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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →“Restore” can mean three different things on a Galaxy S20: reset a troublesome connection, return settings to defaults, or erase the phone and recover data from an earlier backup. Choose the least destructive option that fits the problem. A factory data reset deletes personal data stored on the phone, so back up first and confirm the backup is usable.
Choose the right kind of reset
| What you want to fix | Best-fit option | Effect on data | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile-network settings are not working | Reset the relevant network settings | Samsung says these resets preserve apps and personal data; you will need to reconnect networks or accessories. | The phone must be usable enough to open Settings. |
| Customized settings are causing trouble | Reset all settings | Samsung says apps, personal data, accounts, security and language settings, and downloaded-app settings remain intact. | The phone must be usable enough to open Settings. |
| The phone freezes or restarts repeatedly | Try Samsung’s troubleshooting steps and Safe Mode before considering a factory reset. | Safe Mode loads core apps and does not itself wipe personal data. | The phone must start far enough to use the troubleshooting steps. |
| You intend to wipe the phone completely | Factory data reset | Deletes personal data stored on the phone. | Back up first; have screen-lock and Samsung account credentials ready. |
| You already reset the phone and want your files back | Restore from an existing Smart Switch, Samsung Cloud, or Google backup. | Only data included in the backup and supported by the restore method can return. | Access to the account, computer, or supported storage holding the earlier backup. |
Samsung Support says a factory reset “restores it to its factory default settings and deletes all personal data stored on the device.” See Samsung’s Galaxy reset guidance for the distinctions between reset options.
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Try non-destructive troubleshooting first
Reset connection settings
If the problem is limited to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or mobile connectivity, use the corresponding network-reset option in Settings rather than erasing the phone. You will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi networks and pair Bluetooth accessories afterward. The exact menu wording can vary by software version.
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When customized settings seem to be the cause, Reset all settings is less destructive than a factory data reset. Samsung says it leaves apps and personal data in place, along with accounts, security and language settings, and downloaded-app settings. Review the confirmation screen before proceeding so you select the intended reset option.
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Use Safe Mode for freezing or restart problems
For instability, follow Samsung’s boot-loop troubleshooting guidance before making a factory reset your first move. Safe Mode loads core apps and can help identify whether a recently installed third-party app is involved. If the issue continues in Safe Mode, Samsung says hardware may be responsible; contact Samsung support or a service centre rather than assuming a wipe will fix it.
Back up and prepare before a factory reset
A factory reset is not a way to recover data that was never backed up, and Samsung warns that personal information may not be recoverable after the reset. Check that the backup is complete, that you know which account or storage contains it, and that you can access the relevant credentials before continuing.
Rank #2
- Pro-Grade Camera: The new Samsung Galaxy S20 FE mobile phone features high-powered pro lenses for beautiful portraits, stunning landscapes and crisp close-ups in any light with its 3X optical zoom
- 30X Space Zoom: Whether you want your cellphone to zoom in close from afar or magnify details of something nearby, 30X Space Zoom gives you the power to get closer
- Night Mode: Capture crisp images and vibrant video with Night Mode and create high-quality content in low light — no flash required with this smartphone
- Single-Take AI: One tap of the screen captures multiple images and video all at once; Lenses, effects and filters capture the best of every moment, every time
- Power of 5G: Get next-level power for everything you love to do with Samsung Galaxy 5G; More sharing, more gaming, more experiences and never miss a beat
- Check account access: Keep your screen-lock credentials and Samsung account password available. A network connection may be required to log out of a Samsung account.
- Check Google account access: A reset can trigger Factory Reset Protection. The Google account previously registered on the phone may be required after a reset performed outside Settings. Samsung says that for Android 9 and later, the previously configured screen lock may also be accepted in some cases.
- Decrypt an encrypted microSD card: Samsung warns that the phone may not be able to read an encrypted card after a reset if it was not decrypted first.
- Check backup contents: Confirm which categories are included and where the backup is stored. A backup does not guarantee that every item can later be restored.
If you cannot verify ownership or do not know the required account credentials, contact Samsung support or a service centre. Do not rely on a button reset to remove account protection.
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Back up with Smart Switch on a computer
- Check the computer has enough free storage, then install Smart Switch.
- Connect the Galaxy S20 with a compatible USB cable and allow the connection when prompted. If buying or choosing a cable for this job, make sure it fits both devices and supports data transfer; not every USB-C cable transfers files.
- Open Smart Switch on the computer and select Backup.
- Choose the data categories you want to back up and start the backup. Confirm it completes before resetting the phone.
Samsung’s US Smart Switch support page lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later as compatible and says Chromebooks are not compatible. Requirements can change, so check Samsung’s current Smart Switch backup instructions for your setup.
