Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
Seoul desk4 min

How to Factory Reset a Samsung Galaxy A13: A Complete Guide

A factory reset erases data on the Galaxy A13. Back up first, check account credentials and encrypted microSD cards, then use Settings if the phone is accessible.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

On a Samsung Galaxy A13, a “hard reset” means a factory data reset—not restarting the phone. It removes personal data and downloaded content stored on the device. Back up what you can and check your account credentials before you begin.

Before you reset your Galaxy A13

A factory reset is destructive. Samsung states, “A factory data reset will remove all data and content from your device.” The warning appears in Samsung’s US troubleshooting guidance. Anything you have not backed up may be lost.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Back up the data you want to keep

Use a Samsung account or Google account backup, or Samsung Smart Switch, where available. Samsung’s backup and restore guide describes these options. If you plan to use remote Find My Mobile backup, Samsung says the phone must have network connectivity, be signed in to a Samsung account, and have the relevant feature enabled.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Check the microSD card

If your microSD card is encrypted, decrypt it before resetting. Samsung warns that an encrypted card may not be readable by the phone after the reset.

#1 Best Overall
BNIUT for Galaxy A13-5G Phone Case: Dual Layer Samsung A13 5G Cover Black | Non Slip Matte Textured Protective Cases, Military Grade Shockproof Drop Protection, for Daily Use, Black
  • Compatibility: Engineered exclusively for Samsung A13 5G with precision cutouts that give full access to ports, speakers, and buttons without interfering with wireless charging. Our 24/7 dedicated support team resolves any model or quality concerns instantly.
  • Military-Grade Dual-Layer Protection: A shock-absorbing TPU interior with reinforced corner airbags is wrapped in a hard polycarbonate outer shell. Certified 14ft drop protection guards your phone against high-impact falls onto concrete warehouse floors and rocky hiking terrain.
  • Practical Design for Secure Grip: Textured side panels and a non-slip matte back provide a confident hold during sweaty gym workouts, one-handed texting, and fast-paced daily commutes. The fingerprint-resistant finish stays clean, and soft-touch buttons deliver crisp, responsive feedback.
  • All-Scenario Versatility: The minimalist, low-profile matte design blends effortlessly into any environment, from business commutes to weekend hikes. It pairs rugged durability with everyday pocketability for heavy-duty protection without the bulk.
  • Eco-Conscious Durability: Crafted with over 50% certified recycled materials, this case offers robust protection while supporting sustainable design. Made with safer chemicals under ethical manufacturing conditions, it delivers a long-lasting shield that cares for your device and worker well-being.

Check power, connectivity, and credentials

Charge the phone sufficiently to complete the reset and setup. Have the PIN, password, or pattern used to unlock it, along with the credentials for accounts previously added to the device. Samsung says network connectivity is required to log out of a Samsung account in its reset flow. Google Factory Reset Protection can also require verification of a previously used Google account during setup, particularly after a reset performed outside the normal Settings flow or before transferring the phone to someone else.

Confirm your exact A13 model

Galaxy A13 support pages cover more than one variant, including SM-A135 and SM-A137 models. Check the model number in Settings → About phone, if accessible, or on the device packaging. For model-specific support, see Samsung’s pages for the SM-A135F/DSN and SM-A137F/DSN. Software and menus may also vary by region and version.

Rank #2
Vinve for Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Case, Galaxy A13 5G Phone Case,Slide Camera Cover HD Screen Protector Military Grade Magnetic Ring Holder Shockproof Kickstand Protective Case, Navy Blue
  • [Perfect Fit]: Specially designed for Samsung Galaxy A13 5g. WON’T be compatible with any other phone models. Package includes 1pcs HD screen protectors.
  • [Sliding Camera Cover Design]: Featuring a one-of-a-kind slide camera design, this a13 5g phone case provides dependable protection against bumps and scratches. The lens cover smoothly slides open and closed, effortlessly allowing you to secure the camera module by pushing it to the left until you hear a satisfying click. This ensures optimal safeguarding of the lens for worry-free usage.
  • [Multi-functions kickstand]: It can be used as a phone grip, a table kickstand. Moreover, it also works well with your magnetic car mount while driving. In everyday life, you can use the phone case by firmly gripping it with one hand. Inserting a finger deep into the ring enhances grip, providing better security against accidental drops.
  • [Full Protection]:The case offers exceptional durability, passing Military Drop Testing up to 12 FT. With its 2-layer structure, it provides comprehensive 360° rugged protection. Crafted with a flexible rubber inner cover and a hard polycarbonate back cover, it delivers excellent shockproof and anti-drop protection.
  • [CUSTOMER FIRST]: If you have any problem or dissatisfaction, please contact us without hesitation. We prioritize prompt resolution of any issues and guarantee a response within 12 hours. We are committed to ensuring your satisfaction and will offer a replacement or refund.

Choose the reset method that fits your situation

Method Use it when Important consideration
Settings You can unlock the phone and navigate its menus. Follow the on-screen prompts; account authentication may be required.
Device buttons You cannot use the normal menus, for example because the phone will not start normally. Samsung lists this as a reset route, but the button procedure can depend on the exact A13 variant and software. Verify the instructions for your model before proceeding.
SmartThings Find You need a remote option and the device and account meet the service’s current requirements. Remote features depend on account status, device connectivity, settings, and regional availability. Check Samsung’s current instructions before relying on it.

