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Choose the reset that matches what you need: restart the phone to clear a temporary issue without erasing saved data, reset selected settings while keeping apps and personal data, or perform a factory data reset to wipe the phone. A factory reset removes personal data, so back up anything important first.
Which kind of reset does your Galaxy S need?
“Reset” can mean several different things. Start with the least destructive option that addresses the problem.
| Option | What it does | What it keeps or changes |
|---|---|---|
| Restart | Turns the phone off and back on. | Does not erase saved data. |
| Reset all settings | Restores settings to their defaults. | Samsung says it retains apps, personal data, accounts, security and language settings, and settings for downloaded apps. Samsung’s reset guide lists the options. |
| Reset network settings | Resets mobile-network settings or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings, depending on the option selected. | Apps and data remain, but you may need to reconnect to Wi-Fi and pair Bluetooth accessories again. Samsung’s reset guide describes these options. |
| Factory data reset | Returns the phone to factory settings. | Removes personal data stored on the phone. Back up important items first. Samsung US Support. |
If your goal is only to fix a temporary freeze, try a normal restart first. If you want to correct settings without losing your content, use Reset all settings or the relevant network reset. Choose Factory data reset only when you intend to erase the phone, such as before transferring it to someone else, or after appropriate troubleshooting.
What to do before a factory reset
- Back up what you need. Save photos, videos, documents, contacts, and other important data somewhere you can access. Samsung recommends backing up personal data before resetting. Its India support guidance also identifies Smart Switch for mobile or PC as a backup option: Samsung India’s reset guidance. Check that the backup exists before wiping the phone; backup coverage can depend on what you select and how you use the service.
- Know your account credentials. Your screen-lock credentials or Samsung account password may be requested during the reset. A reset started outside Settings may trigger Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which can require the Google account previously registered on the phone. See Samsung’s account and reset guidance.
- Do not assume a factory reset repairs hardware. It erases data, but it cannot resolve a physical fault. For a phone stuck in a boot loop, Samsung recommends trying earlier troubleshooting steps and treating factory reset as a last resort: Samsung’s boot-loop troubleshooting.
Factory-reset a Galaxy S from Settings
Use this route if you can unlock the phone and open Settings. Samsung’s US instructions give the following path; labels and screens can differ by model and software version.
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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
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management.
- Tap Reset, then Factory data reset.
- Review the information on screen and tap Reset.
- Tap Delete all to confirm.
- Enter your screen-lock credentials and Samsung account password if prompted.
- Wait for the phone to restart and display the initial setup screen.
These labels follow Samsung US Support’s procedure. If they do not match your phone, search Settings for “Factory data reset” or consult Samsung’s instructions for your exact model and software. Do not confirm the wipe until you are ready for the data on the phone to be removed.
If you cannot open Settings
Some Galaxy phones can be reset through Android Recovery, but the button sequence and connection requirements vary by model. Samsung France’s instructions, updated June 25, 2026, illustrate the process on a Galaxy S24+ running Android 15 and One UI 7: power the phone off, connect it to a computer by USB, then use the model’s hardware-key sequence to enter recovery. In that example, the volume keys move to Wipe data/factory reset and the power key selects it. This is an example for that configuration, not a universal Galaxy S sequence. Follow Samsung’s instructions for your exact model before using recovery: Samsung France’s recovery and reset instructions.
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.
A recovery reset can trigger Google FRP. You may need the Google account previously registered on the phone to complete setup; a Samsung account password may also be required. If you cannot access the required account, do not try to bypass the protection. Contact Samsung Support or an authorized service channel for help.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If the phone is stuck in a boot loop
Samsung advises trying its troubleshooting steps before resorting to a factory reset, which should be a last option because it erases personal data. Follow Samsung’s boot-loop troubleshooting guide for the symptoms and device state. If the phone remains inaccessible, or you cannot complete reset or setup because of account verification, seek Samsung support rather than assuming a wipe will fix the cause.
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
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- 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
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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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