NOTE: Before factory resetting the device, you can check this thread for instructions on backing up data, and this thread for a guide on how to restore data.

Soft Reset via Hardware Buttons:

NOTE: A soft reset simulates battery removal, and thus it can be useful if the phone is unresponsive, frozen etc. A soft reset will not affect your personal data.

  1. Press and hold “Power” and “Volume Down” at the same time
  2. Keep both buttons pressed until the phone reboots

Hard Reset

NOTE: Hard resetting your device will result in the deletion of all your data located on the phone’s internal memory, including media files, contacts, downloaded content, apps, ringtones etc. Furthermore, all settings will be restored to factory values.

Hard Reset via Settings:

  1. Open the apps drawer
  2. Launch “Settings”
  3. Access “Cloud and accounts”
  4. Tap “Backup and restore”
  5. Optionally, enable or disable “Back up my data” and “Restore”
  6. Go back to “Settings”
  7. Access “General Management” and tap “Reset” > “Factory data reset”
  8. Tap “Reset device”
  9. In case your device is protected by a PIN / password or lock screen, enter it and tap “Continue”
  10. Tap “Delete all” to confirm

Hard Reset via Hardware Buttons:

NOTE: In case your phone freezes, crashes, is unresponsive or otherwise it prevents you from resetting it via settings, alternatively you can try resetting the device from the Recovery menu, accessible by performing a combination of button presses:

  1. First ensure the phone us powered off
  2. Then, press and hold “Home” and “Volume Up” at the same time, then tap and hold “Power” as well
  3. At the “Android” logo, release all buttons and wait to gain access to Android Recovery (up to 1 minute)
  4. Once in Android Recovery, press “Volume down” repeatedly to navigate to and highlight “wipe data / factory reset”
  5. Press “Power” to select the highlighted option
  6. Press “Volume down” to highlight “Yes – delete all user data” and press “Power”
  7. After the phone resets, highlight “Reboot system now” and press “Power” to confirm

Reset Network Settings:

NOTE: By resetting network settings, you will delete all connection data including existing Bluetooth and Wi-Fi networks. In addition, background data, network selection mode, and data restrictive settings will be restored to default.

  1. Open the apps drawer and go to “General management”
  2. Tap “Reset”
  3. Tap “Reset network settings”
  4. Tap “Reset settings”
  5. If necessary, enter your PIN / password to proceed
  6. When ready, tap “Reset settings”


› See More: Samsung Galaxy J3 (2017): Soft/Hard Reset Phone; Reset Network Settings