How To Erase Samsung Galaxy | Complete Walkthrough

To erase a Samsung Galaxy, perform a factory reset. This wipes all data via Settings, Recovery Mode, or SmartThings Find.

Selling your old phone or fixing a persistent glitch? A factory reset is the definitive solution. It restores your Galaxy to its original out-of-box state, erasing everything in the process. The method you use depends on whether your phone is fully working, completely frozen, or lost. Here are the three official ways to get it done.

Method 1: Erase Through the Settings Menu

This is the standard reset path for anyone who can unlock their phone and navigate the menus normally.

1. Open Settings on your Galaxy.
2. Tap General management.
3. Scroll down and select Reset.
4. Tap Factory data reset.
5. Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
6. Enter your PIN, password, or pattern to confirm your identity.
7. Tap Delete all. The phone will immediately reboot and begin the wipe.

Once it restarts, you’ll see the Android setup screen—proof that the erase was successful.

For older models running Android 9 or earlier, the path was slightly different: Settings > Backup and reset > Factory data reset. On newer models (S20+, A32), Settings > Privacy > Factory data reset is also a valid shortcut. Full details are available on Samsung’s official factory reset documentation.

Method 2: Use Recovery Mode For Locked Devices

If your screen is locked, the touchscreen is broken, or the device is stuck in a boot loop, you can still erase everything using the physical buttons. This method bypasses the lock screen entirely.

1. Power off the device completely. If you can’t turn it off normally, hold Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds until the screen goes black.
2. Once off, press and hold Volume Up + Power. If your model has a Home button (S6/S7), hold Volume Up + Home + Power instead.
3. Release both buttons when the Samsung logo appears on screen.
4. Use Volume Down to highlight Wipe data / factory reset.
5. Press Power to select it.
6. Use Volume Down to highlight Yes — delete all user data, then press Power.
7. Once the wipe is complete, highlight Reboot system now and press Power.

The phone will restart. The first boot may take 5–10 minutes as it rebuilds the operating system.

Method 3: Erase Remotely With SmartThings Find

If your Galaxy has been lost or stolen, you can trigger a factory reset remotely. This deletes all local data so your personal information stays safe.

Requirements: The device must be powered on, connected to the internet, and signed into your Samsung account.

1. Go to the SmartThings Find website and sign in to your Samsung account.
2. Select your lost device from the list.
3. Click Erase data.
4. Follow the on-screen verification steps (you may receive a code on a trusted device or need to answer security questions).
5. Enter your Samsung account password to confirm the remote wipe.

The device will reset as soon as it receives the command. Note: after erasing, SmartThings Find will no longer be able to track it, so use this only if you’re sure you’ve given up hope of recovery—or if the data is more sensitive than the hardware.

The Three Methods at a Glance

Critical Safety Checks Before You Hit Reset

A factory reset is irreversible. Once the process starts, your data is gone. Run through these checks to avoid a catastrophe.

Backup Your Data First

Photos, contacts, messages, and app data will all be erased. Sync your photos to Google Photos or Samsung Cloud, and ensure your contacts are saved to your Google account. If the screen is locked, a remote backup is impossible—so Recovery Mode is a last resort that you accept at your own risk.

Sign Out of Accounts to Avoid FRP Lock

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a Google security feature active on Android 5.1 and later. If you reset the device without first signing out of your Google account, the phone will ask for the original account credentials on the first boot after reset. If you’ve forgotten the password, the phone becomes a brick. Always sign out of Google and Samsung accounts inside Settings before erasing. This is the number one mistake people make when resetting a phone they intend to sell or give away.

What About the SD Card?

A standard factory reset does not wipe the SD card. If you’re selling the device, remove the card. If you want to wipe it too, go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset and check the Format SD card box before tapping Delete all.

Model-Specific Button Combos

Samsung has changed the button layout several times over the years. Here’s which combo to press for your generation:

If the phone vibrates or boots normally, you held the combo too long or pressed the wrong key. Power off and try again.

The Pre-Reset Checklist

Done correctly, a factory reset is the closest thing to a clean slate you can get on a Galaxy device. Follow these steps in order to make sure nothing goes wrong:

1. Back up your photos, contacts, and app data to the cloud.
2. Sign out of your Google account and Samsung account to prevent FRP lock.
3. Charge your phone to at least 70%.
4. Remove your SD card if you want to keep its contents.
5. Choose the method that fits your situation and start the reset.

After the device reboots, run through the initial setup like a brand-new phone. You’ll be asked to sign into Wi-Fi, re-enter your Google credentials, and restore from your backup. That’s it—your Galaxy is fully erased and ready for its next chapter.