How to Factory Reset Your Samsung Phone

how to factory reset samsung phone

Key Takeaways

  • Factory resetting your Samsung phone can resolve many issues but requires caution.
  • There are different methods for factory resetting, depending on whether your phone is locked, broken, or missing a Google account.
  • Always back up your data before a reset, as it will erase all stored information.

Performing a factory reset on a Samsung phone may be necessary for various reasons. Fixing technical glitches, removing a forgotten password, or preparing the device for resale. This article covers all possible scenarios for factory resetting a Samsung phone. So, whether you’re locked out, missing a Google account, or dealing with a broken screen, you’ll find the right solution here.

Why Factory Reset Your Samsung Phone?

A factory reset wipes all data and settings, restoring your device to its original state. This process can help:

  • Fix software issues such as crashes or glitches.
  • Clear personal data before reselling or giving away your device.
  • Optimize performance by removing unnecessary apps and files.

-> Note: Always back up important data, as factory resets erase everything on the device.

How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone (Basic Method)

If you can access your phone’s settings, follow this straightforward method:

  1. Open Settings > General Management > Reset.
  2. Choose Factory Data Reset.
  3. Confirm by tapping Reset > Delete All.
  4. Enter your Samsung account password (if prompted) to verify your action.

How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone When Locked

If your device is locked, you have several options for performing a factory reset. Each method works differently depending on the lock type and your access to a Samsung or Google account.

Method 1: Using Find My Mobile (Samsung Account Required)

  1. Go to the [Samsung Find My Mobile website].
  2. Log in with your Samsung account.
  3. Locate your phone from the list and select Erase Data.
  4. Confirm the action to start the factory reset remotely.

Method 2: Factory Reset with Buttons (Hard Reset)

If you’re locked out and can’t access Find My Mobile, you can reset the device using the hardware buttons:

  1. Turn off your phone.
  2. Press and hold the Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears.
  3. Use the volume buttons to Wipe Data/Factory Reset.
  4. Press the Power button to select, then confirm Yes.
  5. Once the reset completes, choose Reboot System Now.

-> Note: This method is also effective if the phone has a black screen or is unresponsive.

Factory Reset a Samsung Phone Without Password

If you’ve forgotten the password but still have access to your Google or Samsung account, use Find My Mobile (as described above) or Android Device Manager to reset the device.

Using Android Device Manager

  1. Visit the [Android Device Manager website].
  2. Sign in with the Google account linked with the device.
  3. Select your device, then click Erase Device.
  4. Confirm the action to initiate a factory reset.

Factory Reset a Samsung Phone Without a Google Account

To reset without a Google account:

  • Use Samsung’s Find My Mobile or perform a hard reset using the hardware buttons.

Google account information is only required when signing in post-reset.

Factory Reset a Samsung Phone with a Broken Screen

If the screen is damaged, a reset can be performed remotely:

  • Use Find My Mobile or Find My Device as described above.
  • If both services are unavailable, consider using a USB OTG adapter to connect a mouse to your phone. This will allow you to navigate to Settings → Reset using the mouse for touch input.

Option: Using Samsung’s Smart Switch

If the screen is partially usable, connect it to a computer and use Smart Switch to back up data before performing a reset.

Factory Reset a Samsung Phone Remotely

If you’ve misplaced your phone or can’t access it directly, you can perform a factory reset remotely:

  1. Access Find My Mobile or Android Device Manager from another device.
  2. Log in with the respective account associated with the phone.
  3. Select your device and choose the option to Erase Data (Find My Mobile) or Erase Device (Android Device Manager).

How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone Without Samsung Account Password

If you cannot log into your Samsung account:

  • Use Find My Device (Google service) or hard reset through Recovery Mode.

> Note: After a factory reset, the Samsung account may need re-verification.

If neither account is accessible, perform a factory reset using hardware buttons as outlined in the Hard Reset method above.

Factory Reset a Samsung Phone if Forgot Password or PIN

Forgetting the PIN or password is common, and solutions depend on available account access:

  • Google Account Access: Use Android Device Manager.
  • Samsung Account Access: Use Find My Mobile.
  • No Account Access: Use the Hard Reset method.

Factory Reset a Samsung Phone When the Screen is Black

A black screen complicates the reset process. Here’s what you can try:

  • Use Find My Mobile or Find My Device for a remote reset.
  • Alternatively, use Recovery Mode with hardware buttons if the device is powered on.

Common Issues and Tips for Factory Resetting Samsung Phones

Prevent Lockouts

Always link your Samsung phone to both a Google and Samsung account. If you get locked out, this can save time.

Regular Backups

Samsung’s Smart Switch and Google Drive make it easy to back up data, which is crucial before factory resetting.

Use Reliable Internet

If performing a remote reset, ensure the device is connected to the internet.

Important Points to Remember

  • Back up data whenever possible.
  • Use recovery options like Find My Mobile or Find My Device if unable to perform resets directly.
  • Consider visiting a Samsung service center if the phone is unresponsive or you encounter issues.

Factory resetting a Samsung phone may seem complicated. Especially when dealing with passwords, accounts, or a broken screen. But with these methods, you’ll find a solution to reset your device securely, no matter the situation.

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