The Tool Desk
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To erase a working, unlocked Galaxy S21 5G, open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset, review what will be removed, then confirm Reset and Delete all. A factory reset deletes personal data. If the phone is frozen, locked, or lost, use the method that fits that situation instead; holding restart buttons is not the same as wiping the phone.
Choose the right reset method
| Method | When it fits | Erases personal data? | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Factory reset in Settings | The phone is accessible and you can unlock it. | Yes | May require the screen-lock credentials and Samsung account password. See Samsung’s factory-reset instructions. |
| Recovery-menu reset | You cannot use Settings, such as when locked out. | Yes | Device buttons and a USB connection to a computer; Google account verification may follow. See Samsung UK’s recovery instructions. |
| Erase through SmartThings Find | The phone is lost but online and previously configured for remote controls. | Yes | Samsung account sign-in, Wi-Fi or mobile data, and enabled remote control and remote unlock. See Samsung UK’s SmartThings Find instructions. |
| Reset settings or network settings | You want to troubleshoot without removing apps or personal data. | No | Use the relevant reset option in Settings. See Samsung’s reset options. |
Factory-reset an accessible S21 in Settings
- Back up anything you want to keep, including photos, videos, and documents.
- Open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Review the screen’s list of data to be removed, then tap Reset.
- Enter the requested screen-lock credentials or Samsung account password, if prompted.
- Tap Delete all to confirm and allow the phone to restart.
Samsung notes that menus and labels can vary by model and software version. If the wording on your S21 differs, follow the reset option identified as a factory data reset rather than choosing a less destructive settings reset.
Reset from recovery when Settings is unavailable
A recovery reset is useful when you cannot get into Settings, but button instructions can vary. Samsung UK’s guide includes the S21 among phones without a physical Home button, yet its general button sequence uses the word “Home.” If that wording does not match your phone or the sequence does not open recovery, consult Samsung’s current device-specific support or manual instructions instead of guessing a button combination.
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- Connect it to a computer with a USB cable.
- Use the device-specific button sequence to open the recovery menu.
- Use the volume buttons to highlight Delete all user data or Wipe data/factory reset, then press the Power button to select it.
- Confirm the wipe and wait for Data wipe complete.
- Select Reboot system now. The initial setup screen appears after restart.
Menu wording may differ by region or software version. A recovery reset erases the phone and can trigger Google Factory Reset Protection, which asks for a Google account previously registered on the device. A computer connection does not bypass that ownership check.
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Erase a lost phone with SmartThings Find
Samsung UK documents remote erasure through SmartThings Find when the device is connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data, signed into a Samsung account, and has remote control and remote unlock enabled. The account owner signs in, selects the device, and chooses Erase data; identity verification may be required. If those prerequisites were not in place or the phone is offline, this documented method is not available at that time.
Prepare for data loss and account checks
- Back up first. Samsung warns that personal information removed in a factory reset may not be recoverable.
- Have account credentials ready. A Samsung account signed in on the phone may require its password to complete a Settings reset. A reset performed outside Settings may lead to Google account verification through Factory Reset Protection.
- Do not treat reset as an ownership bypass. You need the relevant account credentials to complete setup when protection is triggered.
- Consider encrypted removable storage if applicable. Samsung’s general Galaxy guidance says an encrypted microSD card must be decrypted before reset or the device may not read it afterward. Configurations vary, so this does not mean every S21 5G has a microSD card.
- Expect network access may be needed. Samsung US says a network connection is required to log out of a Samsung account during reset.
If your S21 is frozen or stuck in a boot loop, try less destructive steps first
If your goal is to make the phone work again, a factory reset is a last resort because it removes data. Samsung’s startup and boot-loop troubleshooting guidance recommends working through lower-risk checks first.
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- Try a normal restart if the phone responds. A forced restart is a power cycle, not a factory wipe.
- If the battery may be drained, charge the phone with a Samsung-certified charger and cable.
- Check for a software update if you can reach Settings.
- Test in Safe mode to see whether a third-party app may be causing the problem.
- If the problem persists in Safe mode, Samsung says hardware may be involved; contact Samsung support or service.
Samsung’s current US troubleshooting passage describes restarting through the Quick panel, but does not establish an S21-specific forced-restart button duration. Do not assume a button hold will erase data or apply an unverified timing instruction.
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If you want to preserve apps and personal files, look in Settings > General management > Reset for Reset all settings or a network-specific reset. These options are distinct from Factory data reset and do not erase apps or personal data. Choose the narrower network reset when the issue is limited to network settings; use a full factory reset only when you intend to wipe the device.
Quick Recap
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