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Before giving away a Samsung Galaxy, back up and verify anything you want to keep, remove your accounts, handle any microSD card, then run Factory data reset from Settings. Leave the phone at its initial setup screen so the new owner can configure it. A factory reset erases the phone’s personal data, but it does not erase an inserted SD card.
Before you reset: decide what to keep
A factory reset removes personal data from the Galaxy, and Samsung warns that erased information may not be recoverable. First decide whether you are moving to another phone, making an archive, or keeping only selected items. Do not reset until the backup or transfer has finished and you have checked that the important files are accessible at their destination.
Samsung’s Samsung Gulf Support guide, last updated June 9, 2026 describes this preparation for selling, giving away, or recycling a Galaxy.
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Back up or transfer your data
Samsung Smart Switch supports transfers using a USB cable, Wi-Fi, or a computer. Which content can move depends on the devices and operating systems; some items may not be supported, and DRM-protected content cannot be transferred. Samsung does not identify one transfer method as best for every situation.
#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
- USB cable: Use this if you have a compatible data cable and the devices have suitable ports.
- Wi-Fi: Use this when you can keep both devices nearby and ready during the transfer.
- Computer: Use Smart Switch for a computer backup if you want an archive or prefer not to transfer directly between phones.
Check the specific Smart Switch instructions for your devices and the content you need. Samsung’s Caribbean Smart Switch guide, last updated July 23, 2026 explains transfer methods and content limitations. In Samsung’s described PC backup workflow, hidden files and Secure Folder contents are not included; check and save those separately before erasing the phone. Samsung’s UK personal-data guidance covers that backup limitation.
Remove accounts and deal with the SD card
Remove Google and other linked accounts
Remove the Google account or accounts from the Galaxy before resetting, along with other linked accounts you do not want associated with the handoff. This helps prevent the recipient from being asked to verify a previously registered Google account through Factory Reset Protection (FRP). The exact FRP behavior can vary by model and software; Samsung says verification may be required after a reset, and its guidance distinguishes resets made through Settings from other methods. Removing the accounts and using the Settings reset route is the safer handoff procedure.
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.
Samsung may require an internet connection to log out of a Samsung account, and the phone may ask for that account’s password during reset. If prompted, complete the sign-out or enter the requested credentials rather than leaving the phone tied to your account. See Samsung’s US factory-reset instructions and Gulf personal-data guidance.
Remove or separately manage a microSD card
A factory reset does not erase data on an SD card. Remove it if it should not go to the recipient. If you intend to include the card, manage or format its contents separately as appropriate. For an encrypted microSD card, Samsung advises decrypting it before resetting so the device can read it.
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.
Factory-reset the Galaxy from Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management, then Reset.
- Tap Factory data reset and review the information shown on the screen.
- Tap Reset, then Delete all.
- Enter the screen lock or Samsung account password if requested, and allow the phone to restart.
Samsung’s US instructions give this path and say the device restarts to the initial setup screen. Menu names and layouts can differ between Galaxy models and software versions. If your menus do not match, search Settings for “Factory data reset” and follow the on-screen wording. Use the Settings reset option for this handoff process rather than another reset method, which may lead to FRP asking for the previous Google account.
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After the reset, stop at the initial setup screen. Do not sign in with your own account or complete setup on the recipient’s behalf; they can configure the phone with their own account. Before handing it over, confirm that any SD card you meant to keep has been removed.
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
- 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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