You can factory reset your Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge through the Settings app, or via Recovery Mode if your phone is unresponsive. Here's how to do both:
Method 1: Factory Reset via Settings App
This method works if you can still access your phone's settings. Before you begin, back up any important data as this process will erase everything on your phone.
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Open the Settings app. You can find this in your app drawer.
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Navigate to General Management. The exact wording may vary slightly depending on your software version.
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Select Reset.
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Tap Factory Data Reset.
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Review the information. This screen will detail exactly what will be erased. Make sure you've backed up anything important.
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Tap Reset.
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Tap Delete All. Your phone will now begin the factory reset process.
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Wait for the process to complete. This may take several minutes. Your phone will automatically reboot once finished.
Method 2: Factory Reset via Recovery Mode (Hard Reset)
Use this method if your phone is frozen, unresponsive, or you can't access the Settings app. This is also known as a "hard reset."
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Power off your phone. If your phone is frozen, you might need to perform a force restart by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the screen goes black and the phone restarts (or vibrates and turns off).
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Enter Recovery Mode. Press and hold the Volume Up button, the Home button, and the Power button simultaneously. Release the Power button when the Samsung logo appears, but continue holding the Volume Up and Home buttons until the Android Recovery screen appears.
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Navigate using the Volume buttons. Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to scroll through the options in the Recovery menu.
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Select "Wipe data/factory reset". Use the Volume buttons to navigate to this option and then press the Power button to select it.
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Confirm the reset. Scroll down to "Yes -- delete all user data" using the Volume Down button and press the Power button to select it.
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Wait for the reset to complete.
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Select "Reboot system now". Once the reset is complete, you'll be returned to the main Recovery menu. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to "Reboot system now" and press the Power button to select it.
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Wait for your phone to restart. This process will take several minutes.
Important Considerations:
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Google Account Lock (Factory Reset Protection - FRP): After a factory reset, you may be required to enter the Google account credentials that were previously synced to the device. This is a security feature designed to prevent unauthorized access. Make sure you know the username and password.
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Backup Your Data: Factory resetting your phone will erase all data, including photos, videos, contacts, and apps. Make sure to back up any important information before proceeding. Consider using Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or a computer for backing up your data.
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Battery Level: It's recommended to have at least 50% battery life before performing a factory reset to avoid interruptions during the process.
