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“Restore” can mean three different things on a Galaxy S20: reset a connection setting, return settings to defaults, or erase the phone and recover data from an earlier backup. Start with the least destructive option that fits the problem. A factory data reset deletes personal data stored on the phone, so back up first and confirm you can access that backup and the accounts needed to set up the device again.
Choose the right kind of reset or restore
| What you need to do | Best fit | Data impact | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fix a Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile-network problem | Reset the relevant network setting | Samsung says apps and personal data remain; reconnect to networks and accessories afterward. | The phone must be usable to open Settings. |
| Undo customized system settings | Reset all settings | Samsung says apps, personal data, accounts, security and language settings, and downloaded-app settings remain. | The phone must be usable to open Settings. |
| Erase the phone and start fresh | Factory data reset | Deletes personal data stored on the phone. | Back up first; have the screen-lock and relevant account credentials available. |
| Put backed-up data back after a wipe | Restore from Smart Switch, Google backup, Samsung Cloud, or supported external storage | Only supported data included in an existing backup can be restored. | The backup must already exist. Google restore is offered during initial setup; other methods depend on the backup type and device support. |
Try less destructive fixes before wiping
For connection problems
If the issue is limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile-network settings, use the corresponding reset option rather than a factory reset. Samsung says these resets preserve apps and personal data. You will need to reconnect to affected networks and pair accessories again. See Samsung’s reset options and instructions; the menu wording can vary by software version.
For freezing or repeated restarts
Follow Samsung’s troubleshooting steps before erasing the phone. Safe Mode loads core apps and can help identify whether a third-party app is involved. If the problem continues in Safe Mode, Samsung says hardware may be responsible; contact Samsung service rather than assuming a reset will fix it. Its boot-loop and restart troubleshooting guide treats factory reset as a last resort.
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Consider Reset all settings if you want to undo system customizations without removing apps or personal files. Samsung says this option also leaves accounts, security and language settings, and downloaded-app settings intact. It is different from a factory data reset.
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Back up and check access before a factory reset
Samsung Support describes the result plainly: “Factory resetting your phone restores it to its factory default settings and deletes all personal data stored on the device.” Read Samsung’s official reset guidance and check that your backup is usable before proceeding; information not backed up may not be recoverable.
- Confirm the backup exists and which account holds it. Check the data categories included, not just whether a backup feature is enabled.
- Know your account credentials. Have the screen-lock credentials and the relevant Samsung and Google account sign-in details ready. A network connection may be required to log out of a Samsung account.
- Check encrypted microSD cards. Samsung advises decrypting an encrypted card before resetting; otherwise, the phone may not be able to read it afterward.
- Allow for ownership verification. Factory Reset Protection may ask for the Google account previously registered on the phone, particularly after a reset performed outside Settings. Samsung says that on Android 9 and later, the previously configured screen lock may also be accepted in some cases. If you cannot verify ownership, contact Samsung support or a service center.
Back up the Galaxy S20
Use Smart Switch on a computer
- Make sure the computer has enough free storage. Samsung’s US Smart Switch guidance lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later as compatible and says Chromebooks are not compatible; confirm current requirements before starting.
- Install Smart Switch on the computer and connect the S20 with a compatible USB cable. If needed, use an optional USB-C cable that fits the phone and computer and supports data transfer; not every USB-C cable transfers files.
- Allow the phone and computer to connect. Open Smart Switch on the computer, choose Backup, select the data categories, and start the backup.
See Samsung’s Smart Switch computer-backup instructions. Supported categories and compatibility can vary.
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Use supported external storage
Smart Switch can back up to supported microSD cards or USB OTG storage, but support depends on the S20 variant and storage device. Check that your particular phone and storage are supported rather than assuming every card or external drive will work. Samsung documents the available methods in its Smart Switch backup guide.
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Check Samsung Cloud and Google backup
Samsung documents backup and restore through Samsung Cloud in the Samsung account’s Cloud settings. Google backup restoration is offered during the Setup Wizard after signing in to the Google account on a new or reset device; Samsung’s US instructions do not describe starting that restore later from ordinary Settings. Before wiping, confirm which account contains the backup and what it includes. See Samsung’s backup and restore overview.
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- 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1080 x 2400 pixels, IP68 for water and dust resistant
- 128GB ROM, 6GB RAM, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+), Android 10, Octa-core, Adreno 650, One UI 2.5, 4500mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 12MP Wide (F/1.8 aperture) + 12MP Ultrawide (F/2.2 aperture) + 8MP Telephoto (F/2.4 aperture), Front Camera: 32MP (F/2.2 aperture) , Under Display Fingerprint
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1900 & TD-SCDMA, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G: LTE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71, 5G: SA/NSA/Sub6 (ensure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchase)
- American Model, Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like Telus, Rogers, Freedom, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Factory reset a Galaxy S20 that opens Settings
- Open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Review the warning and the accounts and data listed on screen.
- Tap Reset, then Delete all.
- Enter the screen-lock credentials if requested, then the Samsung account password if an account is signed in.
- Let the phone restart and follow the initial setup prompts.
Samsung’s reset instructions note that menu names and layout may differ by model and software. If the path looks different, search Settings for “Factory data reset.”
Restore data after the reset
Restore a Smart Switch computer backup
- Connect the reset S20 to the computer that holds the backup and open Smart Switch.
- Choose Restore, select the backup, and choose the available data categories.
- Follow the prompts to complete the transfer.
Restore a Google backup during setup
- Continue through the phone’s initial Setup Wizard after the reset.
- Sign in to the Google account that holds the backup.
- Choose an available backup when prompted and follow the on-screen steps.
Samsung places Google backup restoration in the Setup Wizard, so make the choice during initial setup.
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- 2G GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900, CDMA 800, 1900, 3G UMTS B1(2100), B2(1900), B4(AWS), B5(850), B8(900), 3G CDMA BC0(800),BC1(1900),BC10(800), 4G LTE: B1, 2 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71, 5G: 2, 5, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Single SIM (ensure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchase)
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10 plus, 1200 nits, 1440 x 3200 pixels, 4000mAh Battery
- 128GB 12GB RAM, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7nm), Octa-core, Adreno 650
- Rear Camera: 64 MP, f/2.0 + 12 MP, f/1.8 plus 12 MP, f/2.2, Front Camera: 10 MP, f/2.2
- US warranty. Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Restore from Samsung Cloud
- Open the Samsung account’s Cloud area on the phone.
- Choose Restore data and select the backup.
- Review the available categories and follow the prompts.
Restore from supported external storage
- Insert or connect the supported storage device.
- Open Smart Switch, select the storage icon, and choose Restore.
- Select the available backup and follow the prompts.
Samsung notes that Smart Switch does not transfer every item in every case: some call logs, email settings, and Internet settings have OS-version restrictions, and DRM-protected content cannot be transferred. Treat the result as supported backed-up data, not a guaranteed copy of everything. See Samsung’s Smart Switch transfer guidance.
If you cannot open Settings or finish setup
A reset performed with a button combination or another method outside Settings does not remove ownership checks. Samsung says the Google account previously registered on the device may be required after reset. If the S20 asks for credentials you cannot provide, contact Samsung support or a service center and be ready to verify ownership. Do not rely on a reset as a way to bypass account protection.
Best Value
- The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+ support, delivering rich contrast and true-to-life colors, perfect for immersive media consumption.
The exact Galaxy S20 variant, region, and installed Android or One UI version can affect menu layouts and supported backup options. Follow the prompts displayed on your phone and consult Samsung support for the specific model if a documented path or storage method is unavailable.
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