DeviceHowTo
Samsung Galaxy⏱ 20 min

How to Factory Reset Device on Samsung Galaxy

Completely wipe and restore your device when major issues cannot be resolved.

Last verified: February 21, 2026

Android factory reset lives in Settings under General Management > Reset (Samsung) or System > Reset Options (stock Android), where Factory Data Reset lists every account and type of data that will be removed so you know exactly what you're clearing. Before proceeding, Google's Find My Device (formerly Find My Phone) enforces Factory Reset Protection — if you reset without removing your Google account first, the next setup screen will demand the original account's credentials. This anti-theft feature means the reset-before-selling procedure on Android must include going to Settings > Accounts > Google > Remove Account before initiating the factory reset.

Before you continue

Factory reset permanently deletes all local data. Verify your backup is complete and fully accessible before starting this process.

Quick Steps

Follow in order for the fastest result.

  1. 1Back up all important data first: photos to cloud, contacts synced, documents saved, and 2FA recovery codes noted.
  2. 2Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset. Review which accounts will be removed, then tap Reset and Delete All.
  3. 3Follow the first-run setup wizard to configure the device from scratch. Restore apps and data selectively.

Still Not Working?

Try these if the steps above didn't help.

Verify the Fix

Confirm everything is fully working before closing this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix all problems on my Samsung Galaxy?
A factory reset resolves software-level issues: persistent crashes, major slowdowns, corrupted OS files, malware, and failed update problems. It will not fix hardware faults (damaged screen, faulty battery, broken speakers). If the same problem returns immediately after a clean reset, the cause is hardware.
What do I lose when I factory reset my Samsung Galaxy?
You lose all locally stored data: apps, photos, messages, documents, settings, and saved Wi-Fi passwords. Data stored in cloud services (iCloud, Google Photos, Google Drive, OneDrive) is not lost — it syncs back after you sign in. Back up everything before starting.
How long does a factory reset take on Samsung Galaxy?
Android factory reset takes 5–20 minutes depending on the manufacturer and amount of data being erased.
Do I need to factory reset to sell my Samsung Galaxy?
Yes — you should always factory reset and sign out of all accounts before selling or giving away a device. On iPhone, also disable Find My under Settings > [Your Name] > Find My before erasing. On Android, disable Factory Reset Protection by removing your Google account first to prevent the buyer from being locked out.

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