To erase a Samsung Galaxy phone you can still use, back up anything you want to keep, then go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. Review what will be removed, tap Reset, then Delete all, and enter credentials if prompted. The phone restarts at its initial setup screen. A factory data reset deletes personal data stored on the phone; it is not the same as resetting settings.
Before you reset: back up data and check account access
A factory data reset removes personal data stored on the phone. Samsung’s support documentation describes it as restoring the phone to factory settings and removing personal data. Back up photos, videos, documents, messages, and anything else you may need before proceeding. Samsung documents Google Drive backup and restore, as well as Smart Switch backups to a computer or supported external storage. Google Drive restoration takes place during the phone’s setup process after the reset. Samsung’s backup and restore guide explains the available routes.
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- Check your sign-in details. Samsung may ask for the password of the Samsung account signed in on the phone.
- Know the Google account previously used on the phone. Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) may ask for that account during setup, particularly if you reset through a method other than Settings.
- Check removable storage. A reset should not be treated as a way to erase removable media. Samsung warns that an encrypted microSD card should be decrypted before resetting; otherwise, the phone may not be able to read it afterward.
- Verify your backup. Confirm that important files are accessible from the backup destination before deleting data from the phone.
Smart Switch supports backups to a computer and, on compatible devices, external storage. External-storage support varies by phone, so check the instructions for your model before relying on that option.
Factory data reset using Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management, then Reset.
- Choose Factory data reset. Review the information about accounts and data that will be removed.
- Tap Reset, then Delete all.
- Enter your lock-screen credentials or Samsung account password if requested, then allow the phone to restart.
Samsung notes that menu names and layouts can vary by model and software version. Its US factory-reset instructions show the standard route and explain account verification.
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- 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
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Choose the right reset option
Use Factory data reset when your goal is to erase personal data and return the phone to its initial setup state. Reset all settings is different: Samsung says it does not erase apps or personal data. If you only want to undo settings changes, choose the settings reset rather than the factory data reset.
If you cannot open Settings
Samsung documents other routes, including recovery using hardware buttons and remote erasure through SmartThings Find. These are not universal substitutes for the Settings procedure: availability depends on the phone model, its condition and connectivity, your account access, and the instructions for your region. Use the official guidance for your exact model rather than guessing a button combination or menu choice. Samsung UK’s factory-reset guide and Samsung France’s factory-reset guide describe alternative methods and their conditions. If the phone is locked and you cannot proceed, consult Samsung’s locked-device guidance.
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- 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.
After a reset performed outside Settings, FRP may require the Google account previously registered on the device before setup can continue. A factory reset does not bypass account verification.
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The phone should display its initial setup screen. Follow the setup prompts to configure it again or restore available data from a backup. If you are preparing the phone for someone else, complete the reset only after confirming that your needed data is backed up and that you understand any account verification prompts that may appear.
Quick Recap
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- 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
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- 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
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- 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.
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