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Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →On most Samsung Galaxy phones, open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Review what will be erased, tap Reset, then Delete all. Back up anything you need first: a factory reset removes personal information and downloaded content, and Samsung warns that erased information may not be recoverable.
What a factory reset does
A factory data reset erases personal information and downloaded content from the phone and returns it to its initial setup state. It is different from restarting the phone or resetting selected settings. Before continuing, save anything you want to keep; Samsung’s US instructions warn: “Please save any information you need prior to the factory reset because your personal information may not be recovered.”
Back up and prepare the phone
- Back up photos, videos, documents, and other information you need before erasing the device. Samsung does not guarantee that information can be recovered after the reset.
- If the phone contains an encrypted microSD card, decrypt it before resetting. Samsung says the phone may not be able to read the card afterward if it remains encrypted.
- Have the screen-lock credentials and, if a Samsung account is signed in, its password available. A Samsung account password may be required to complete the reset.
- Samsung’s US guidance says a network connection is needed to log out of a Samsung account before completing a reset.
Factory reset from Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management, then Reset.
- Choose Factory data reset. Review the list of affected information and the warnings on screen.
- Tap Reset, then Delete all. Enter the screen-lock credentials or Samsung account password if prompted.
- Wait for the phone to restart. It should return to the initial setup screen.
Samsung notes that menu names and screens can vary by model, software version, and carrier. If a label differs, follow the prompts on your device and check the instructions for your exact Galaxy model.
Choose a reset that matches the problem
A full factory reset is not necessary for every settings issue. Samsung offers several reset options with different effects:
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- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
| Reset option | What it is for | Effect on personal data and apps |
|---|---|---|
| Reset all settings | Restoring general device settings | Preserves personal data and downloaded apps, according to Samsung’s reset guidance. |
| Reset mobile network settings | Problems specific to mobile-network settings | Read the confirmation screen for the effect on your device; Samsung’s cited guidance does not state a universal data impact. |
| Reset Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings | Problems specific to Wi-Fi or Bluetooth configuration | Read the confirmation screen for the effect on your device; Samsung’s cited guidance does not state a universal data impact. |
| Reset accessibility settings | Restoring accessibility configuration | Read the confirmation screen for the effect on your device; Samsung’s cited guidance does not state a universal data impact. |
| Factory data reset | Erasing the phone or a last-resort troubleshooting step | Erases personal information and downloaded content. |
Samsung India describes resetting as “an effective, last resort method of troubleshooting for mobile phones” in its support page updated February 2, 2026. For a boot loop, Samsung US likewise recommends trying earlier troubleshooting steps before a factory reset.
Prepare a Galaxy for someone else
Before handing off or selling the phone, make sure you can satisfy any account prompts. Samsung UK explains that Google Factory Reset Protection is used on most Android devices to help prevent unauthorized use after a reset, and advises removing the Google account before giving the phone to someone else. This helps avoid leaving the next owner blocked by the prior account. A Samsung account password may also be requested during Samsung’s reset flow. Follow the device’s official handoff steps; these protections are not something to bypass.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
If you cannot use Settings
Samsung UK lists device buttons and SmartThings Find as alternative reset routes, but the exact button sequence is not established for every Galaxy model, and remote reset access can depend on region and device setup. Use Samsung’s instructions for your exact model and region rather than relying on a universal button combination.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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