How To Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy S21

Introduction

The Samsung Galaxy S21 is a powerful device that offers a wide range of features and functionality. However, there may come a time when you need to perform a factory reset on your device. Whether you’re experiencing software issues, planning to sell or give away your phone, or simply want to start fresh, a factory reset can be a helpful solution.

A factory reset essentially restores your Samsung Galaxy S21 to its original state, completely erasing all data and settings. It’s important to note that performing a factory reset will delete all personal data, including contacts, messages, photos, and installed apps. Therefore, it’s crucial to back up your data before proceeding with this process.

There are several methods you can use to perform a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21. In this article, we will guide you through the various options, including using the device’s settings, hardware buttons, and Find My Mobile feature.

Before diving into the different methods, it’s essential to ensure that your device is fully charged or connected to a power source. Additionally, consider removing the SIM card and external SD card to prevent any accidental data loss, as these cards won’t be affected by the factory reset process.

Now, let’s explore the step-by-step procedures for factory resetting your Samsung Galaxy S21.

Backup Your Data

Before proceeding with a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21, it is crucial to back up your data to ensure that none of your important information is lost. By following these steps to backup your data, you can easily restore it once the factory reset is completed:

1. Back up with Google Account: Your Google account can be used to back up various types of data such as contacts, calendar events, app data, and even some app settings. To do this, go to your device’s Settings, select “Accounts and Backup,” then choose “Backup and restore.” Make sure the toggle switch for “Backup my data” is enabled, and tap on “Backup now” to initiate the backup process.
2. Sync with Samsung Account: If you have a Samsung account, you can use it to sync your data across multiple Samsung devices. To sync your data, go to Settings, select “Accounts and Backup,” then choose “Samsung Account.” Sign in using your Samsung account credentials and enable sync for the desired data categories.
3. Transfer Files to Computer: Connect your Samsung Galaxy S21 to your computer using a USB cable and ensure that your computer recognizes the device. Once connected, locate the device on your computer and manually copy and paste your important files, photos, and videos to a designated folder on your computer.
4. Cloud Storage: Use cloud storage services such as Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive to upload and back up your files. Install the respective app on your Samsung Galaxy S21, sign in to your account, and upload your files to the cloud storage service.

By following these backup methods, you can ensure that your contacts, photos, videos, app data, and other important files are securely saved and can be easily restored once the factory reset is complete. Ensure that you have successfully backed up all the necessary data before proceeding with the factory reset process.

Factory Reset Using Settings

If you have access to the settings of your Samsung Galaxy S21, you can perform a factory reset easily. Follow these steps to initiate the factory reset using the device’s settings:

1. Open Settings: Go to the home screen of your Samsung Galaxy S21 and swipe down from the top to access the notification panel. Tap on the gear icon to open the Settings app.
2. Select General Management: In the Settings menu, scroll down and select “General Management.”
3. Tap Reset: Under General Management, tap on “Reset” to access the reset options.
4. Choose Factory Data Reset: In the Reset menu, select “Factory data reset.”
5. Review Warning and Confirm: You will be presented with a warning that the factory reset will erase all data on your device. Read the warning carefully and tap on “Reset” or “Delete all” to confirm the factory reset.
6. Confirm Your PIN or Password: If you have set up a PIN, pattern, or password to secure your device, you will be prompted to enter it to proceed with the factory reset.

Your Samsung Galaxy S21 will now begin the factory reset process. It may take a few minutes to complete, and your device will restart automatically once the process is finished. When the device boots up again, it will be in its original state, as if it was just taken out of the box.

It’s important to note that performing a factory reset will delete all personal data, including contacts, messages, photos, and installed apps. Therefore, it’s crucial to back up your data before proceeding with this process.

This method is ideal for users who have full access to their device’s settings and can navigate through the menu options. However, if you’re unable to access the device’s settings, you can perform a factory reset using the hardware buttons, which we will discuss in the next section.

