The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →If you can’t unlock your Samsung Galaxy A12 and accept that a reset erases data stored on the phone, you can reset it from Android Recovery using the hardware buttons. Before you begin, make sure you can sign in with the Google Account previously added and synced to the phone: Factory Reset Protection may ask for those credentials during setup, even after the reset.
Choose the reset option that fits your situation
| Option | What you need | What it does |
|---|---|---|
| Remote erase with Google Find Hub | The phone must be powered on, connected to mobile data or Wi-Fi, signed in to a Google Account, have Find Hub enabled, and be visible on Google Play. Google lists these prerequisites. | Erases the phone remotely. Google Account credentials associated with the device may still be required afterward. |
| Remote lock or erase with Samsung device-finding | Samsung account and device-finding setup must be available; Samsung may request account verification before erasing. | Can lock or erase a Galaxy device remotely. It is not a guaranteed way to remove a forgotten screen lock while preserving data. See Samsung’s lost-device guidance. |
| Android Recovery button reset | Physical access to the Galaxy A12 and its buttons. A USB-C data cable connected to a computer may help with recovery setup, but Three’s A12-specific instructions do not list it as a requirement. | Resets the phone locally and erases data stored on it. The steps are below. |
Remote erase is useful only if its service prerequisites are met. If you cannot unlock the screen, accept data loss, and have the required Google credentials for setup, use the A12-specific Recovery sequence below. Samsung Support’s UK guidance states: “If you are locked out of your device, you can perform a factory reset using the buttons on your device.” See Samsung’s factory-reset guidance.
Reset a locked Galaxy A12 with its buttons
These steps are for the Galaxy A12; button combinations can differ between Galaxy models. The instructions come from Three’s Galaxy A12 support guide.
- Turn the phone off.
- Press and hold Volume Up and Power together.
- When the phone vibrates, release Power only. Keep holding Volume Up.
- When the blue screen appears, release the remaining button. Android Recovery may take around 30 seconds to appear.
- Use Volume Down to highlight Wipe data/factory reset, then press Power to select it.
- Highlight Yes and press Power.
- When the reset finishes, select Reboot system now with the Power button.
If Recovery does not appear, do not substitute a sequence from a different Galaxy model. Samsung’s general support page says button combinations vary by device. It recommends connecting a locked phone to a computer by USB before opening Recovery; Three’s A12-specific sequence does not list a cable, so treat a compatible USB-C data cable as a possible setup aid, not a universal A12 requirement.
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- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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What the factory reset erases
A factory reset permanently erases data stored on the phone, including account settings, system and app data, downloaded apps, music, photos, videos, and other files. Samsung’s Galaxy A12 user guide says data on an external SD card is not affected. Google also warns that erase options remove data stored on the phone in its Android device erase guidance.
A reset is not a way to retrieve local files. Anything not backed up before the reset may be lost; the reset itself does not restore unbacked-up photos, messages, or other data.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
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Why Google may still ask you to verify ownership
Factory Reset Protection (FRP) can remain in effect after a Recovery reset. Google’s device protection guidance says a protected phone reset through Recovery may ask for its PIN, password, or pattern, or for a Google Account previously added and synced to the device. Without valid credentials, Google says the phone cannot be used after a factory reset. Samsung’s Galaxy A12 manual likewise says adding a Google Account activates FRP and registered credentials are needed after a protected reset.
If you recently changed your Google password, Samsung says the new password may take 24 hours or longer to become active on the device; its A12 guide also describes a 24-hour sync delay. Timing is not guaranteed, so do not assume the credentials are wrong solely because a recent password change has not yet worked.
Rank #3
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Recover the Google Account or contact Samsung
If you know the Google email address but forgot the password, use Google Account recovery. Once you regain access, use those credentials when setting up the reset phone, allowing for any security delay after a password change.
If you cannot recover the Google Account information, Samsung’s UK support guidance recommends taking the device and proof of purchase to an authorized Samsung Service Centre. Avoid services or software that promise to bypass FRP: the supported route is account recovery or authorized service with proof of ownership.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
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