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On a Galaxy S21, “hard reset” usually means a factory data reset: it erases personal data and returns the phone to factory settings. If you can unlock the phone, use Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. If you are locked out, a Recovery-menu reset is an option, but it may require the Google account previously used on the device before setup can continue. Back up important files and check your account access before choosing either route.
Choose the reset that matches your goal
A forced restart simply turns a frozen phone off and back on; it is not the same as a factory data reset. A factory reset removes personal information stored on the phone. Samsung notes that menu labels and layouts can vary by model and software version, so follow the wording shown on your S21 if it differs from the path below.
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| Option | When it fits | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Factory data reset in Settings | You can access the phone and want to erase its data | Erases personal data and restores factory settings. Samsung says screen-lock credentials may be requested; Samsung account credentials may also be requested if an account is signed in. Samsung US |
| Reset all settings | You want to undo configuration changes while keeping your data | Samsung says this does not erase apps, accounts, personal information, security or language settings, or settings for downloaded apps. Network-specific reset options may require reconnecting Wi-Fi or Bluetooth accessories. Samsung US |
| Factory reset from Recovery | You cannot unlock or use the phone | Erases user data; Google Factory Reset Protection may require ownership verification during setup. The button-access instructions can vary, so consult Samsung’s guidance for your exact model and region. Samsung UK Samsung US |
Back up and check before erasing
- Back up important photos, videos, documents, and other files. Samsung warns that personal information may not be recoverable after a factory reset. A reset is not a data-recovery method and is not guaranteed to fix every fault. Samsung US
- If you use an encrypted microSD card, decrypt it before resetting. Samsung warns that the phone may not be able to read an encrypted card afterward. Samsung US
- Make sure you can access the Google account previously registered on the phone, especially if you plan to reset through Recovery. Depending on the device, Android 9 and later may also allow a previously configured screen-lock method for ownership verification. Samsung US
- If you can unlock the phone, use the Settings route rather than Recovery. If you are selling or giving away the S21, follow Samsung’s current account-removal and handoff guidance; do not assume a reset alone clears ownership checks.
Factory reset an accessible Galaxy S21 in Settings
- Open Settings.
- Tap General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- Review the information about what will be erased and confirm that your backup is complete.
- Tap Reset, then Delete all. If prompted, enter the phone’s screen-lock credentials or Samsung account credentials.
- Let the phone reset and restart, then follow the on-screen setup instructions.
This is Samsung’s documented route for a phone you can access. Menu wording can change with software versions and regions; use the closest matching factory data reset option if your S21’s labels differ. Samsung US
Reset a locked S21 through Recovery
Samsung UK’s button-reset page says to switch off the device and connect it to a computer by USB before opening Recovery. Its instructions include generic wording that refers to “Home” in a section naming the S21, even though the S21 has no physical Home button. Do not treat that button combination as a universal S21 instruction: check Samsung’s current guidance for your exact S21 version and region, and stop if the listed controls do not match your phone. Samsung UK
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When Recovery is open, Samsung’s page describes these actions:
- Use the volume buttons to highlight Delete all user data or Wipe data/factory reset, depending on the menu wording.
- Press the Power button to select the option, then confirm the deletion when prompted.
- Wait for Data wipe complete, then select Reboot system now.
- Allow several minutes for the reset and restart to finish.
These Recovery-menu actions follow Samsung UK’s support instructions; access steps and labels can vary. Samsung UK
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Why Google verification may appear afterward
Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is intended to help protect a device if it is lost or stolen. After a Recovery-menu reset, the S21 may ask for the Google account previously registered on it before setup can continue. Samsung says a previously configured screen lock may also be an ownership-verification option on Android 9 and later, depending on the device. Samsung US
If you cannot complete verification, contact an authorized Samsung service center. Samsung says a service request may require proof of purchase. Do not proceed with a Recovery reset unless you are prepared for the possibility of this account check.
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When a settings-only reset is enough
If you want to undo configuration choices but keep apps and personal information, choose Reset all settings instead of Factory data reset. For connectivity trouble, Samsung also provides network-specific reset options; resetting network settings may mean reconnecting Wi-Fi networks or Bluetooth accessories. Confirm the on-screen description before applying any reset. Samsung US
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