WARNING! When you master reset your device, all your personal data located on the phone’s internal memory will be deleted, including media files, apps, downloaded content, contacts etc. Furthermore, all settings will be restored to factory values.

NOTE: Before you factory reset your device, you can check this thread for a guide on how to back up data, and this thread for instructions on how to restore data.

Factory Reset via Settings:

  1. Open “Settings
  2. Scroll to “Personal
  3. Tap “Backup and reset
  4. Optionally, enable “Back up my data” and “Restore
  5. Next, tap “Factory data reset” > “Reset device
  6. If your phone is protected by a lock screen, enter your PIN / password / pattern to proceed
  7. Tap “Delete all” > “Reset device

Factory Reset via System Recovery:

NOTE: If your phone crashes, freezes, runs out of storage inexplicably or otherwise prevents you from resetting it via settings, alternatively you can reset the device form the Android System Recovery menu. To access the menu:

  1. First make sure the phone is turned off
  2. Next, press and hold “Power”, “Volume Up” and “Home” simultaneously
  3. At the “Samsung” logo, release “Power
  4. At the “Android” screen release “Volume Up” and “Home
  5. Once in Android Recovery, 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” again to confirm

Check for OS Updates:

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

  1. Launch the apps drawer
  2. Go to “Settings
  3. Scroll to “System
  4. Tap “About device
  5. Check if an update is available and follow the on-screen steps to download and apply available updates (NOTE: the update process will require at least eon reboot)



See More: Samsung Galaxy C7 (2017): Master Reset and Check for OS Updates