succeed; after deletion, remote control for that device is no longer available.

What you will lose and how to prepare before the reset

A factory reset deletes contacts, photos, SMS/MMS, call logs, apps and their data, local account configurations. An external microSD is usually not erased, but if the card was encrypted, it is worth decrypting it before the reset; otherwise, it may become inaccessible after the reset. Always ensure you have backups before the procedure.

• Smart Switch (PC/Mac): install the program on your computer, connect the phone via USB cable, and perform Backup / Restore. Convenient for transferring large backups locally.
• Google One / Google account: enable system backups, sync contacts, calendar, Google Photos. This is a simple cloud solution.
• Backups on the phone and in the cloud: if you use WhatsApp, etc., enable their built-in backups (Google Drive). For images/documents – transfer them to a computer or another storage manually.

What it is and how to avoid the lock after the reset

FRP is an Android security mechanism that protects the device from unauthorized use after a factory reset. If a Google account was added to the phone before the reset and the screen lock was enabled, you will need to enter the same Google account on the first boot. To avoid the FRP lock, remove Google (and, if applicable, Samsung) accounts from the device settings before resetting.

If you encounter the FRP lock after the reset and cannot log in – use official account recovery methods (updating Google account password, etc.). Avoid using bypass tools – they are unsafe and unreliable; it is best to stick to official procedures or contact an authorized service with ownership verification documents.

Step by step

1) Through Settings

1. Unlock the device → Settings → General management → Reset.
2. Select Factory data reset and read what will be deleted.
3. Confirm (Reset → enter the screen code → Delete all).
4. The phone will reboot and show the initial setup.

2) Through Recovery (button combinations)

1. Turn off the phone and ensure the battery is sufficient.
2. Hold the appropriate combination (Vol + + Power; for models with Bixby / Home – accordingly with them) until you reach Android Recovery.
3. Select wipe data/factory reset → Yes → Reboot system now.

3) Through SmartThings Find (Find My Mobile)

1. Log in online with your Samsung account.
2. Select the device → Erase data → confirm your identity and the action.
3. The deletion will occur when the device connects to the internet.

First steps in the new (clean) system

• Follow the initial setup: language, Wi-Fi, accounts (Google / Samsung), biometric data.
• Restore backups: Google One sync, Smart Switch Restore, individual app (e.g., WhatsApp) backups.
• Check Software update in settings.
• Enable SmartThings Find / Offline finding to make it easier to locate the device if lost.

Common mistakes and how to avoid them

• Data loss: without backups, there will be no way to recover.
• FRP lock: remove Google / Samsung accounts before the reset or prepare your login details.
• Process interrupted due to battery: charge before starting or keep it plugged in.
• Incorrect combinations: if Recovery does not start, try again and accurately – according to the model.
• Encrypted microSD: decrypt it before the reset to avoid loss of access after the reset.

When to choose which method?

• Through Settings: quick and simple when the device is functioning and unlocked.
• Through Recovery: when the PIN is forgotten, the OS won’t boot, or critical errors are interfering.
• Through SmartThings Find: when the device is lost/unreachable physically but linked to the account and has internet access.

If you need help on-site, in Vilnius

• Free diagnostics: we clearly identify the problem and the price before any work.
• Fast service: typical jobs take ~1–3 hours, if no additional parts are needed.
• Warranty: we provide a 3-month warranty on completed repair work.
• Quality parts and experience: we only work with original or high-quality parts and have extensive experience with Galaxy devices.

When only “Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / mobile” reset is needed

If the issue is only related to connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile data), sometimes it is enough to reset network settings (Settings → General management → Reset → Reset network settings) – this is a quicker alternative than a full factory reset.