Before you factory-reset a Galaxy phone, back up the files and account data you need, check that the backup completed, and make sure you can sign in to the Google and Samsung accounts associated with the device. A factory data reset erases personal data stored on the phone; anything not backed up may be lost permanently.
What a factory reset removes
Samsung says a factory reset restores the phone to its factory default settings and deletes personal data stored on the device. That can include photos, messages, contacts, downloaded apps, and personal settings. Samsung recommends backing up data before performing the reset.
Do not assume that a backup includes every file or app’s data. What can be saved depends on the backup method and the categories available for your device. Treat anything important that you cannot verify in a backup as at risk.
What should you save before resetting?
Make a short list of information you would need after the reset. Check each item against the actual backup rather than assuming one backup covers it all.
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- Photos and videos
- Contacts and messages
- Documents and downloaded files
- Notes and other personal content
- Authenticator, banking, and other app access or app-specific data
The last item is a reminder to check each service’s own recovery or sync process; it is not a guarantee that Smart Switch, Google backup, or Samsung Cloud saves that app’s data.
Choose a backup method
| Method | Where the backup goes | How restoration works | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Switch | A computer or, where supported, external storage | Connect the reset phone to the computer holding the backup and select Restore in Smart Switch. | Review the available backup categories and verify important files separately. A computer backup requires a working USB data connection. |
| Google account backup | The Google account shown in the phone’s backup controls | During initial setup after the reset, sign in to that Google account and choose the available backup in the setup wizard. | Confirm the account and backup status. Samsung says restoration is selected in the setup wizard, not started directly from device settings. |
| Samsung Cloud | The Samsung account shown on the phone | Restore from Samsung Cloud when setting up or using the relevant restore option, if the desired backup is available. | Check the account and the categories actually present; coverage can vary. |
How to make and check the backup
Back up with Smart Switch on a computer
- Install and open Smart Switch on the computer.
- Connect the Galaxy phone to the computer with a USB cable that supports data transfer. Approve access on the phone if prompted.
- In Smart Switch, choose Backup and let the process finish.
- Review what Smart Switch says it backed up. Open or inspect priority files separately where practical.
Samsung also documents Smart Switch backups to external storage in supported situations. The exact options depend on the device and software.
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Check Google backup
- Open the phone’s Settings and find the Google backup controls; the exact path and labels may vary.
- Confirm that the displayed Google account is the one you will be able to access after the reset.
- Check the backup status and date, and allow the phone to finish backing up over a stable connection.
After the reset, Google backup restoration is offered during the initial setup process after you sign in. Keep the account credentials available.
Check Samsung Cloud
Use the Samsung Cloud or backup controls available on your phone to confirm the Samsung account and inspect which categories have a backup. Do not treat the presence of a Samsung Cloud backup as proof that every app, file, or setting is included.
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Verify the backup before erasing anything
- Check that the latest backup completed and note its status or date.
- Confirm that the backup belongs to the Google or Samsung account you can sign in to.
- For cloud backups, check available storage and use a stable network connection.
- Open or inspect critical photos, documents, and other files separately when possible.
- For high-value app data, check the app’s own sync, export, or recovery instructions.
If a priority item is missing or the backup has not completed, resolve that first. A reset cannot recover data that had no usable backup.
Prepare account credentials and ownership protection
Before resetting, confirm that you can access the Google account previously registered on the phone and the Samsung account signed in to it. Google Factory Reset Protection may require verification with the previously registered Google account after the reset, and Samsung may request Samsung account authentication to complete the reset.
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If you are preparing the phone for someone else, Samsung advises removing the Google account to prevent Factory Reset Protection from blocking the next owner. Follow the prompts on your device and the current instructions for your model. Keep the relevant credentials available until setup after the reset is complete.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How do I perform a factory reset on my mobile device?
If the phone is accessible, use its Settings app:
- Open Settings.
- Go to General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Review the information on the screen, then follow the prompts to confirm.
- Enter your screen-lock credentials or account details if requested.
Samsung notes that menu names and screen layouts may differ by model and software version. Follow the options shown on your phone if they differ from this path.
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- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED**: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED***: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
How do I restore my data after the reset?
Restore a Google backup
During the phone’s first setup after resetting, sign in to the same Google account that holds the backup and select the backup offered by the setup wizard. Samsung says this restore is selected during initial setup rather than launched directly from device settings.
Restore a Smart Switch backup
Connect the reset phone to the computer containing the Smart Switch backup, open Smart Switch, and choose Restore. Select the available backup and follow the prompts.
Restore Samsung Cloud data
Use the Samsung Cloud restore option available on the device if the relevant backup is present. After restoration, check the items on your priority list and complete any app-specific sign-in, sync, or recovery steps that remain.
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