WARNING! When you master reset your phone, all personal data stored on the device’s internal memory will be deleted. This includes contacts, media files, downloaded content, apps, ringtones etc. In addition, all settings will be restored to factory values.

NOTE: Before you factory reset your phone, you can visit this thread for instructions on how you can back up personal data. You can also visit this thread for instructions on restoring data.

Factory Reset via Settings:

  1. Open the apps drawer
  2. Launch “Settings
  3. Scroll to “Personal” and tap “Backup and reset
  4. Optionally, enable “Restore” and “Back up my data
  5. Tap “Factory data reset” > “Reset device
  6. In case your phone is protected by a lock screen, enter your password / PIN to proceed
  7. Tap “Continue” > “Delete all” to confirm

Factory Reset via Recovery:

NOTE: In case you are unable to master reset your phone from the settings menu, you can alternatively try to reset the phone from the Android System Recovery screen, which can be accessed by performing a combination of button presses.

  1. Make sure the phone is turned off
  2. Then, press and hold “Power”, “Volume Up” and “Home” at the same time
  3. At the “Samsung” logo, release “Power
  4. At the Android screen, release “Home” and “Volume Up” too
  5. Press “Volume down” repeatedly to navigate the menu and highlight “wipe data / factory reset
  6. Press “Power” to select the highlighted option
  7. Press “Volume down” to highlight “Yes – delete all user data
  8. Press “Power

Check for Firmware Updates:

NOTE: After factory resetting the phone, it’s recommended to check if a new software updates are available for downloads.

  1. Open the apps drawer
  2. Go to “Settings
  3. Under “System”, tap “About device
  4. Check if a new OS version is available, and if applicable, follow the on-screen steps to download and apply any available updates. NOTE: This process will require at least one reboot



See More: Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016): Factory Reset and Check for OS Updates