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A Galaxy S21 factory reset erases personal data and downloaded apps. If you can open Settings, use the Settings reset: Samsung says this route avoids triggering Google Device Protection. If you cannot access Settings, Recovery mode can wipe the phone, but you may need to verify the Google account previously used on it afterward. Back up anything you need before either reset.
Choose the right kind of reset
A factory data reset is a full wipe, not a restart. Samsung says it removes personal information and data to return the phone to a clean state; information may not be recoverable afterward. Use it to prepare the S21 for a new owner or to start fresh. If you only want to undo changed preferences, use the narrower reset option instead.
| Option | Data impact | Access and credentials |
|---|---|---|
| Reset all settings | Does not erase apps or personal data. | Requires access to Settings. Samsung describes this as a less destructive reset. Samsung Support U.S. |
| Factory data reset in Settings | Erases personal data and downloaded apps. | Requires Settings access; may request the screen-lock credentials and Samsung Account password. Samsung says this route avoids triggering Google Device Protection. Samsung Support U.S. Samsung Device Protection guidance |
| Recovery-menu factory reset | Erases personal data and apps. | Can be used when Settings is inaccessible. Google account verification may be required after reboot. Samsung Support UK |
| SmartThings Find remote erase | Erases the phone remotely; afterward, it can no longer be controlled remotely. | Works only if the phone is online, signed in to a Samsung Account, and remote control and remote unlock were enabled beforehand. Samsung Support UK |
Prepare your Galaxy S21
- Back up what you want to keep. Save needed photos, videos, documents, and other personal data before wiping the phone; Samsung warns that personal information may not be recoverable after a factory reset. Samsung’s reset guidance
- Have the requested credentials available. A Settings reset may ask for the screen-lock credentials and, if a Samsung Account is signed in, its password. For a Recovery reset, make sure you know the Google account and password previously used on the phone. Samsung reset guidance Samsung Device Protection guidance
- Decrypt an encrypted microSD card first. Samsung warns that the phone may not be able to read an encrypted card after the reset. Samsung reset guidance
- Expect some interface variation. Menu names and layouts can differ by software version, model, or region. Samsung reset guidance
Factory reset from Settings
Use this route if you can unlock the S21 and open Settings. Samsung’s U.S. and Singapore instructions give the same core sequence; the Singapore guide was updated September 3, 2026. Samsung Support U.S. Samsung Support Singapore
- Open Settings and tap General management.
- Tap Reset, then Factory data reset. Review the information about what will be removed.
- Tap Reset, then Delete all.
- Enter the requested screen-lock credentials and, if prompted, your Samsung Account password.
- Wait for the reset to finish. The phone returns to its initial setup screen.
Reset with Recovery mode when Settings is unavailable
Samsung UK documents a button-based Recovery procedure for Galaxy phones including the S21. The page’s wording is unusual: it places the S21 in the group without a physical Home button, yet names “Home” in the button combination. Follow the instructions that match your device and current regional guidance; if the stated combination does not match your phone, do not guess at a substitute.
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- Switch off the phone.
- Connect it to a computer with a suitable USB cable you already have, as Samsung’s instructions specify.
- Samsung’s page says to hold Volume Up, Home and Side until the phone vibrates and the Samsung logo appears, then release. Since the S21 has no physical Home button, check Samsung’s current instructions or the device’s on-screen guidance if this does not match your handset.
- In Recovery, use the volume keys to highlight Wipe data/factory reset, then press the Power button to select it.
- Confirm the wipe using the on-screen option, then select Reboot system now.
- Allow a few minutes for the reset and restart. During setup, the phone may request the Google account previously used on it.
Recovery labels can vary. Follow the wording displayed on the phone rather than selecting an unfamiliar option. Samsung’s Recovery instructions
Why Recovery may ask for a Google account
Samsung says that adding a Google Account and setting a screen lock automatically enables Google Device Protection. After a reset through Recovery, the S21 may require the Google account and password previously used on the device before setup can continue. Samsung identifies a Settings reset as the route that avoids triggering this protection. Samsung U.S. Device Protection guidance
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Samsung Singapore describes Factory Reset Protection (FRP) as included with Android 5.1 and later; its guidance says a reset performed outside Settings can prompt verification of the previously registered Google Account. For Android 9 and later, that guidance also describes prior screen-lock verification as a possible option. Exact behavior can depend on software and device configuration, so do not assume every S21 will present identical prompts. Samsung Support Singapore, updated September 3, 2026
If you changed or forgot the password
If you recently changed your Google password, Samsung says a 24-hour cooldown may apply before the new password can unlock the device. If you cannot recover the account information, Samsung directs users to an authorized Service Center with proof of purchase. Do not use account-lock bypass methods. Samsung U.S. Device Protection guidance
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Erase the S21 remotely with SmartThings Find
Remote erase is an option only if its prerequisites were enabled before you lost access. Samsung UK says the phone must be connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, signed in to a Samsung Account, and have remote control and remote unlock enabled. After the erase, the phone can no longer be controlled remotely. Samsung Support UK
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