WARNING! Master resetting your smartphone will result in loss of personal data, regardless of the method of reset you adopt. The process will return your phone to factory values and settings. Personal data stored on the phone's internal memory will be deleted, including third party applications, contacts, custom ringtones, images / pictures captured with the camera, downloaded content etc. Content stored on the SD and SIM cards will not be affected.

Master Resetting via the Settings Menu:

  1. If possible and necessary, back up the data stored on the phone's internal memory
  2. From the home screen, press the "Menu" button
  3. Tap "Settings" and access the "Accounts" tab
  4. Tap "Backup and reset" under "Backup options"
  5. Optionally, clear the check boxes associated with "Automatic restore" and "Back up my data"
  6. Tap "Factory data reset" > "Reset device"
  7. In case your phone is protected by a screen lock, enter the combination / PIN / password and press "Continue"
  8. Tap "Delete all" to confirm

Master Resetting Using Hardware Keys:

NOTE: perform this method of reset only if you are unable to factory reset your smartphone through the settings menu.

  1. If possible, back up your data
  2. Power off the device if necessary
  3. With the smartphone turned off, press and hold the "Power", "Volume Up" and "Home" buttons at the same time
  4. After the phone vibrates, release the "Power" button but keep holding the other two keys
  5. Once the "Android System Recovery" screen appears, release all the buttons
  6. From the recovery menu, press "Volume down" several times to navigate to and highlight "wipe data / factory reset"
  7. Press the "Power" key to select the option
  8. Press "Volume down" until you highlight "delete all user data"
  9. Press "Power" to confirm the master reset
  10. Wait for your device to finish the process, at which time the option "Reboot system now" should be highlighted
  11. Press "Power" to reboot your device in normal mode


› See More: Samsung Galaxy SIII Neo: Master Reset Using Hardware Keys or the Settings Menu