Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Before you factory-reset a Samsung Galaxy on MetroPCS, make and verify at least one backup—and use more than one method if the data matters. Samsung Smart Switch can save supported data to a computer; Google backup and Samsung Cloud can save supported categories to accounts for later restoration. The exact choices depend on your Galaxy model, software, region, carrier support, and available storage. Check the backup screens on your phone rather than assuming every option is available.
Before you start: identify the phone and check your accounts
A factory reset can erase data stored on the phone. First, note the model number and Android or One UI version shown in Settings, and make sure you know the Google and Samsung account credentials currently used on the device. You may need those accounts to restore data after the reset.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Samsung says backup menus and supported items can vary by model, software version, country, and carrier. The available guidance is general Galaxy guidance, not a MetroPCS-specific reset procedure; it does not establish that MetroPCS changes the backup steps or guarantees any particular cloud feature.
Menu wording also changes. In Settings, search for Accounts and backup, Smart Switch, Google Drive, Back up data, or Samsung Cloud and follow the options your phone actually displays.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Choose a backup method that fits what you need to save
| Method | Destination | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Smart Switch | Computer, or another destination offered by Smart Switch on the device | Samsung documents computer backups and USB, Wi-Fi, and computer transfer methods. Back up only after following the app or computer prompts and checking its completion status. Supported transfers can be affected by system restrictions and software versions. Samsung Smart Switch support, July 2026. |
| Google backup | Google Account | Samsung lists categories that may include apps, photos and videos, SMS/MMS, call history, device settings, and Google Account data. Restore is offered during initial setup. Samsung Australia, September 17, 2026. |
| Samsung Cloud | Samsung account | Backs up selected, supported categories. Availability varies by device model, country, and carrier; check the phone’s Cloud screen for the categories it offers. Samsung Singapore says files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up there. Samsung Singapore, September 8, 2026. |
These methods do not guarantee that every app’s private data, downloaded file, or authentication setup will be included. If you rely on a particular app or local file, check its own backup or export instructions before resetting.
Back up with Smart Switch to a computer
- On the Galaxy: Open Smart Switch and look for its backup option, or connect the phone to a computer and follow the Smart Switch prompts there. Samsung describes computer backup in its Smart Switch support guidance, updated July 23, 2026.
- For a wired connection: Use a USB cable that supports data transfer and fits both the phone and computer. The exact Galaxy model is not specified here, so check the ports on your own devices; a charging-only cable may not transfer data.
- Wait for completion: Follow the on-screen prompts and check Smart Switch’s final status. A connected cable alone does not confirm that a backup finished.
Smart Switch is a useful local option when you want a computer copy rather than relying only on cloud storage. Its support guide also describes SD-card backup, but the choices available depend on the phone and the Smart Switch workflow shown on it.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Run Google backup
- Open Settings and tap Accounts and backup, if that menu is present.
- Choose the Google backup or Google Drive option, then open Back up data or tap Back up now, depending on the labels shown.
- Review the categories and wait for the backup status or timestamp to update before resetting.
Samsung’s Google backup guide lists apps, photos and videos, SMS/MMS, call history, device settings, and Google Account data among the categories that may be backed up. The exact categories and controls on your device may differ. After the reset, Google restore is offered during the phone’s initial setup.
Run Samsung Cloud backup for the categories offered
- In Settings, open Accounts and backup and find Samsung Cloud’s backup option. If the path differs, search Settings for Samsung Cloud.
- Choose the available categories you want to back up and start the backup. Samsung recommends using Wi-Fi in its September 8, 2026 guidance.
- Check the Cloud screen for completion and the most recent backup status. That screen is the best way to confirm which items your particular handset can save.
Samsung Cloud availability and supported items vary by model, country, and carrier. Samsung’s Singapore support page states that files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up to Samsung Cloud; that limit is from that regional guidance and should not be treated as a guarantee about every region or device.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Check important items that may need separate handling
- Photos and files: Check whether they are in an account-backed service or stored only on the phone. If only local, copy or export them to a computer or another safe location.
- App-specific information: Verify backup or export steps for apps whose data you cannot afford to lose. Do not assume that an app appearing in a backup category means all of its internal data will be restored.
- Authentication and messaging: Check the recovery process for authenticator, banking, and messaging apps you depend on. Make sure you can regain access after the phone is erased.
These are checks to make for the apps and files you actually use; support and recovery options differ between apps.
Verify backups, then reset
- Confirm each backup you intend to rely on shows a recent completion time or successful status.
- Check that the computer copy exists if you used Smart Switch, and that cloud storage and account access are available for account-based backups.
- Make sure you can sign in to the Google and Samsung accounts needed for restoration.
- Only begin the factory reset once the important data has a verified backup or separate copy.
Samsung’s Galaxy S23 Series User Manual (2024) recommends regularly backing up data to a safe location, such as Samsung Cloud or a computer, so it can be restored if data is damaged or lost after an unintended factory data reset.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
What to expect when restoring
Google backup restoration is offered during initial setup after the reset. Samsung Cloud has a restore flow for supported backed-up items, and Smart Switch can restore supported data from its local backup. These routes do not promise that every app’s internal state or every item on the old phone will return automatically. Samsung also notes that Smart Switch transfers can be subject to system restrictions across operating-system versions; available screens and features vary by model and software.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
