How to Hard/Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy Devices?

In this article, you will learn how to hard/factory reset Galaxy devices in 3 main scenarios, as well as a 1-click tool to do Samsung hard reset.

James Davis

Dec 22, 2023 • Filed to: Mobile Repair Solutions • Proven solutions

Samsung, the second biggest mobile manufacturing company in the world, has launched quite a few handsets for its highly popular "Galaxy" series. However, even with their advanced technology, these devices can sometimes encounter issues that require a hard or factory reset. Understanding the difference between the two methods is crucial to ensure a smooth and hassle-free user experience. This comprehensive guide will delve into the differences between hard and factory resets, explore the benefits and scenarios where a reset might be necessary, and provide step-by-step instructions on how to perform each type of reset on Samsung Galaxy devices

First of all, let us discuss why we need to reset the device.

Samsung Galaxy devices come with great specs and high-end performance. However, at times, when the phone gets old and has been used much, we face issues like freezing, hanging, low responsive screen, and much more. Now, to overcome this situation, it is necessary to hard reset Samsung Galaxy. Besides this, if you want to sell your device, you must factory reset Samsung to protect its private data. We will discuss this a bit later.

A factory reset can solve a number of problems from your device like:

  • It fixes any crashed software issue.
  • This process removes viruses and malware from the device.
  • Bugs and glitches can be removed.
  • Some unwanted settings done by users unknowingly can be undone.
  • It removes unwanted apps from the device and makes it fresh.
  • Slow performance can be sorted out.
  • It removes uncertain apps that can harm or lack the speed of the device.

Part 1: Understanding the Difference Between Hard Reset and Factory Reset

A hard reset, also known as a master reset or a system reset, is a process that restores a device to its original factory settings by erasing all the data and settings on the device. This method is typically used when a device is unresponsive or experiencing severe performance issues.

On the other hand, a factory reset is a software-based reset that restores a device to its original factory settings by erasing user data and settings. This method is commonly used to resolve minor software issues, remove personal data before selling or giving away a device, or to start fresh on a device with a clean slate.

The implications of each reset method on device settings, data, and user experience vary. A hard reset is more thorough and often results in the complete removal of all data and settings, while a factory reset may only remove user data and settings, leaving some system and app data intact. Users may consider performing a hard or factory reset to resolve various issues such as poor performance, software glitches, or before selling or giving away their device.

Part 2: Backup Your Data Before Resetting Your Samsung

Before initiating any reset, it is essential to back up your data to prevent any loss of important information. Samsung Galaxy devices offer several methods for backing up data, including Samsung Cloud, Google Account, Smart Switch, and third-party apps.

1. Back up Samsung to Samsung Cloud

Samsung Cloud allows users to store data such as contacts, photos, videos, and app data in a secure cloud storage space. To back up your data using Samsung Cloud, navigate to Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Back up this phone.

2. Back up Samsung to Google Account

Google Account offers a similar backup solution that stores data such as contacts, photos, videos, and app data in Google Drive. To back up your data using Google Account, navigate to Settings > Accounts and backup > Backup and restore > Google Account.

3. Back up Samsung Using Smart Switch PC

Smart Switch is a Samsung app that enables users to transfer data between devices, making it an excellent option for backing up your data before a reset. Download and install the Smart Switch app on your device and follow the on-screen instructions to back up your data.

4. Back up Samsung Using Third-Party Apps

Numerous Samsung Backup Software and Apps, such as Titanium Backup, Helium, Dr.Fone and MyBackup, allow users to back up their data before a reset. Explore the available options and choose an app that best suits your needs and preferences.

Tips: Wondershare Dr.Fone is a tool that helps you keep your important data safe. It can back up all the important information on your Samsung device, like photos, music, videos, contacts, and more and is compatible with over 8000 Android devices. The backup process is easy and only takes a few clicks. You can also restore your backup to any device you want, and choose which data you want to restore. This is a great way to make sure you never lose your important information!

Back Up NowBack Up Now
safe Downloadsafe & secure

Part 3: How to Performe a Hard Reset on Samsung Galaxy Devices?

Performing a hard reset on Samsung Galaxy devices involves using hardware buttons to initiate the reset. Follow these steps to perform a hard reset:

  • Step 1. Power off your device.
  • Step 2. Press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously.
  • Step 3. Release the buttons when the Samsung logo appears.
  • Step 4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to the "wipe data/factory reset" option and press the Power button to select it.
  • Step 5. Confirm the reset by selecting "Yes – delete all user data" and pressing the Power button.
  • Step 6. Once the reset is complete, select "Reboot system now" and press the Power button.

Be aware that performing a hard reset will erase all data and settings on your device. Ensure that you have backed up your data before proceeding.

Part 4: How to Performe a Factory Reset on Samsung Galaxy Devices?

Resetting your Samsung Galaxy device to factory settings can be an effective way to resolve software issues, improve performance, or prepare it for resale. In this guide, we will explore the process of performing a factory reset on Samsung Galaxy devices. Whether you have access to the device settings or find yourself locked out, we have you covered with step-by-step instructions and helpful tips. Let's get started!

Samsung Galaxy devices can be reset in two processes.

Reset Now Reset Now

Factory reset Samsung device with a few clicks!

