Smartphones have become an essential part of our life nowadays. This is why before you pass over your phone to a friend or family member or sell it off, it is recommended that you factory reset it so that all your data and other content from the device is erased.
Resetting the device will unlink your Google and other accounts that you had signed into the device as well. It deletes all your apps and data, and basically puts it back in the same state as when you first purchased it.
If you own a Samsung Galaxy S21, A52, or other model, the steps to factory reset it are pretty simple. Let's get started.
What to Know Before Resetting Your Samsung Galaxy Device
Before you get around to resetting your Samsung Galaxy device, there are a few things that you should know.
- Resetting your Galaxy device will erase all data stored on it. Thus, it is important that you backup your Android device and all data on it before proceeding with the reset process.
- Resetting your Galaxy device will not roll back any software updates that were installed on it. So, if your Galaxy device was running Android 10 out of the box but got the Android 11 update, it will remain on Android 11 after the reset.
- You do not necessarily have to do a full factory data reset. You also have the option to reset all settings, network settings, or accessibility settings of your device, while leaving your data in tact.
- If you use a microSD card on your Galaxy device, you have the option of not erasing its content during the factory reset.
You will not be able to recover Android data that are deleted due to a factory reset, so double check your backups before you start.
If you are resetting your Samsung Galaxy device for troubleshooting purposes, you can try a network or settings reset first. In case that fixes the problem you are facing, you will avoid the headache of setting up your Galaxy device again after a factory reset.
How to Factory Reset Your Samsung Galaxy Device
- Open the Settings app and navigate to General Management > Reset.
- Various reset options will be shown here, including the ability to reset all settings, network settings, etc. However, you need to select the Factory data reset option.
- You will be provided with a summary of all the content that will be erased and all the accounts that will be unlinked from your Galaxy device.
- Scroll to the very bottom and select the Reset option.
- For confirmation, you will have to enter your device unlock pattern or password followed by your Samsung account password if you had logged into it. Finally, tap the Delete all button.
If you are switching to a different phone, you have the option of erasing all your eSIMs from the phone as well. Only select this option if you plan on selling or giving away your Galaxy device.
If you are factory resetting your Galaxy device for some other reason and plan to use it after the reset again, do not erase your eSIMs. Otherwise, you will have to contact your carrier to set it up again.
Factory Reset Your Samsung Galaxy Device
Factory resetting your Samsung Galaxy device is a pretty simple and straightforward process. Since doing a reset will completely erase your device, it is always recommended that you create a backup of all your important data. Sadly, Android does not offer a proper way to backup app data, so some data will still be erased as a part of the process.
Apart from a factory reset, you can also reset your Samsung Galaxy device's network settings or general settings if you do not want to get into the hassle of setting up the device again after a factory reset.
Image Credit: Samsung
