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

NOTE: Data stored on the SD and SIM cards will not be deleted by the factory reset. However, you can visit this thread for instructions on how to back up and restore personal data on the internal memory.

Factory Reset via Settings:

1. Tap “Apps” on the home screen
2. Open “Settings”
3. Scroll to “Personal” and tap “Backup and reset”
4. Enable or disable “Back up my data” and “Automatic restore”
5. Tap “Factory data reset” > “Reset device”
6. In case your phone is protected by a lock screen, enter your PIN / password to proceed
7. Tap “Continue” > “Delete all” to confirm

Factory Reset via Recovery:

NOTE: In case your phone crashes, freezes or otherwise prevents you from resetting it via Settings, you can try resetting the device from Android System Recovery. To enter Recovery mode:

1. First turn off the phone
2. Then, press and hold “Power”, “Home” and “Volume Up” at the same time
3. At the “Samsung” logo, release “Power”
4. At the “Android” screen, release “Home” and “Volume up” too. You should gain access to the Android Recovery menu after a couple of minutes or so
5. In Recovery, press “Volume down” repeatedly to navigate the menu and highlight “Wipe data / factory reset”
6. Press “Power” to select the highlighted option
7. After the reset is done, “Reboot system now” should be highlighted
8. Press “Power” to confirm and reboot your device

Check for OS Updates:

NOTE: After you factory reset your device, it’s recommended to check if new OS updates are available for download. To check for updates:

1. Launch “Settings”
2. Scroll to and tap “About device”
3. Check if a new update is available
4. Assuming that an update is available, follow the on-screen prompts to download and apply it. (NOTE: the update process will require at least a reboot)