WARNING! Master resetting your phone will lead to the deletion of all personal data stored on the device’s internal memory, including ringtones, images, downloaded content, apps, contacts etc. A master reset will also return all settings to factory values. Contents stored on the SIM card is not affected.

NOTE: If necessary, you can visit this thread to learn how you can back up data on the Note 5, and this thread to learn how to restore.

Master Reset via Settings:

  1. Tap “Apps” on the home screen
  2. Go to “Settings”
  3. Swipe to “User and Backup” and tap “Backup and reset”
  4. Optionally, clear the check boxes associated with “Automatic restore” and “Back up my data”
  5. Tap “Factory data reset” > “Reset device”
  6. In case your phone is protected by a PIN or password, enter it
  7. Tap “Continue” > “Delete all”

Master Reset via Recovery (Hardware Keys):

NOTE: If your phone crashes, freezes, or is otherwise preventing you from resetting it via settings (method above), you can also try resetting it via recovery, following a combination of button presses.

  1. Turn off the phone
  2. With the device powered off, press and hold “Volume Up”, “Home” and “Power” at the same time
  3. After the phone vibrates, release “Power” and “Home” but keep holding “Volume Up” pressed
  4. At the “Android System Recovery” screen, release “Volume Up” too
  5. In the Recovery menu, press “Volume down” repeatedly to navigate to 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” and wait for the phone to reset
  9. After the process is complete, “Reboot system now” should be highlighted
  10. Press “Power” to reboot your phone and the OS should be back to factory values



See More: Samsung Galaxy Note 5: Master Reset via Settings or Recovery