How to Reset a Galaxy S

Resetting your Samsung Galaxy S will wipe all personal data and restore the device back to its original factory settings, which can help correct any software problems your phone may be experiencing. A master reset can be performed using either the Galaxy S menu options, or by using the hardware keys on the device itself.

Method 1 of 4: Resetting the Galaxy S

1. 
   1
   Tap on “Menu” from the Home screen of your Samsung Galaxy S.
2. 
   2
   Tap on “Settings.”
3. 
   3
   Scroll to and select “Privacy.”
4. 
   4
   Tap on “Factory data reset.”

   • Place a checkmark next to “Back up my data” if you want Google to back up and sync your Contacts, Calendar, Apps, and other data to your Google account.
5. 
   5
   Tap on “Reset phone.”
6. 
   6
   Tap on “Erase everything.” Your Galaxy S device will reset, and automatically reboot after it restores the original factory settings.^[1]

Method 2 of 4: Resetting the Galaxy S2

1. 
   1
   Tap on “Menu” from the Home screen of your Samsung Galaxy S2.
2. 
   2
   Tap on “Settings.”
3. 
   3
   Scroll to and select “Back up and reset.”
4. 
   4
   Tap on “Factory data reset.”
5. 
   5
   Tap on “Reset device.”
6. 
   6
   Tap on “Delete all.” Your Galaxy S2 will reset and automatically restart after the original factory settings have been restored.

Method 3 of 4: Resetting the Galaxy S3 and S4

1. 
   1
   Tap on “Menu” from the Home screen of your Samsung Galaxy S3 or S4.
2. 
   2
   Tap on “Settings.”
3. 
   3
   Tap on the tab labeled “Accounts.”
4. 
   4
   Tap on “Back up and reset.”
5. 
   5
   Tap on “Factory data reset.”

   • Place a checkmark next to “Back up my data” if you want Google to back up and sync your Calendar, Photos, Contacts, and all other personal data to your Google account.
6. 
   6
   Tap on “Reset device.”
7. 
   7
   Tap on “Delete all.” Your Samsung Galaxy device will automatically reset and restart after restoring the original factory settings.

Method 4 of 4: Resetting Using the Hardware Keys

1. 
   1
   Power off your Samsung Galaxy S.
2. 
   2
   Press and hold down the Home, Power, and Volume Up buttons on your device all at the same time.
3. 
   3
   Release the Power key as soon as you feel the device begin to vibrate, while continuing to hold down the Home and Volume Up buttons.
4. 
   4
   Release the Volume Up and Home keys when the Android System Recovery menu displays on-screen.
5. 
   5
   Use the Volume Down key to highlight “wipe data / factory reset.”
6. 
   6
   Press the Power button to make your selection.
7. 
   7
   Use the Volume Down key to highlight “delete all user data.”
8. 
   8
   Press the Power button to select the option. Your Samsung Galaxy S will begin to reset and restore the original factory settings.
9. 
   9
   Press the Power button when “Reboot system now” displays on-screen. Your phone will automatically restart and be ready for use.^[4]

Tips

• Reset your device using the hardware key steps outlined in Method Four of this article if you are unable to access menu options due to certain malfunctions, such as an unresponsive touch screen.
• Re-download any apps you had previously paid for and downloaded from Google Play on any other Android device while logged in with the same Google account originally used to download the applications.
• Reset your Galaxy S when you are recycling, donating, or selling your device to another user. A reset will help prevent any third parties from accessing your personal, private data.

Warnings

• A master reset will erase all your personal data and settings from your Galaxy S. Make sure you back up any data you want saved to either your SD card, Google account, computer, or a third-party cloud storage application prior to resetting your device.