Factory Reset Using Hardware Buttons

If you are unable to access the settings menu of your Samsung Galaxy S21, you can still perform a factory reset using the device’s hardware buttons. Follow these steps to initiate the factory reset using the hardware buttons:

1. Power Off Your Device: Press and hold the power button on your Samsung Galaxy S21 until the Power off menu appears.
2. Access Recovery Mode: Once the Power off menu appears, tap on “Power off” and hold down the Volume Up button and the power button simultaneously.
3. Enter Recovery Mode: Continue holding the Volume Up and power buttons until the Samsung logo appears on the screen. Release the power button while keeping the Volume Up button pressed.
4. Navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset: Use the volume buttons to navigate through the options in the recovery mode menu. Scroll down to “Wipe data/factory reset” and use the power button to select it.
5. Select Yes: A confirmation prompt will appear asking if you want to proceed with the factory reset. Use the volume buttons to navigate to “Yes” and press the power button to confirm.
6. Wait for Reset to Complete: The factory reset process will begin, and you will see a progress indicator on the screen. Wait for the process to complete without interrupting it.
7. Reboot Your Device: Once the factory reset is finished, the recovery mode menu will reappear. Select “Reboot system now” using the power button.

Your Samsung Galaxy S21 will now reboot and start up in its original factory state. The factory reset process using the hardware buttons allows you to reset your device even if you cannot access the settings menu. It’s important to note that performing a factory reset will delete all personal data, including contacts, messages, photos, and installed apps, so ensure you have backed up your data before proceeding with this process.

If you’re unable to access the device’s settings or use the hardware buttons, there is another option available to perform a factory reset, which we will discuss in the next section.

Factory Reset Using Find My Mobile

If you have Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature enabled on your Samsung Galaxy S21 and you are signed in to your Samsung account, you can use this option to perform a factory reset remotely. Here’s how:

1. Visit Find My Mobile Website: Open a web browser on your computer or another device, and visit the Find My Mobile website.
2. Sign In: Sign in using your Samsung account credentials that are associated with your Samsung Galaxy S21.
3. Select Your Device: Once signed in, you will see a list of devices associated with your Samsung account. Select your Samsung Galaxy S21 from the list.
4. Choose Factory Reset: On the device details page, select the “Erase data” option. This will initiate the factory reset process on your Samsung Galaxy S21.
5. Confirm the Factory Reset: You will be prompted to confirm the factory reset. Read the warning carefully, as this process will erase all data on your device. Click “Erase” to proceed with the factory reset.

Your Samsung Galaxy S21 will now receive the remote factory reset command, and the process will start. It may take a few minutes for the reset to complete. Once finished, your device will reboot and return to its original factory settings.

This option is particularly useful if your device is lost, stolen, or inaccessible for any reason. It allows you to remotely initiate a factory reset to protect your personal data.

Remember, performing a factory reset using Find My Mobile will erase all data, including contacts, messages, photos, and installed apps. Therefore, ensure you have backed up your data before initiating this process.

By utilizing the Find My Mobile feature, you can easily perform a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 remotely, ensuring the security of your data.

Conclusion

Performing a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 can be a helpful solution in various situations, including troubleshooting software issues, preparing to sell or give away your device, or starting fresh. Whether you have access to the device’s settings, can use the hardware buttons, or utilize the Find My Mobile feature, there are multiple options available to initiate a factory reset.

Before proceeding with a factory reset, it is crucial to back up your data to ensure that none of your important information is lost. By using methods such as backing up with your Google account, syncing with a Samsung account, transferring files to a computer, or utilizing cloud storage services, you can safeguard your contacts, photos, videos, and app data.

To perform a factory reset using the device’s settings, simply navigate to the “Reset” menu in the Settings app and select “Factory data reset.” If you are unable to access the settings, you can use the hardware buttons to enter recovery mode and initiate the reset. Alternatively, if you have the Find My Mobile feature enabled, you can perform a factory reset remotely through the Find My Mobile website.

Remember, performing a factory reset will erase all personal data, including contacts, messages, photos, and installed apps. Therefore, always ensure that you have backed up your data before proceeding with the process. Additionally, keep your device fully charged or connected to a power source during the factory reset, and consider removing the SIM card and external SD card to prevent any accidental data loss.

By following the steps outlined in this article, you can confidently perform a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21, restoring the device to its original state and resolving any software issues you may be experiencing. Just make sure to choose the method that best suits your situation and follow the instructions carefully.

Remember, if you’re unsure about performing a factory reset or encounter any issues during the process, it’s always recommended to seek assistance from Samsung support or a professional.