WARNING! When you factory reset a smartphone, all your personal data stored on the phone’s internal memory will be lost, including contacts, media files, apps, downloaded content, ringtones etc. Furthermore, all settings will be restored to factory values.

NOTE: Before you factory reset the device, you can visit this thread for instructions on how to back up personal data. You can also visit this thread for a guide on how to restore data.

Master Reset via Settings:

1. Tap “Apps” on the home screen
2. Open “Settings”
3. Scroll to “Personal”
4. Tap “Backup and reset”
5. Optionally, turn on “Restore” and “Back up my data”
6. Tap “Factory data reset”
7. Tap “Reset device”
8. If your phone is lock screen-protected, enter the PIN / password to proceed
9. Tap “Continue” > “Delete all” to confirm

Master Reset via Recovery:

NOTE: If you are unable to reset your phone through the Settings menu, alternatively you can try resetting the device from the Android System Recovery menu, which can be accessed by performing a combination of key presses.

1. First, turn off the phone if necessary
2. Next, press and hold “Home”, “Volume Up” and “Power” at the same time
3. When the “Samsung” logo appears, release “Power”
4. When the Android screen appears, release “Home” and “Volume Up” too
5. Navigate the Recovery menu by pressing volume keys. Press “Volume down” repeatedly to highlight “wipe data / factory reset”
6. Press “Power” to select the highlighted option
7. Press “Volume down” to highlight “Yes – delete all user data” and press “Power” to confirm

Check for Firmware Updates:

NOTE: Once you have reset your phone, it’s recommended to check if new software updates are available for download.

1. Open the apps drawer
2. Launch “Settings”
3. Tap “About device” under “System”
4. Verify if a new OS version is available, and if necessary, follow the on-screen steps to download and install any available updates