WARNING! When you factory reset your phone, all personal data stored on the device’s internal memory will be deleted, including contacts, media files, applications etc. Furthermore, all settings will be restored to factory values.

NOTE: Before you factory reset the phone, you can visit this thread for instructions on how you can back up data. For instructions on how to restore data, visit this thread.

Master 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 the password / PIN / pattern
  7. Tap “Continue” > “Delete all”

Master Reset via Recovery:

NOTE: In case you are unable to reset the phone via settings, you can try resetting it from the Recovery menu, which can be accessed by performing a combination of button presses, as follows:

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

Check for Firmware Updates:

NOTE: After you reset your phone, it’s recommended to check for new software updates. To do so:

  1. Tap “Apps” on the home screen
  2. Open “Settings”
  3. Tap “About device” under “System”
  4. Check if a new OS version is available
  5. If necessary, follow the on-screen steps to download and install any available updates


› See More: Samsung Galaxy J7 (2016): Master Reset and Check for Firmware Updates