Rank #3
- 6.5-inch FHD+ Dynamic AMOLED 2X Infinity-O Display, 120Hz, HDR10+, 1080 x 2400 pixels, IP68 for water and dust resistant
- 128GB ROM, 6GB RAM, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7 nm+), Android 10, Octa-core, Adreno 650, One UI 2.5, 4500mAh Battery
- Rear Camera: 12MP Wide (F/1.8 aperture) + 12MP Ultrawide (F/2.2 aperture) + 8MP Telephoto (F/2.4 aperture), Front Camera: 32MP (F/2.2 aperture) , Under Display Fingerprint
- 2G: GSM 850/900/1800/1900, CDMA 800/1900 & TD-SCDMA, 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100, CDMA2000 1xEV-DO, 4G: LTE 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 66, 71, 5G: SA/NSA/Sub6 (ensure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchase)
- American Model, Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like Telus, Rogers, Freedom, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Back up to supported external storage or the cloud
Smart Switch can back up to supported microSD cards or USB OTG storage, but compatibility depends on the Galaxy model and the storage device. Check support for your specific S20 variant and storage before relying on this route.
Samsung Cloud backups are tied to the Samsung account. Google backup restoration is offered during the Setup Wizard after you sign in on a new or reset device; Samsung’s instructions do not describe starting that restore later from ordinary Settings. Before wiping, verify which account holds the backup and which data categories it contains. Samsung’s Smart Switch and backup guidance describes available backup methods.
Rank #4
- 2G GSM 850, 900, 1800, 1900, CDMA 800, 1900, 3G UMTS B1(2100), B2(1900), B4(AWS), B5(850), B8(900), 3G CDMA BC0(800),BC1(1900),BC10(800), 4G LTE: B1, 2 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 14, 18, 19, 20, 25, 26, 28, 29, 30, 38, 39, 40, 41, 46, 48, 66, 71, 5G: 2, 5, 41, 66, 71 SA/NSA/Sub6 - Single SIM (ensure to check compatibility with your carrier before purchase)
- 6.2" Dynamic AMOLED 2X, 120Hz, HDR10 plus, 1200 nits, 1440 x 3200 pixels, 4000mAh Battery
- 128GB 12GB RAM, Qualcomm SM8250 Snapdragon 865 (7nm), Octa-core, Adreno 650
- Rear Camera: 64 MP, f/2.0 + 12 MP, f/1.8 plus 12 MP, f/2.2, Front Camera: 10 MP, f/2.2
- US warranty. Compatible with Most GSM and CDMA Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Sprint.
Factory reset a Galaxy S20 that opens Settings
- Open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Review the warning and the listed accounts and data so you understand what will be removed.
- Tap Reset, then Delete all.
- Enter the screen-lock credentials if requested. If a Samsung account is signed in, enter its password when prompted.
- Wait for the phone to restart, then follow the initial setup prompts.
Menu names and layouts can vary by Galaxy model, region, and installed software. If the sequence differs, search Settings for “Factory data reset.” These steps apply when the phone can reach Settings; if it is locked out or cannot finish setup, contact Samsung support for account-verification help instead of assuming another reset method will remove protection.
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Use the method that matches the backup you made. Restore prompts and available categories depend on the backup and device support.
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- The Samsung Galaxy S20+ has a large 6.7-inch Dynamic AMOLED 2X display with HDR10+ support, delivering rich contrast and true-to-life colors, perfect for immersive media consumption.
Restore a Smart Switch computer backup
- Connect the reset phone to the computer containing the backup and open Smart Switch.
- Select Restore, choose the backup, and select the data categories to restore.
- Follow the prompts and allow the transfer to finish.
Restore a Google backup during setup
- Proceed through the phone’s initial Setup Wizard after the reset.
- Sign in to the Google account that contains the backup.
- Choose the available backup when the restore option appears, then follow the prompts.
Samsung places this Google restore flow in the Setup Wizard, not in ordinary Settings after setup is complete.
Restore from Samsung Cloud
- On the phone, open the Samsung account’s Cloud area in Settings.
- Choose Restore data and select the backup.
- Review the available categories and follow the prompts.
Restore from supported external storage
Where the phone and storage device support the method, insert or connect the backup storage, open Smart Switch, select the storage icon, and choose Restore. The exact options depend on the device and storage compatibility.
Restoration is limited to supported backed-up data. Samsung notes that some call logs, email settings, and Internet settings have OS-version restrictions, and DRM-protected content cannot be transferred. See Samsung’s Smart Switch transfer guidance for category and compatibility details.
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