1. How to Factory Reset Samsung from Settings?

The factory data reset is a good process to make your device fresh like new. But, before you proceed, you must follow the steps below:

  • Step 1. Find a reliable Android backup software to back up all your internal data to any external storage device as this process will erase all the user data present in its internal storage. Alternatively, you can use Dr.Fone - Phone Backup (Android).
  • Step 2. Make sure that the device has at least a 70% charge left to sustain the long process of the factory reset.
  • Step 3. This process cannot be undone, so be very sure before you proceed with the factory reset Samsung Galaxy.

The easiest process to factory reset or hard reset Samsung is using its set menu. When your device is in the working stage, you can only use this easy-to-use option.

  • Step 1. Open the settings menu of your device and then look for "Backup and Reset".
  • Step 2. Tap on the "Backup & Reset" option.

backup and reset

  • Step 3. You should now see the "factory data reset" option. Click on this option and then tap on "reset device"

factory data reset

  • Step 4. When you successfully tap on the "Reset device" option, now you can see "erase everything" pop up on your device. Please tap on this to let the Samsung Galaxy reset process start.

This may take a few minutes to completely reset your device. Please refrain from interfering during this process by forcing power off or removing the battery, as this may lead to damage to your device. After a few minutes, all your data will be deleted, and you should see a fresh factory-restored Samsung device. Again, remember to take a full backup of the Samsung device before the factory reset.

2. How to Factory Reset Samsung When It's Locked Out?

Sometimes, your Galaxy device might be locked out, or the menu might not be accessible due to software problems. In this scenario, this method can help you to sort out these issues.

Go through the below-mentioned step-by-step guide to factory reset Samsung Galaxy device.

  • Step 1. Turn off the device by pressing the Power button (if not already off).
  • Step 2. Now, press the Volume up, Power, and Menu button altogether until the device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears.

boot in recovery mode

  • Step 3. The device will now successfully boot into recovery mode. Once done, select "Wipe data / Factory reset" from the options. Use the volume up and down key for navigation and the Power key to select the option.

Tips: Do remember at this stage, your mobile touch screen will not work.

wipe data/factory reset

  • Step 4. Now select "Delete all user data" – tap "yes" to continue with the reset Samsung process.

delete all user data

  • Step 5. Finally, when the process is complete, tap on the 'Reboot system now" to welcome a factory-restored and fresh Samsung Galaxy device.

reboot system now

Now restart your device, which will complete your process of factory reset, and thus you would have overcome a lot of issues.

Part 5: Troubleshooting Common Issues After Reset

After performing a reset, users may encounter issues such as data loss, app compatibility, or device setup problems. To resolve these issues, try the following troubleshooting tips:

  1. Restore backups: If you experience data loss after a reset, restore your backups using the method you chose during the backup process.
  2. Reconfigure settings Reconfigure your device's settings, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and display preferences, to your desired configuration.
  3. Update apps and software Ensure that your apps and device software are up to date to prevent compatibility issues.
  4. Contact Samsung support If you continue to experience issues after a reset, contact Samsung support for further assistance.

Part 6: How to Wipe Samsung Completely Before Selling?

More and more new mobiles are being launched every day in the market with new and better features and with this changing time, people want to sell their old mobile handsets and gather some cash to buy a new model. However, before selling, it is very important to erase all the settings, personal data, and documents from the internal memory via the "factory reset" option.

The "Factory Reset" option performs a "wipe data option" to delete all the personal data from the device. Although a recent study proves that the Factory reset is not safe at all, as when the device is reset, it keeps some token for the user's sensitive data, which can be hacked. They can use those tokens to log into the user's personal email id, and restore contacts, and photos from drive storage. So, needless to say, the Factory reset is not safe at all when you are selling your old device. Your private data is at risk.

To overcome this situation, we recommend you try Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (Android).

This tool is one of the best tools available in the market to erase all the sensitive data from old devices completely. The main reason for its popularity is its simple and user-friendly interface that supports all the Android devices available in the market.

With a simple one-click process, this toolkit can delete all the personal data completely from your used device. It does not leave any token behind that can trace back to the previous user. So, the user can be 100% secure regarding the protection of his data.

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Dr.Fone - Data Eraser (Android)

Fully Erase Everything on Android and Protect Your Privacy

  • Simple, click-through process.
  • Wipe your Android completely and permanently.
  • Erase photos, contacts, messages, call logs, and all private data.
  • Supports all Android devices available in the market.
Available on: Windows
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The process is very easy to use.

  • Step 1. Download Dr.Fone toolkit for Android to your Windows pc and launch the program.

launch drfone

  • Step 2. Connect your Android phone to the computer using the USB cable. Make sure you have enabled USB Debugging mode on your phone. The tool kit automatically pops up and asks you to confirm by tapping on "Erase All Data".
  • Step 3. Once again, it will ask you to confirm the process by typing "000000" on the selected box and sit back.

type in delete

  • Step 4. After a few minutes, the data will be erased completely, and the toolkit will prompt you with the "Factory Reset" option. Choose this option, and you are all done. Now, your Android device is safe to be sold out.

erase complete

erasure report

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Conclusion

So, in this article, we learned how to format Samsung Galaxy devices and how to fully secure the data before selling it by using the Dr.Fone Android Data Eraser toolkit. Beware and don't risk your personal information in public. However, most importantly, do keep in mind to back up all your important data before proceeding with the hard reset Samsung device. Just be safe and secure and enjoy your brand new reset Samsung Galaxy.

James Davis

James Davis

staff Editor

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