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

NOTE: Before you master reset your phone, you can visit this thread for a guide on how to back up data, and this thread for a guide on how to restore data.

Factory Reset via Settings:

  1. Open the apps drawer
  2. Go to “Settings” and scroll to “Personal”
  3. Tap “Backup and reset”
  4. Optionally, enable “Back up my data” and “Restore”
  5. Tap “Factory data reset” > “Reset device”
  6. In case your device is protected by a lock screen, enter your pattern / PIN / password to proceed
  7. Tap “Delete all” > “Reset device”

Factory Reset from Android System Recovery:

NOTE: In case your phone freezes, crashes, or otherwise prevents you from resetting it via settings, alternatively you can reset the device from the Android Recovery menu, which can be accessed by performing the following steps:

  1. Turn the phone Off if necessary
  2. Press and hold “Power”, “Volume Up” and “Home” at the same time
  3. At the “Samsung” logo, release “Power”
  4. When you see the “Android” screen, release “Home” and “Volume Up” too
  5. Once 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”

Check for OS Updates:

NOTE: Once you master reset your device, it’s recommended to check if new OS updates is available for download.

  1. Open the apps drawer
  2. Go to “Settings”
  3. Scroll to “System” and tap “About device”
  4. Check if a new app is available. If applicable, follow the on-screen steps to download and apply the update. NOTE: the update process will require at least one reboot


› See More: Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017): Master Reset and Check for Software Updates