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To erase everything stored on a Samsung Galaxy phone, use Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset, then tap Reset and Delete all. Back up anything you want to keep and prepare your account credentials first: a factory reset deletes personal data, and the phone may ask for a previously used Google account during setup.
Choose the right kind of reset
A Factory data reset is the option for clearing personal information before selling, giving away, or recycling a phone, or for starting over when troubleshooting calls for a full reset. Samsung Support says a factory reset restores factory defaults and deletes personal data stored on the device.
Do not confuse it with Reset all settings or a network-settings reset. These narrower options change settings; Samsung says Reset all settings does not erase apps, accounts, or personal data. Use them only when you intend to reset settings rather than wipe the phone.
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Save anything you want to keep
A factory reset removes data from the phone, and Samsung warns that information you still want may not be recoverable. Back up photos, videos, documents, and other important files before continuing. Samsung Smart Switch for PC can back up a Galaxy phone over a USB cable. Samsung notes that hidden files and Secure Folder content may not transfer, so check and save those separately if needed.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
If you use Smart Switch on a computer, use a USB cable that supports data transfer and fits both the phone and computer. A charging-only cable may not work for a data backup.
Check accounts and credentials before handing off the phone
For a phone you are transferring to someone else, review the accounts linked to it and make sure you know the passwords. Samsung’s regional guidance advises removing Google accounts before resetting for transfer. This helps avoid a setup problem caused by Factory Reset Protection (FRP), which is designed to prevent unauthorized use and may require the Google account previously registered on the phone after a reset. Samsung may also require the Samsung account password to complete the reset.
Rank #2
- 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.
Decide what to do with a microSD card
Do not assume that a local factory reset erases a removable SD card. Samsung’s local-reset guidance says SD-card data is not automatically deleted; remove the card or erase it separately if you are giving it away. If a microSD card is encrypted and you want to keep using it, Samsung says to decrypt it before resetting so it remains readable afterward.
Factory-reset a Galaxy phone you have in hand
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management, then Reset.
- Tap Factory data reset and review the information shown on screen.
- Tap Reset, enter credentials if prompted, and tap Delete all.
- Wait for the phone to restart. It should return to the initial setup screen.
Samsung’s menu labels and screens can vary by phone model and software version. If the path does not match your device, look in Settings for “Factory data reset” or consult Samsung support for your model. Do not proceed until you have saved the data you need and are ready to complete any account verification prompts.
Rank #3
- 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
If the phone is missing: erase it remotely
Remote erase is the alternative when you cannot use the phone’s Settings. If Samsung Find or SmartThings Find is available for the device and you can access the associated Samsung account, sign in to the relevant Samsung Find or SmartThings Find website, select the phone, and choose Erase data. Samsung may ask you to reauthenticate the account. Samsung’s remote-erase instructions say SD-card data is also erased during remote reset, so this behavior differs from the local reset guidance.
Samsung advises backing up data before resetting so it can be retrieved later. If the phone is already missing, you may not be able to make a new backup or confirm what is stored on it. If you cannot complete the remote erase, change passwords for accounts that may still be signed in on the device.
Rank #4
- AWESOME SCREEN. ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES: Elevate your content no matter where you are with the 6.7" Super AMOLED display¹ of the Galaxy A37 5G. Enjoy massive detail and stunning clarity on the go
- LONG-LASTING BATTERY: Whether it’s family moments or important calls, stay powered without the wait with Galaxy A37 5G. Super Fast Charging 2.0² ensures you’re back up and running quickly
- NEVER MISS THE SHOT, EVEN IN LOW LIGHT: With effortless Nightography, you can capture clear high-quality photos and videos on your phone automatically without adjusting manual settings
- PRO SHOTS, NO PROBLEM: Capture every moment effortlessly on Galaxy A37 5G with the advanced triple-lens camera system featuring a 50MP HDR main camera and a studio-grade front camera
- MORE POWER. MORE AWESOME: Enjoy smooth performance on Galaxy A37 5G. From detailed graphics while gaming to quick app launches and effortless multitasking, the Exynos 1480 keeps everything running
Which wipe path fits your situation?
| Situation | Physical access | Backup before erasing | Account access | Removable storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phone in hand: local factory data reset | Required | Possible before reset using a backup method such as Smart Switch PC | Google or Samsung credentials may be requested | Local reset does not automatically erase SD-card data; handle it separately |
| Phone missing: remote erase | Not required | Only possible if a backup already exists or can otherwise be made | Samsung account access is required; reauthentication may be requested | Samsung’s remote-erase guidance says SD-card data is erased too |
If the reset is blocked
If you are locked out, do not know the stored account credentials, or cannot complete a reset because the phone requests credentials, contact Samsung support or a Samsung service center. Do not try to bypass Factory Reset Protection; it is an anti-theft safeguard and may require the account previously registered on the device.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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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