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How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone or Tablet Quickly

There are a few scenarios when you have to factory reset your Samsung phone. When your phone's performance slows down, a factory reset can remove junk files and improve speed. Before you sell your Samsung device, you should factory reset it and completely remove your data to protect your privacy. Plus, it is an essential step for troubleshooting and fixing software glitches. Anyway, you can learn multiple ways to restore your device to factory settings in various situations.

Part 1: What Happens When You Factory Reset a Samsung Device

Factory resetting a Samsung phone or tablet will remove all data on your device, including photos, videos, music, contacts, messages, accounts, apps, app data, and customized settings. To avoid data loss, you'd better make a backup.

Bear in mind that a factory reset cannot unlock FRP on most Android devices. Therefore, you still need to input your Google account when setting up your device after factory resetting.

Before Factory Resetting Your Samsung Phone

Backup Samusng

Step 1. Back up your phone

Install Smart Switch on a computer.

Use a USB cable to link the computer and your phone.

Open Smart Switch to read the content on your device.

Click Backup to proceed.

If prompted, tap ALLOW on your phone screen to create a backup.

When finished, disconnect your phone.

Step 2. Remove accounts

Remove Account

Run the Settings app and choose Accounts and backup.

Tap Manage accounts and select the Google account you intend to remove.

Tap the Remove account button.

When prompted, select Remove account to confirm it.

Part 2: How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone with a Code

What is the Samsung factory reset code? It is a numeric and alphanumeric sequence for performing specific tasks, like resetting a Samsung device to factory settings without a password. We explain the prerequisites and workflow below:

Prerequisites:

1. Your phone is accessible.

2. Your screen is working.

3. You are using an old model of a Samsung phone.

Factory Reset Samsung Using Code

Step 1. Run the Phone app on your phone.

Step 2. Type the reset code: *2767*3855# or *#*#7780#*#*.

Step 3. If the process doesn't start automatically, tap the Call button.

Step 4. When prompted, enter yes to confirm it.

Part 3: How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone in Settings

One simple way to reset a Samsung phone to factory settings is the built-in Factory data reset feature. Samsung has added this feature to every Samsung phone and tablet. The workflow may be a little different, depending on your phone model.

Prerequisites:

1. Your device is accessible.

2. You still remember your account password.

Factory Reset Samsung Settings

Step 1. Open the Settings app on your app tray.

Step 2. Scroll down and choose General Management.

Step 3. Tap Reset and choose Factory data reset.

Tips: If you just want to reset your Samsung phone to factory settings without deleting data, choose Reset all settings instead.

Step 4. Read the alert and tap the Reset button again

Step 5. If prompted, enter your account password or phone password.

Step 6. Tap the Delete all button to reset Samsung to factory default.

Part 4: How to Factory Reset a Samsung Device in Recovery Mode

Even if you forgot your phone password or are locked out of your device, you can reset your phone. Android Recovery Mode allows you to factory reset a Samsung phone with a locked screen or without a password. This method requires a little technical skill.

Prerequisites:

1. Your phone buttons are working.

2. A USB cable.

3. A computer.

Reset Samsung Recovery Mode

Step 1. Long-press the Power button until your phone shuts down.

Step 2. Plug your phone into your computer with a compatible cable.

Step 3. Hold down the Power/Bixby + Volume Up buttons together for 5 seconds.

Step 4. Once your phone enters Recovery Mode, release the buttons.

Step 5. Press the Volume Down button multiple times to highlight Wipe data/factory reset. Then, hit the Power button to select it.

Step 6. When prompted, highlight Yes using the volume buttons, and press Power to start the Samsung factory reset without a password.

Step 7. When it is done, highlight Reboot system now with the volume buttons, and hit Power to restart your device.

Note: If your Samsung Galaxy tab won't factory reset in normal mode, you can try Recovery Mode.

Part 5: How to Factory Reset Samsung Remotely

If your phone is lost or is not in your hand, you have to factory reset it using SmartThings Find or Samsung Find. It is the online device manager for Samsung users. You can find a few useful features, like factory resetting Samsung remotely.

Prerequisites:

1. Your device must be connected to the internet.

2. A Samsung account must be added to your phone or tablet.

3. You remember your Samsung account credentials.

Smartthings Find Erase

Step 1. Visit https://smartthingsfind.samsung.com/ in a browser.

Step 2. Click Sign in and input your Samsung account and password.

Step 3. Click Sign In again and hit Agree on the pop-up dialog.

Step 4. Then, the service will locate your device on a map instantly.

Step 5. Click the Erase data button on the toolbox.

Step 6. If prompted, enter your account password.

Step 7. Finally, read the alert, and click the Erase button to initiate a factory reset Samsung S8 or other model.

Note: This method cannot bypass Samsung factory reset protection.

Bonus Tip: Best Way to Recover Data After a Samsung Factory Reset

It is well known that factory resetting a Samsung will erase all data on your device. If you didn't back up your phone or tablet, Apeaksoft Android Data Recovery can help you get back your data. It is able to scan your device memory and discover lost files.

Apeaksoft Android Data Recovery

The Best Way to Recover Data After a Samsung Factory Reset

  • Retrieve data from Samsung devices without backup.
  • Available to factory reset, accidental deletion, and more.
  • Preview lost files for selectively recovering.
  • Compatible with a wide range of data types.
  • Support almost all Samsung phones and tablets.
Free Download

Secure Download

Free Download

Secure Download

Android Data Recovery

How to Recover Data After a Samsung Factory Reset

Step 1. Install the Samsung recovery tool
Launch the best data recovery software for Samsung after installing it on your PC. There is another version for Mac. Turn on the USB Debugging mode on your phone, and connect it to your PC with a USB cable.

Connect Phone

Step 2. Preview lost files
Authorize the software to access your device. Then, select the data types you want to recover. Click the Next button to begin scanning your device. When it is done, you can preview data recoverable by type.

Data Types

Step 3. Recover Samsung data
Select the files and items you wish to get back, and click the Recover button at the bottom. Set an out folder and hit the Recover button again to confirm data recovery.

Recover Phone

Conclusion

This guide explained how to factory reset a Samsung tablet or phone in various situations. The reset code is a quick way to perform a factory reset. You can access the Settings app to reset your device, too. If your phone is disabled, you have to put it in Recovery Mode and do a factory reset. Samsung SmartThings Find is an online tool for factory resetting. Apeaksoft Android Data Recovery is able to recover your data after factory resetting your Samsung device.

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