How to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone When Locked
When you find yourself locked out of your Samsung phone and need to perform a factory reset, there are several methods you can use. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to achieve this.
Method 1: Using Hardware Buttons (Recovery Mode)
Power Off the Device: First, ensure that your Samsung phone is completely powered off. If it’s locked, you may need to hold the power button until the device turns off.
Enter Recovery Mode:
- For most Samsung devices, press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously.
- For some models, you may also need to press the Bixby button along with these two buttons.
- Keep holding these buttons until you see the Samsung logo, then release them.
Navigate Recovery Menu:
- Once in recovery mode, use the Volume buttons to navigate through the menu options.
- Highlight “Wipe data/factory reset” using the Volume Down button.
Select Factory Reset:
- Press the Power button to select this option.
- Confirm your selection by highlighting “Yes” and pressing the Power button again.
Reboot Your Device:
- After the factory reset is complete, highlight “Reboot system now” and press the Power button.
- Your device will restart and be restored to its original factory settings.
Method 2: Using Find My Mobile (Samsung Account Required)
Access Find My Mobile: Go to Find My Mobile on a computer or another device.
Log In with Your Samsung Account: Enter your credentials for your Samsung account that is linked to your locked phone.
Select Your Device: Once logged in, select your locked device from the list of registered devices.
Choose ‘Erase Data’ Option: Click on “Erase data” or “Factory reset”. This will remotely wipe all data from your device including any lock screen security measures.
Confirm Action: Follow any prompts to confirm that you want to erase all data from your phone.
Wait for Completion: The process may take a few minutes; once completed, your phone will be restored to factory settings and should no longer be locked.
Important Considerations
- Performing a factory reset will erase all data on your device including apps, contacts, messages, photos, etc., so it should only be done if you’re sure you want to lose this information.
- Ensure that your device has sufficient battery life before attempting these methods as interruptions during resetting can lead to further issues with your phone.
- If you have important data that needs recovery before performing these steps, consider seeking professional help or using specialized software designed for data recovery prior to resetting.
The probability that this answer is correct is high based on current knowledge and procedures available as of January 2025.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used in Answering this Question:
Samsung Support Website A comprehensive resource provided by Samsung containing official guides and troubleshooting steps for their devices including factory reset instructions.
Android Central A well-respected technology news site that offers detailed articles and guides about Android devices including tips on managing locked phones and performing resets safely.
TechRadar A leading technology publication known for its reviews and how-to guides which includes extensive information about smartphone management including factory resets for various brands like Samsung.
