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To erase a Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet you can still open, use Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Back up anything you need first: a factory reset deletes personal data stored on the device. If you cannot open Settings, the Recovery menu may be an option, but a reset outside Settings can trigger Google ownership verification.
Choose the right Samsung reset method
| Your situation | Use this route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| The device opens and you want to erase it | Factory data reset in Settings | Back up first and have your screen-lock credentials and Samsung account password ready if requested. Samsung’s factory reset guide. |
| You want to reset settings but keep personal data | Reset all settings | Samsung says this option does not erase apps or personal data. It is not a factory reset. Samsung’s reset options. |
| You cannot access the device normally | Recovery menu using device buttons | Button sequences vary by model. A reset outside Settings may require the Google account previously registered on the device during setup. Samsung’s FRP guidance. |
| The device is lost and you want to erase it | Remote erase through Samsung Find or SmartThings Find | The device must be powered on and connected, linked to a Samsung account, and configured for remote finding. Samsung’s lost-device guidance. |
Menu names and screens can differ by Galaxy model and software version. Samsung’s illustrated example in France uses a Galaxy S24+ with Android 15 and One UI 7; check your own device’s menus before proceeding. Samsung France’s reset guide.
Before you erase the device
Back up what you need
Verify that the backup completed and that you can sign in to the account used to store it. A cloud sync is not necessarily a complete device backup, and Samsung’s support guidance does not promise that every app or data type will be included in every backup.
- Google Drive: Samsung documents restoring a Google backup during the setup wizard after you sign in to the Google account on the reset device.
- Smart Switch: You can back up to a computer or external storage and restore to the same device after the reset. Computer transfers require a compatible USB cable; check device and computer port compatibility. Samsung’s backup and restore guidance.
Check accounts and storage
- Make sure you know the screen-lock credentials and can access the Google and Samsung accounts associated with the device. A password prompt or account verification may appear during or after the process.
- If a microSD card is encrypted, decrypt it before resetting. Samsung warns the device may not be able to read the card afterward if it remains encrypted. Samsung’s factory reset guidance.
- If you are preparing the device for someone else, back up your data and remove your accounts using Samsung’s device-specific instructions before resetting. Removing the Google account helps avoid a Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock for the next owner. Samsung UK’s transfer guidance.
Factory reset from Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Review the information shown, then tap Reset.
- Tap Delete all to confirm.
- If prompted, enter your device lock credentials or Samsung account password, then follow the remaining on-screen prompts.
The device deletes personal data stored on it and returns to factory settings. The Samsung account sign-out stage requires a network connection. The reset is not the same as restarting: a restart closes open apps and clears memory without deleting saved data. Samsung France explains the distinction.
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If you cannot open Settings
Recovery-menu reset
Samsung identifies the Recovery menu and device buttons as an alternative reset route, but the button combination depends on the exact model. Confirm the procedure with Samsung’s instructions for your model rather than relying on a sequence intended for another Galaxy device. Samsung’s alternate reset guidance.
A reset performed by a method other than Factory data reset in Settings can trigger Google Factory Reset Protection. During setup, Google may ask for the account previously registered on the device. Samsung says that on Android 9 and later, the previous screen lock may also be available as an ownership verification option. These checks are designed to protect a lost or stolen device; they are not a problem to bypass. If you are the owner but cannot complete verification, contact a Samsung service center. Samsung’s FRP guidance.
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- 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.
Remote erase for a lost device
Use Samsung Find or SmartThings Find only if the device is on, connected to a stable network, linked to your Samsung account, and remote controls were enabled beforehand. If the device cannot be erased remotely, Samsung recommends changing passwords for accounts that may be signed in on it. If a Google account was registered, Google device protection can activate after an erase. Samsung’s lost-device instructions.
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During setup, sign in to the relevant Google account to restore a Google Drive backup when offered. For a Smart Switch backup, connect the device to the computer or external storage used to save it and follow Smart Switch’s restore prompts. Restore availability depends on what was backed up; check that important data and apps are present before treating the transfer as complete. Samsung’s backup and restore instructions.
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
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- 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
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- 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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