How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone in 4 Easy Steps (with Photos)

Key Points

• Performing a factory reset on a Samsung phone is a straightforward task, but it’s important to remove the Google Activation lock and backup all important data beforehand.
• Samsung Cloud is a recommended option for backing up data before a factory reset, but Google Photos, Google Drive, and Gmail can also be used.
• Removing your Google account before a factory reset can make the process easier and bypass the Google Activation Lock.
• To factory reset a Samsung phone, go to Settings, tap on General Management, select Reset, and then choose Factory Data Reset.

Performing a factory reset doesn’t have to be scary — as long as you know what you’re doing. While completing the steps to factory reset your Samsung phone is a straightforward task, you’ll want to remove the Google Activation lock and complete a backup of all your important data before you do.

If this sounds like a daunting task, don’t worry. We’ve outlined all the steps in an easy-to-follow format below. Of course, if you already know how to get everything ready, skip ahead to our tutorial. But for everyone else, take the time to follow all our steps. You don’t want to lose all your data or get locked out of your device!

Follow along with us as we break down everything you need to know.

How to Backup Data Before Factory Reset on Samsung Phone

Whether you’re experiencing a technical glitch or you’re selling your Samsung phone, it’s a good idea to back up all your important data before following the factory reset process below. As opposed to iOS, Android devices have many more cloud options. We prefer the Samsung Cloud because it will restore your phone perfectly (text messages included) after a factory reset.

However, you can also use Google Photos, Google Drive, and Gmail to back up most data. Simply sign into the applications and tap the option to Backup. Moreover, if you want a simpler option available to Samsung users only, follow the below steps.

Note: AT&T users don’t have the option to expand Samsung Cloud data. If your cellphone carrier is AT&T, use Google’s third-party apps instead.

Step 1: Launch Settings

Most of your Samsung phone’s cloud storage options are in the Settings. Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Settings icon in the top right corner to access the settings.

Step 2: Tap Accounts and Backup

Scroll down the page (about halfway down) and tap Accounts and backup.

Step 3: Tap Back Up Data

Now, select the Back up data option under Samsung Cloud.

Note: If you want to back up to Google, tap Backup under the Google sub-heading.

Step 4: Tap Backup Now

Ensure everything you’d like to save is checked, then tap Backup Now. Give your device a few minutes to complete the process, and move on to the next section.

Helpful hint: Ensure the date and time match each data type to verify that your information is safe in the cloud.

How to Remove Your Google Account Before a Factory Reset

Another important part of the process is removing your Google account after backing up all your data but before performing a factory reset. While we appreciate what an activation lock does if our phone is stolen, it can be a big pain to get past it after a factory reset. The process is much simpler if you remove your Google account before following the steps below.

To remove your Google account and bypass the Google Activation Lock fiasco, follow the steps below.

Step 1: Open Settings

Open the Settings as we did above by swiping down from the top and tapping on the Settings icon in the top right corner.

Step 2: Tap Accounts and Backup

Next, scroll until you find Accounts and Backup and tap on it.

Step 3: Tap Manage Accounts

Tap Manage Accounts at the top of the page and select the Google account you’d like to remove.

Helpful hint: If you have multiple Google accounts, you can remove all of them. Or, remove only the main Google account that controls the Activation Lock. We prefer to remove them all just to be safe.

Step 4: Tap Remove Account

Now, click on Remove Account.

Note: You may need to input your password to remove the account. If so, go ahead and input it and complete any other security requirements. If you don’t know your password or can’t get a 2FA code, it’s better to find out now than when you can no longer access your Samsung phone.

How to Factory Reset Your Samsung Phone

Now that you’re certain you have all your precious memories and documents saved and you won’t run into an activation lock, it’s time to completely wipe your phone!

Follow these simple steps to factory reset your Samsung phone.

Helpful hint: If you’re unsure whether your data got stored in the cloud, revisit the first section and check for the date and time each item was last backed up.

Step 1: Open Settings

Open the Settings on your Samsung (this should be the last time, hopefully).

Step 2: Tap General Management

Scroll to the bottom of the menu and tap General Management.

Step 3: Tap Reset

Scroll down to the bottom (again) and tap Reset. Don’t worry, there’s another step, so this won’t wipe your phone.

Step 4: Tap Factory Data Reset

Now you’ll see a few reset options.

Tap Factory data reset to proceed with the factory reset. Then, follow the prompts on the screen until your device restarts. When it comes back to life, all your data, settings, apps, accounts, and documents will be gone.

Helpful hint: If your device is having a network issue, you can tap the Reset network settings option and bypass the factory reset option altogether. If you prefer to reset the settings, select the Reset all settings or Reset accessibility settings option (the latter is immensely helpful if you accidentally activate Talkback).

Wrapping Up

The actual process to factory reset your Samsung phone is incredibly simple. However, getting your data back or bypassing the activation lock can cause serious headaches. Fortunately, there is a tried and true sequence you can follow to minimize the already stressful task of factory resetting a phone.

Summary Table

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Bits And Splits/Shutterstock.com.