A Galaxy factory reset deletes personal data stored on the phone, so protect anything important before you confirm it. Make a list of what you need, complete and check a backup, confirm you can sign in to the Google and Samsung accounts on the device, and only then reset through Settings. A backup method may not include every app or file, so verify high-priority items separately.
What does a Galaxy factory reset erase?
Samsung says a factory reset restores the phone to its factory-default settings and deletes personal data stored on the device. Photos, messages, contacts, downloaded apps and personal settings are among the affected data. Anything without a usable backup may be unrecoverable after the reset.
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Samsung’s guidance is straightforward: “Therefore, before performing a factory reset, it is recommended that you first back up the data.” Treat that as a preparation step, not a guarantee that a single backup will capture everything you care about.
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Write down the items you would need to recover or access on another device. Use this checklist as a prompt; it does not mean every item is covered by every backup method.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
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- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
- Photos and videos
- Contacts and messages
- Documents and files in Downloads
- Notes and other locally stored content
- Authenticator codes, banking access and recovery details
- App-specific data, settings or files that matter to you
For authenticator, banking and other sensitive apps, check each app’s own transfer or recovery process. Do not assume that restoring the phone’s general backup will restore access or credentials.
Which Galaxy backup option should you use?
Samsung documents Smart Switch, Google backup and Samsung Cloud as backup or restore options. Choose based on where you can safely keep the backup and how you will restore it. Available categories can differ, so inspect the options shown on your phone and separately protect anything critical.
Rank #2
- MOVE FILES IN A FLASH: Get your time back; Fast and convenient read speeds up to 400MB/s¹ with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface gives you more time to work, play, watch and create
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a PC or a mobile device², count on the USB Type-C for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- CAPTURE CONTENT IN HI-RES: Save Ultra High Resolution videos directly onto the USB Type-C with your favorite camera or mobile devces³
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time
- PROTECTED FOR PEACE OF MIND: The Samsung USB Type-C is tough enough to take on anything; With protection covering everything from water⁴ to extreme temperatures — it can handle wear and tear⁵⁻⁶
| Option | Backup destination | How restoration works | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Switch | Computer or, where supported, external storage | For a computer backup, connect the reset phone to the computer containing the backup and choose Restore in Smart Switch. | Confirm the computer connection works, review the available backup categories and check important files independently. |
| Google backup | The Google account shown in the phone’s backup controls | Select the available backup during the initial setup wizard after signing in to the same Google account. | Check the account, backup status and date, storage availability and network connection. Samsung says this restore is selected during setup, not initiated directly from device settings. |
| Samsung Cloud | The Samsung account’s cloud backup, where available | Restore from Samsung Cloud where the relevant backup is present. | Check the account and the categories actually included; coverage can vary. |
Back up with Smart Switch to a computer
- Install and open Smart Switch on the computer.
- Connect the Galaxy phone to the computer with a USB cable that supports data transfer.
- Unlock the phone and approve access or the connection prompt if it appears.
- In Smart Switch, choose Backup and review the available categories and prompts.
Keep the computer and backup available until you have restored the data you need. A cable is only needed for this route if you do not already have a suitable one; its connectors must match the phone and computer.
Check Google backup
Open the phone’s backup controls and confirm which Google account is selected and whether the backup completed. Exact Settings labels can vary by Galaxy model and software version. Remember that Google backup restoration is chosen in the initial setup wizard after the reset, once you sign in to the account holding the backup.
Rank #3
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- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Check Samsung Cloud
Review the Samsung account and backup categories available on the device. Do not infer that every file, app or category is covered just because Samsung Cloud is listed as an option.
How can you verify the backup before erasing the phone?
Do not proceed based only on seeing a backup option. Check that the latest backup completed and belongs to the account you can access. For cloud backups, verify the phone has a stable network connection and that the account has enough available storage. Where practical, open or inspect copies of important files from the destination device or account.
Rank #4
- Dual Connectors: The USB-C port can only work on phones/tablets with OTG function. Please make sure your smartphone with OTG function and reversible type-c interface. The other end is USB 3.0 port connecting regular USB devices.[Not for iPhone]
- Important: Default format of the drive is EXFAT as this is the format recognized by the smartphones and tablets. These drives are only compatible with C-Port enabled mobile phones & computers only. While formatting the drive keep a check on the drive format
- Fast Speed: High-speed USB 3.0 flash drive for fast data transfer, backwards compatible with USB 2.0,easy to complete the storage and transport functions. You can use it to transfer your computer file or access files from Type-C devices, store and share your photos, videos and music in a simple and reliable way
- Easy to Use: Plug and play, no need any drive. Used as laptop notebook tablets phones accessories, compatible with Samsung Galaxy Note 8,Galaxy S8,Google Nexus 5X and 6P,Google Pixel XL,New Macbook Pro and more
- Package includes: 1 pc 256G USB C & USB Multi-function Flash Drive
- Check the backup date or completion status.
- Confirm the Google or Samsung account associated with the backup.
- Review the categories included and identify anything not covered.
- For irreplaceable photos, documents or other files, make a separate copy and confirm it opens.
- Make sure you can access the computer or cloud account needed for restoration.
Which account credentials might you need?
Before resetting, make sure you can sign in to the Google account previously registered on the phone and to the Samsung account, if you use one. Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) may request the previously registered Google account after a reset. Samsung may also require account authentication to complete the reset.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesIf you are preparing the phone for someone else, Samsung advises removing the Google account to prevent FRP from blocking the next owner. Follow the current prompts on your device and Samsung’s model-specific instructions. Do not remove an account or proceed until you have confirmed that your data is backed up and you understand which credentials will be needed.
Best Value
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED**: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED***: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
How do I perform a factory reset on my mobile device?
If the phone is usable, start the reset from Settings:
- Open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Review the list and warning on screen so you understand what will be erased.
- Continue through the confirmation prompts and provide the screen-lock or account credentials requested.
Samsung notes that menu names and screen layouts can vary by model and software version. Follow the labels and prompts on your phone if they differ from this path. If you cannot access Settings, consult the Samsung support instructions for your specific model rather than assuming the same reset steps apply.
How do you restore data after the reset?
During the phone’s first setup after resetting, sign in to the Google account that holds your backup and select the desired restore when the setup wizard offers it. Google backup restoration is not started directly from Settings after setup.
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For a Smart Switch computer backup, connect the phone to the computer containing the backup and choose Restore in Smart Switch. Use Samsung Cloud restoration if the relevant backup is available there. Once restoration is complete, check your priority content and complete any app-specific sign-in, recovery or sync steps you identified before resetting.
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