What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
A full factory data reset removes personal data and downloaded content stored in your Galaxy’s internal storage, then restores factory settings. That includes items such as photos, messages, contacts, downloaded apps, files, and customized settings. It does not automatically erase an SD card or separate copies in cloud services and backups.
What a full factory reset erases
Samsung describes a factory data reset as removing personal data from the phone and restoring it to factory settings. Examples include:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Photos, videos, documents, and other personal files stored on the phone
- Messages and contacts stored locally on the device
- Downloaded apps, including Play Store apps
- Customized settings and other personal information in internal storage
Samsung Singapore’s support guidance, updated September 3, 2026, says a factory data reset “restores your phone to its factory settings and removes all personal data.” The exact menu wording and prompts can vary by Galaxy model, software version, and carrier. Samsung’s factory-reset instructions explain the reset process.
What is not automatically erased
SD card contents
A factory reset does not automatically delete data stored on a removable SD card. Samsung Gulf states this explicitly in guidance updated June 9, 2026. Remove the card before resetting if you want to keep its contents, or format the card separately if you intend to erase them. If the microSD card is encrypted, Samsung Canada advises decrypting it before the reset if you need the phone to read its data afterward. Samsung Gulf’s SD-card guidance and Samsung Canada’s reset guidance cover these distinctions.
#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
Backups and cloud copies
The reset removes data from the phone; it does not erase a separate copy just because that copy was backed up or synchronized to an account. Whether photos, contacts, or other items return after setup depends on which backup or sync services you used and whether the backup completed. Check the backup itself before resetting rather than assuming every item is recoverable. Samsung recommends backing up important data beforehand. Samsung’s personal-data guidance and Samsung’s repair guide provide related backup information.
eSIM status
Samsung’s cited support guidance does not establish one eSIM-retention rule for every Galaxy model. If keeping an eSIM matters, read the on-screen reset prompt carefully and check your carrier’s instructions before confirming.
Rank #2
- 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.
A factory data reset is different from a settings reset
Some Galaxy reset options reset selected settings while retaining apps or personal data. Those are not the full factory data reset covered here. Samsung’s reset options and menu names vary by model and software version, so choose the option labeled for a factory data reset and follow the phone’s confirmation prompts. Samsung Canada’s overview of reset methods distinguishes the available options.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What to check before resetting
- Confirm your backup. Back up important photos, videos, documents, contacts, and other data, then verify that the backup completed and is accessible.
- Decide what to do with the SD card. Remove it to keep its contents, or erase it separately if you do not want the data retained.
- Make sure you can sign in to the Google account already used on the phone. Factory Reset Protection may require that account during setup after the reset, especially when the phone was reset through recovery or by another method outside Settings. Samsung says that on Android 9 and later, the configured screen lock may be accepted in some cases. Samsung’s account-verification guidance explains the requirement.
- Have your Samsung account password available. The reset flow may ask for it if a Samsung account is signed in.
- Review the exact prompts on your device. Menus and credential requests can differ across models, software versions, carriers, and reset methods.
- Check eSIM and carrier instructions if you need to preserve your eSIM or service setup.
Will your photos and apps come back?
Photos stored only in internal storage and downloaded apps are removed from the phone by the reset. Photos backed up or synchronized elsewhere may still be available through that service after you sign in. Apps can be downloaded again from Google Play after signing in, but their data and settings return only if the relevant backup or app-specific sync is available. Restore results depend on the services you had enabled and whether they finished saving your data.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
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
- 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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
