How to Factory Reset and Hard Reset Samsung Phone (Even If Locked or Unresponsive)

How to Factory Reset Samsung Phones

Want to know how to factory reset Samsung phones, even if they’re locked or unresponsive? A factory reset erases all data and restores your phone to factory settings, which is useful for:

  • Fixing software glitches, freezing, or lagging issues

  • Removing forgotten passwords, PINs, or patterns

  • Preparing your device for resale or a new user

  • Fixing boot loops or startup issues

In this guide, we’ll show you four simple ways to factory reset a Samsung phone:

  • Through Settings (if you have access)

  • Hard Reset (Buttons) (if locked out)

  • Samsung Find My Mobile (remote reset)

  • Dialer Code Reset (for older models)

What is a Factory Reset, and When Should You Use It?

A factory reset restores your phone to its original software state, erasing all data, settings, and apps. You should reset your Samsung phone if:

  • You forgot the password, PIN, or pattern and are locked out.

  • The phone is glitchy, slow, or freezing constantly.

  • You want to sell or give away the phone and remove personal data.

  • The phone is stuck in a boot loop or won’t turn on properly.

  • You’re troubleshooting serious software issues.

How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone (When You Have Access)

How to Factory Reset Samsung Phones
If you can unlock and use your phone, the reset process is simple:

  1. Open Settings.

  2. Go to General Management.

  3. Tap Reset > Factory Data Reset.

  4. Scroll down and tap Reset.

  5. Enter your PIN or password if prompted.

  6. Tap Delete All to confirm.

Supported Models: Samsung Galaxy S21, S22, S23, A52, A72

Important: This erases everything, so back up your data first!

How to Factory Reset Samsung Phones Without a Password (When Locked)

If you forgot your password, PIN, or pattern, you can’t reset it through Settings. But don’t worry—you still have options!

Method 1: Factory Reset a Samsung Galaxy Using Buttons

If you're locked out, a hard reset using recovery mode is the best option:

  1. Turn off your phone (Press and hold Power + Volume Down for 5–10 seconds).

  2. Boot into Recovery Mode:

    • Press and hold Power + Volume Up until the Samsung logo appears.

  3. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset, then press Power to confirm.

  4. Select Factory data reset > Yes.

  5. Once the reset is complete, choose Reboot system now.

Supported Models: Samsung Galaxy S20, S21 FE, A53, M32

Warning: If your phone is linked to a Google or Samsung account, you’ll need to log in after resetting to bypass Factory Reset Protection (FRP).

Method 2: Factory Reset Samsung Phones Using Find My Mobile (Remote Reset)

If your Samsung account is linked, you can remotely reset your phone without a password:

  1. Go to Samsung Find My Mobile.

  2. Sign in with your Samsung account.

  3. Select your locked device.

  4. Click Erase Data.

  5. Confirm the factory reset.

Best For: Lost phones or when you don’t have physical access to the device.

Supported Models: Samsung Galaxy Note 20, Z Fold 3, S10, Tab S7

Samsung Factory Reset Code (Dialer Code Reset for Older Models)

Samsung has a secret dialer code for an instant factory reset, but it only works on older models (pre-Android 10):

📞 Dial: 27673855#

Important:

  • Instantly wipes everything—no warning, no confirmation screen!

  • Not supported on most new Samsung models due to security updates.

  • Best for older Samsung devices running Android 9 or earlier.

Supported Models: Samsung Galaxy J7, Grand Prime, A5 2017

How to Factory Reset a Samsung Tablet Without a Password

If you're locked out of your Samsung tablet, follow these steps:

  1. Turn off the tablet.

  2. Boot into Recovery Mode:

    • Without a Home button: Press and hold Power + Volume Up.

    • With a Home button: Press and hold Power + Home + Volume Up.

  3. Use Volume buttons to select Wipe data/factory reset.

  4. Press Power to confirm.

  5. Select Yes to erase everything.

  6. Choose Reboot system now.

Supported Models: Samsung Galaxy Tab A7, Tab S6 Lite, Tab S8

What Happens After a Factory Reset on Samsung?

After a factory reset:

  • All personal data is erased (photos, contacts, messages, apps).

  • Your Samsung phone will restart like a brand-new device.

  • Factory Reset Protection (FRP) may lock your phone if your Google/Samsung account is still linked.

  • System performance may improve if previous issues were due to software glitches.

Final Thoughts

Performing a factory reset on a Samsung phone isn’t complicated—you just need the right method for your situation:

  • If you have access → Reset via Settings.

  • If you’re locked out → Use buttons or Find My Mobile.

  • If you need a quick reset → Try the dialer code (older models).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Will a factory reset remove my Google or Samsung account?

No, if Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is enabled, you will need to log in to your Google or Samsung account after resetting.

Q2: Can I factory reset my Samsung phone without losing data?

No, a factory reset erases everything. Always back up important files before resetting.

Q3: What if my Samsung phone is stuck on the logo after resetting?

Try entering Recovery Mode again and selecting Wipe Cache Partition, then reboot.

Q4: Is the dialer code reset method safe?

Yes, but it instantly erases all data without warning. Use with caution.

Q5: What if my phone is still locked after a factory reset?

If FRP is enabled, you must enter your Google or Samsung account credentials to regain access.



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