WARNING! Master resetting your phone will result in the deletion of all personal data stored on the internal memory, including downloaded content, ringtones, photos, apps, etc. However, data stored on the SD and SIM cards will not be affected.

NOTE: Before proceeding with the master reset, you may want to back up the data. Head down to this thread to learn how to back up the data stored on the S5 Plus. Visit this thread for a guide on restoring data.

Master Resetting via Settings Menu:

  1. Tap "Apps" while viewing the home screen
  2. Go to "Settings" and scroll to "User and Backup"
  3. Tap "Backup and reset"
  4. Optionally, mark the check boxes next to "Automatic restore" and "Back up my data"
  5. Tap "Factory data reset" > "Reset device"
  6. In case your phone is lock screen protected, enter the PIN, password or pattern
  7. Tap "Continue" > "Delete all"

Master Resetting via Hardware Keys (Recovery Menu):

NOTE: If the method above can't be applied as your smartphone crashes, freezes or is otherwise preventing you from resetting via the settings menu, then you can try factory resetting it using a combination of hardware keys which gives access to the recovery menu. To do so:

  1. Turn off your smartphone
  2. Press and hold the "Volume Up", "Home" and "Power" buttons
  3. After the phone vibrates, release the "Power" button but keep pressing "Volume Up" and "Home"
  4. When the "Android System Recovery" screen appears, release all hardware buttons
  5. Press "Volume Down" to navigate to and highlight "wipe data / factory reset"
  6. Press "Power" to select the highlighted option
  7. Navigate to and highlight "Yes -- delete all user data" and press "Power"
  8. The master reset will be applied. Once complete, "Reboot system now" should be highlighted
  9. Press "Power" to restart your device

Updating the Android OS:

NOTE: Once you factory reset your smartphone, the previously applied software updates may be lost. As such, it's recommended that you check for updates as soon as you've factory reset your device (unless you have reset it due to a buggy update, of course).

  1. Make sure your phone is connected to a Wi-Fi network
  2. Press "Menu" and tap "Settings"
  3. Go to the "More" tab and tap "About device"
  4. Tap "Software updates" and if a new update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to download and apply it



See More: Samsung Galaxy S5 Plus: Master Reset and Update the Android OS