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How to reset the Samsung Galaxy S21

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Whether you’re having some trouble with your Samsung Galaxy S21 or want to erase all of your personal data before selling the device on eBay, hard resetting can give you a fresh start. When you hard reset your Galaxy S21, you return it to the same state as when you first unboxed it from the factory. Keep in mind that before resetting your device, you likely want to back up your data. If you are sure that a hard reset is the way to go, follow our step-by-step instructions below on how to reset the Samsung Galaxy S21.

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First, back up your Galaxy S21

Before you move forward with hard resetting your device, you need to decide if you wish to save any of your device’s content. When performing a hard reset, everything will be deleted on the smartphone, including photos, videos, messages, and more. You can back up the majority of your settings and data to Google’s servers as one option. For more details, check out our guide on backing up your Android smartphone.

Andrew Martonik/Digital Trends

Reset your Samsung Galaxy S21

After backing up your data or choosing to forgo the process, it’s time to hard reset your device; luckily, Samsung makes this process as easy as tapping a few buttons. Grab hold of your Galaxy S21 and follow the steps below to complete the process:

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Step 1: Unlock your Galaxy device, then, from the Home screen, pull down to reveal the Notification Shade.

Step 2: Tap the Settings icon to access the Settings app.

Step 3: Within Settings, scroll down, and tap General Management.

Step 4: Tap the Reset option.

Step 5: When asked for the reset type, choose Factory Data Reset.

Step 6: You will receive a warning about resetting your device; scroll down and click the Reset button to continue.

Step 7: If prompted, enter your PIN or password to confirm the process.

Step 8: Tap Delete All and wait for the process to complete.

Once your Samsung Galaxy S21 is finished, the device will boot up as though it was first removed from the box; the hard reset is complete. If you need assistance getting your device back up and running, be sure to check out our beginner’s guide to Android.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The alternative reset method

If you can’t gain access to your device or the previous hard reset method fails, you may follow an alternative approach to complete the process. This method involves powering down the device and pressing the right button combinations to trigger the reset. Follow these steps to complete the alternative hard reset method:

Step 1: Begin by powering off your Galaxy.

Step 2: With the device off, press down and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously; release the two buttons when the Android logo appears.

Step 3: You will be presented with a text-based menu; use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the screen and highlight the Wipe Data/Factory Reset option.

Step 4: With Wipe Data/Factory Reset selected, press the Power button to confirm your selection.

Step 5: Highlight the Yes option to confirm, and again press the Power button.

Wait for the process to complete; once the process is complete, it will boot up as though first removed from the box. Again, if you need assistance getting your device back up and running, check out our beginner’s guide to Android.

Michael Archambault
Michael Archambault
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Michael Archambault is a technology writer and digital marketer located in Long Island, New York. For the past decade…
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