Samsung’s factory-reset guidance lists Settings, device buttons, and SmartThings Find. It does not establish one universal button sequence for every Galaxy A13. Do not try an unverified key combination.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

How do I perform a factory reset on my Samsung Galaxy device?

If your A13 opens normally, use Settings. Samsung’s menu labels may differ slightly by software version or locale, so follow the wording shown on your phone.

Rank #3
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 Commuter Series Lite Case - Black
  • Compatible with Samsung Galaxy A13
  • DOES NOT come with a screen protector
  • Soft inner and hard outer layers absorb and deflect impacts, open access to ports and speakers (no port covers)
  • Trusted OtterBox Quality: With OtterBox, you're not just buying a case; you're investing in peace of mind
  1. Open Settings.
  2. Tap General management.
  3. Tap Reset.
  4. Tap Factory data reset.
  5. Review the list of information that will be erased and any account or card warnings.
  6. Tap Reset, then tap Delete all to confirm.
  7. Complete any requested device or Samsung account authentication. Samsung’s US troubleshooting instructions say Samsung account credentials are entered to complete the reset.

Samsung’s Galaxy troubleshooting steps document this Settings route. The final confirmation is the point to stop if you have not backed up needed data or are unsure which content will be erased.

What to do when Settings is unavailable

Device-button reset

Samsung documents buttons as an alternative when a reset through Settings is not practical. The exact button sequence is not validated as universal for the Galaxy A13 family in Samsung’s retrieved guidance. Find instructions that explicitly match your model number and software version through Samsung Support; if the phone is unresponsive or the correct procedure is unclear, contact Samsung rather than guessing.

Rank #4
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 Commuter Series Lite Case - Pink
  • Compatible with Samsung Galaxy A13
  • DOES NOT come with a screen protector
  • Soft inner and hard outer layers absorb and deflect impacts, open access to ports and speakers (no port covers)
  • Thin profile slips in and out of pockets
  • Trusted OtterBox Quality: With OtterBox, you're not just buying a case; you're investing in peace of mind. Our limited warranty covers material and workmanship defects

Remote reset with SmartThings Find

Samsung lists SmartThings Find as a remote reset method. It is not a fallback that works on every phone: eligibility depends on the phone’s account and service setup, connectivity, and current regional availability. Check Samsung’s current SmartThings Find instructions and confirm the device is listed before relying on a remote reset. Remote backup through Find My Mobile has separate prerequisites: connectivity, a Samsung account signed in on the phone, and the feature enabled.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

After the reset: set up and restore the phone

When the phone restarts, follow the setup prompts. Connect to a network when requested, and be ready to verify an account previously used on the phone. If you are giving the A13 to someone else, account verification and Factory Reset Protection can affect whether the next person can complete setup; Samsung specifically flags this risk when transferring a device.

Best Value
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Commuter Series Lite Case - Black
  • Compatible with Samsung Galaxy A13 5G
  • DOES NOT come with a screen protector
  • Soft inner and hard outer layers absorb and deflect impacts, open access to ports and speakers (no port covers)
  • Thin profile slips in and out of pockets
  • Trusted OtterBox Quality: With OtterBox, you're not just buying a case; you're investing in peace of mind.

Once setup is complete, sign in to the account used for your backup and restore available data using the relevant Samsung, Google, or Smart Switch option. Restored content depends on what was backed up before the reset.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 3
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 Commuter Series Lite Case - Black
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 Commuter Series Lite Case - Black
Compatible with Samsung Galaxy A13; DOES NOT come with a screen protector
$13.14
Bestseller No. 4
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 Commuter Series Lite Case - Pink
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 Commuter Series Lite Case - Pink
Compatible with Samsung Galaxy A13; DOES NOT come with a screen protector; Thin profile slips in and out of pockets
$6.99
Bestseller No. 5
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Commuter Series Lite Case - Black
OtterBox Samsung Galaxy A13 5G Commuter Series Lite Case - Black
Compatible with Samsung Galaxy A13 5G; DOES NOT come with a screen protector; Thin profile slips in and out of pockets
$7.34

Troubleshooting a reset that will not complete

  • The phone asks for a PIN, password, or pattern: Enter the screen-lock credential. Samsung’s general reset guidance notes that authentication may be required.
  • Samsung account sign-out or confirmation fails: Check network connectivity and make sure you have the correct Samsung account credentials.
  • Setup asks for a previously used Google account: This is an account-verification protection, not a request to create a new account. Use an account previously associated with the device. If you cannot verify ownership, contact Samsung Support with proof of purchase.
  • The phone will not start or the button instructions do not match: Stop before trying a different combination. Confirm the full model number and ask Samsung Support for the correct procedure.
  • A microSD card is unreadable afterward: If it was encrypted before the reset, the phone may no longer be able to read it. Samsung advises decrypting an encrypted card before resetting.

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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.