Back up first
A factory reset is not reversible, so back up anything you want to keep before starting. Google's official guidance recommends charging your phone to at least 70% and connecting to Wi-Fi or mobile data before resetting. Confirm your photos, contacts and files are synced to your Google Account (or Samsung account, on a Galaxy phone), since these can be restored after the reset, while anything stored only on the phone itself cannot.
How do I factory reset from Settings?
- Open Settings and go to System > Reset options (on Samsung phones, this is usually Settings > General management > Reset).
- Tap Erase all data (factory reset).
- Review what will be erased, then tap Erase all data again to confirm.
- Enter your device PIN if prompted.
- The phone restarts and wipes itself, then reboots to the initial setup screen.
After the reset, most phones apply Factory Reset Protection, requiring you to sign in with the Google Account (or Samsung account) that was active on the phone before setup completes, so keep those login details on hand.
How do I reset a phone that won't boot to Settings?
If the phone is frozen, stuck, or otherwise cannot reach the Settings app, use the hardware recovery-mode method instead:
- Turn the phone off completely.
- Hold the recovery-mode button combination for your specific brand. On many recent Samsung Galaxy phones without a physical home button, this is Volume Up + Power held together until the logo appears, then released. Older phones or other brands can differ, so check your manufacturer's official recovery instructions if this combination does not work.
- Use the volume keys to highlight Wipe data / factory reset in the recovery menu, then press the power button to select it.
- Confirm, then select Reboot system now once the wipe finishes.
How is this different from flashing?
Formatting only uses the firmware already installed on the phone, through the phone's own built-in reset menu. No new software is written to the device, and no external tool or computer is involved. Flashing is a separate, more advanced process that installs or reinstalls the firmware itself using a tool like Samsung's Smart Switch or Odin, or Google's official Pixel factory images, and is normally reserved for boot loops that survive a factory reset, custom ROM installs, or firmware repair.
People also ask
What is the difference between formatting and flashing a phone?
Formatting uses the phone's existing firmware and its own built-in reset menu to erase data. Flashing installs new firmware using an external tool connected to a computer, and is a separate, more advanced process.
Will a factory reset delete everything on my phone?
Yes, everything on internal storage. Anything backed up to your Google Account or Samsung account can be restored afterward; anything not backed up is lost.
How do I factory reset a phone that won't turn on properly?
Turn it off, then hold your brand's recovery-mode button combination (commonly Volume Up + Power on many Android phones, though this varies) to reach recovery mode, and select Wipe data / factory reset there.