Back up anything you want to keep, remove your Google and other linked accounts, take out any SD card the recipient should not receive, then reset the Galaxy from Settings. When the phone restarts to its initial setup screen, leave it there for the next owner.
Before resetting, protect anything you want to keep
A factory reset removes personal data from the phone, and Samsung warns that erased information may not be recoverable. First decide whether you are moving data to another phone, keeping an archive, or saving only selected items. Do not reset until the backup or transfer has finished and you have checked that important files are available at their destination.
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Back up or transfer your data
Samsung Smart Switch supports transfers using a USB cable, Wi-Fi, or a computer. The available options and eligible content can vary by device, manufacturer, and operating system; some content may not transfer, and DRM-protected content cannot be transferred. If you use Samsung’s PC backup workflow, Samsung says hidden files and Secure Folder contents are not included. Check those separately before continuing.
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- Review Secure Folder and any hidden files for items you need to save separately.
- If transferring by cable, use a compatible data-transfer cable; a cable is not required if you choose Wi-Fi or computer transfer.
Remove accounts and handle the SD card
Before the reset, remove the Google account or accounts and other linked accounts from the Galaxy. This helps prevent the next owner from being asked to verify a previously registered Google account through Factory Reset Protection (FRP). Samsung’s guidance describes FRP behavior in relation to reset method and device, so removing accounts and using the normal Settings reset route is the safer handoff process.
#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
A Samsung account password may be requested during the reset, and Samsung says a network connection is needed to log out of a Samsung account before resetting. Make sure you can provide the required credentials and connect the phone if prompted.
Decide what to do with removable storage
A factory reset does not erase data on an SD card. Remove the card if it contains your files and is not part of the handoff. If you intend to give the card to the recipient, manage or format it separately as appropriate. If the microSD card is encrypted, Samsung advises decrypting it before resetting so the device can read it.
Rank #2
- 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.
Factory-reset the Galaxy from Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management, then Reset.
- Tap Factory data reset and review the information shown on the phone.
- Tap Reset, then Delete all.
- Enter the device security lock and Samsung account password if requested, and complete any on-screen prompts.
These are Samsung’s current US instructions. Menu names and layouts can differ by Galaxy model and software version. If the path on your phone is different, search Settings for “Factory data reset” and follow the wording displayed on your device. Prefer the Settings option for a handoff: Samsung says FRP may require verification of a previously registered Google account after resets performed by other methods.
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Leave the phone ready for the recipient
After the reset, the phone restarts to its initial setup screen. Stop there and let the next owner complete setup with their own account. Do not sign in again with your accounts or proceed through setup on their behalf.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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.
Rank #3
- 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
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