What is a factory reset?

A factory reset (sometimes called a hard reset or a master reset) will remove all personal information, changes, and data from your device, and return it to the same settings and information it contained originally.

 

Most people will perform factory resets on their device either to solve persistent software issues (such as a hard-to-remove virus) or to ensure that all personal data is removed prior to passing the device to someone else. 

 

Backing up prior to a factory reset

Warning: a factory reset will permanently delete all of the following from your phone:

All Personal data

Customised settings

Applications downloaded from the Play Store

Messages

Contacts

Photos 

 

 

 here to find out how to back up your device using your Samsung account. Note that backing up via your Samsung account does not include media such as photos and videos. 

Click here for steps showing you how to back up photos or videos on your SD card

All paid apps can be downloaded again using the relevant Google Account information.

Google device protection

! If you have a Google account on the device, make sure you know the password before resetting. !

 

Google Device Protect is a safeguard which prevents others from using your device (if lost or stolen for example) if they reset your device to factory settings without your protection.  You will be asked to enter your Google password to access the device after resetting.

 

If you want to turn off device protection, remove your Google account from your device before resetting.  

Factory Reset methods

 

There are three main ways to perform a factory reset: via the Settings menu on your device, using the buttons, or by using the Find My Mobile service.  

Performing a Factory Reset via the Settings Menu

! Check that you have backed up all the data and information you want to keep

The location of Factory Reset in your settings will differ slightly depending on the model and operating system of your device.

 

Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory data reset 

Settings>  Backup and reset > Factory data reset

Settings > Privacy > Factory data reset

Performing a Factory Reset using buttons

If you are locked out of your device, you can perform a factory reset using the buttons on your device.

 

Note that if you have a Google account on your device, you may have Google device protection (this is in place for most later operating systems). This prevents unauthorised persons from being able to use the device by simply resetting it if it is lost or stolen. Make sure you know your google account password before performing the reset.

1

Switch off the device

2

Press and hold the Volume up button, the Power button and the Home button at the same time.

3

When you feel the device vibrate, release ONLY the Power button

4

A screen menu will now appear. When you see this, release the remaining buttons

5

Use the Volume down button until you are highlighting 'Delete all user data'. Press the Power button to select.

6

Press the Power button again to select the Yes - delete all user data option

7

Press the Power button to highlight, then select the 'reboot' option