If a phone, tablet, or computer is frozen or sluggish, try a restart first. A factory reset is a much more disruptive recovery step that can erase personal data. Before choosing it, try the lower-risk fixes for your device, back up important files, and follow the official instructions for its model and operating-system version.
What is the difference between rebooting and factory resetting?
A restart, or reboot, turns a device off and back on. It is a sensible first step when the device is unresponsive or behaving oddly, and it does not intentionally erase personal files. A factory reset is different: it returns the device’s software to a reset state and can remove personal data. On Windows, the exact impact depends on the reset options you select.
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Apple, Google, and Microsoft document separate restart, erase, or reset procedures rather than treating them as interchangeable. See Google’s Android troubleshooting guidance, Google’s factory-reset guidance, Apple’s erase guide, and Microsoft’s Windows recovery options.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsHow do I restart a frozen device?
When the screen still responds
Use the device’s normal on-screen restart or power controls. If the problem returns, note what you were doing and try the appropriate troubleshooting steps before considering an erase. Restart button combinations are model-specific, so use the manufacturer’s current instructions rather than assuming one sequence works across devices.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
When an Android phone is frozen
For most Android phones with the screen on, Google says to hold the power button for about 30 seconds or until the phone restarts. The procedure can vary by manufacturer; consult the maker’s instructions if this does not work. Google’s steps are in its Android troubleshooting guide.
When an iPhone or Windows PC is frozen
Apple restart steps differ by device model, and Windows procedures can vary by system. Follow the official instructions for your exact model or version. Do not use a factory reset as a substitute for a model-specific force-restart procedure.
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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.
What should I try before erasing a device?
If an Android phone restarts or crashes
Google recommends checking for Android updates, checking available storage, and investigating recently downloaded apps. Safe-mode steps vary between manufacturers, so use the phone maker’s instructions. Google treats factory reset as advanced troubleshooting because it removes data; see Troubleshoot a phone that restarts or crashes.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
If an Android phone will not charge or turn on
Check whether the cable, adapter, and outlet work; inspect the connection and charging port; and try a known-compatible cable or adapter. Follow Google’s instructions for the exact symptom and phone model, since power-button timing depends on the situation. If the phone rings but its screen stays blank, Google advises contacting an authorized repair center. See Google’s guide for a phone that will not charge or turn on and its screen troubleshooting guidance.
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- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
If a Windows PC is having problems
Try less disruptive recovery options before Reset this PC. Microsoft’s Windows recovery guide orders options by their impact; resetting is among the more disruptive choices.
What should I do before a factory reset?
Prepare for the possibility that data or access will not be recoverable unless you have the right backup and account credentials. Before starting, check the relevant vendor’s current backup and recovery guidance.
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.
- Back up important files, photos, and other data you need. A backup does not necessarily include everything, and restoring it may require access to the account used to create it.
- Make sure you know the account credentials associated with the device and can access them after the reset.
- If Windows is encrypted, locate the BitLocker recovery key. Microsoft says it may be required to reset from the Windows Recovery Environment.
- If you recently changed your Google Account password, check Google’s factory-reset guidance before proceeding; it warns that a wait may be required.
Apple includes backing up in its guide to erasing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. Google recommends backing up before an Android factory reset in its factory-reset instructions. Microsoft advises backing up important files before Windows recovery in its recovery guide.
How do I factory reset a Windows PC?
In Windows 10 and Windows 11, Reset this PC is available through Settings or the Windows Recovery Environment. The precise path can vary by release and by whether Windows starts normally. Use Microsoft’s Reset your PC instructions for the current steps.
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
| Choice | What it does | Installation source |
|---|---|---|
| Keep my files | Reinstalls Windows while preserving personal files; removes apps and settings. | Choose cloud download or local reinstall. |
| Remove everything | Removes personal files, apps, and settings, then reinstalls Windows. | Choose cloud download or local reinstall. |
| Cloud download | Downloads a fresh copy of Windows. | Internet download. |
| Local reinstall | Uses files already on the PC. | Local files on the device. |
These are separate choices: the first pair determines what is kept, while the second pair determines where Windows installation files come from. Keep my files is not a backup, so save important data first. If the device is encrypted and you reset from recovery, you may need its BitLocker recovery key.
Windows 10 support ended on October 14, 2025, according to Microsoft’s recovery options guidance. Resetting a Windows 10 PC does not change that support status.
How do I reset an Android device to factory settings?
Google’s factory-reset guidance explains that a reset erases data from the device and recommends backing up first. On-device menu names and paths can differ by manufacturer and Android version; use the phone maker’s instructions if the Google path does not match your screen. Google also notes that a recently changed Google Account password may mean waiting before the reset. See Reset your Android device to factory settings.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchHow do I factory reset an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch?
Apple’s current erase guide covers backing up and erasing an iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to restore factory settings. Follow its device-specific steps and account prompts: Erase iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch.
What if a Windows reset looks stuck?
A temporarily blank screen does not necessarily mean a reset has failed. Microsoft says the screen can remain black for a prolonged period, sometimes upwards of 15 minutes, and warns that manually restarting the device during the process could cause the reset to fail. Follow the on-screen prompts and Microsoft’s reset instructions rather than forcing a restart just because the screen is blank.
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