Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Before factory-resetting a Samsung Galaxy on MetroPCS, back up what matters with Smart Switch, Google backup, Samsung Cloud, or a combination of them. Check that each backup has finished and that you can sign in to the associated accounts before erasing the phone. No single option should be assumed to save every app’s data, file, or sign-in setup.
The steps below use Samsung’s general Galaxy guidance, not a MetroPCS-specific reset procedure. Menu labels and available backup features vary by phone model, software version, country, and carrier.
Choose a backup destination
| Option | Destination and connection | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Smart Switch | A computer or, where supported, an SD card; Samsung also documents USB and Wi-Fi transfer methods. | A useful local backup route. Follow the app or computer prompts and check the final status. Supported transfers can be affected by device and operating-system differences. Samsung Smart Switch guidance |
| Google backup | Your Google Account, with cloud access. | Samsung lists possible categories including apps, photos and videos, SMS/MMS, call history, device settings, and Google Account data. The categories available to your phone may differ. Samsung Google backup guidance |
| Samsung Cloud | Your Samsung account; Samsung recommends Wi-Fi for backup. | Available items depend on model, country, and carrier. Samsung’s Singapore guidance says files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up to Samsung Cloud. Check the phone’s Cloud screen for the categories it actually offers. Samsung Cloud guidance |
For the best coverage, use a computer backup and one or both account-based options if they are available. The services cover different categories, and the exact selection depends on the handset.
Prepare the phone and accounts
- Open Settings and note the phone’s model number and Android or One UI version. Labels and supported backup items can vary across models and software.
- Make sure you know the Google and Samsung account credentials used on the phone. You may need those accounts to restore data after the reset.
- Check that the computer or cloud destination has enough available storage. If using a cable for Smart Switch, use one that supports data transfer and fits both the phone and computer; the correct connector depends on the model and computer.
Back up with Smart Switch to a computer
Smart Switch is Samsung’s route for backing up or transferring supported data locally. Samsung documents computer backups as well as USB and Wi-Fi methods; available choices depend on the devices and setup.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches#1 Best Overall
- 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
- Install or open Smart Switch on the Galaxy phone and, for a computer backup, on the computer if prompted.
- Connect the phone using a compatible data cable, or follow the available wireless instructions.
- Choose the backup option and follow the on-screen prompts to select or confirm the data.
- Wait for Smart Switch to report completion. Connecting the cable alone does not confirm that a backup finished.
Samsung notes that transfers can face system restrictions across operating-system versions. See its Smart Switch instructions for the supported workflow.
Run Google backup
On recent Samsung menu layouts, Google backup is usually under Settings > Accounts and backup. The exact labels can vary, so use Settings search for “Google Drive” or “Back up data” if you do not see the option.
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.
- Open Settings > Accounts and backup.
- Choose the Google Drive or Google backup option shown on your phone.
- Open Back up data or Back up now, review the available categories, and start the backup.
- Wait for the screen to show that backup has completed or check its latest backup status.
Samsung’s guide lists categories that may include apps, photos and videos, SMS/MMS, call history, device settings, and Google Account data. It describes restoring from Google backup during the phone’s initial setup after a reset. See Samsung’s Google backup instructions.
Run Samsung Cloud backup
Samsung Cloud may be available under Settings > Accounts and backup. Search Settings for “Samsung Cloud” or “Back up data” if the menu differs. Samsung recommends using Wi-Fi and notes that supported items vary by model, country, and carrier.
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.
- Open the Samsung Cloud backup option on the phone.
- Review the categories the handset offers and select the items you want to save.
- Start the backup over Wi-Fi and wait for its status to show completion.
- Check the latest backup details before resetting. Samsung’s Singapore guidance says files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up to Samsung Cloud.
Samsung Cloud provides a restore flow after a factory reset, but the available data depends on what the phone supported and successfully backed up. Samsung Cloud backup and restore instructions.
Check data that may need separate backup
Do not assume the account backups include every app’s private data, downloaded file, or authentication setup. Review the items you rely on and use the relevant app’s own export or recovery instructions where needed.
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.
- Photos and files stored only on the phone: Confirm they appear in a completed backup or copy them to a computer or another storage location.
- Messaging and other apps: Check the app’s own backup, export, or account-sync settings rather than assuming its content is included.
- Authenticator and sign-in recovery: Confirm you can recover access to important accounts after the phone is erased.
Verify before starting the factory reset
Samsung advises regular backups to a safe location, such as Samsung Cloud or a computer, so data can be restored if it is lost through an unintended factory data reset. Samsung Galaxy S23 Series User Manual.
- Each backup you intend to rely on shows a recent completion status or timestamp.
- You can sign in to the Google and Samsung accounts needed for account-based restore.
- The computer or cloud destination has enough space and contains the data you expected to save.
- You have separately handled any important app data or files not confirmed in the backups.
Do not begin the reset until these checks are complete. The exact reset menu is outside this backup workflow; follow the instructions for your specific Galaxy model.
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
Restore after the reset
Google backup restore is offered during initial phone setup. Samsung Cloud has its own restore flow, and Smart Switch can restore supported data from a local backup. Follow the setup prompts for the service you used; not every app’s internal state is guaranteed to return automatically. Menu names and transfer behavior can differ by model and software version. Google backup restore and Samsung Cloud restore are described in Samsung’s guides.
What MetroPCS changes—and what is not established
The cited instructions are Samsung’s general Galaxy guidance; they do not establish a separate MetroPCS backup procedure or guarantee that Samsung Cloud is available on every MetroPCS handset. Samsung identifies carrier as one factor that can affect Cloud support, so use the options displayed on your own phone rather than assuming a feature is present.
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