Factory Resetting Your Samsung S7 Edge: A Complete Guide

So, you need to factory reset your Samsung S7 Edge. Whether you’re selling it, troubleshooting persistent issues, or just want a fresh start, wiping your device clean is a necessary step. Here’s the lowdown: you can factory reset your Samsung S7 Edge through the Settings menu or via Recovery Mode using the hardware buttons. Both methods effectively erase all data and return your phone to its original factory state.

Method 1: Factory Resetting Through Settings

This method is the simplest and most common, perfect if your phone is responsive and you can navigate the menus.

Steps:

1. Back Up Your Data: This is paramount. A factory reset deletes everything. Use Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or a computer to back up your photos, videos, contacts, and other important files. Trust me, you don’t want to learn this the hard way.
2. Remove Your Google Account (Optional but Recommended): This helps prevent Factory Reset Protection (FRP) lock, which can require the previous account credentials to unlock the phone after the reset. Go to Settings > Accounts > Google. Tap your account and select Remove account.
3. Navigate to Factory Reset: Open Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory data reset.
4. Review the Warning: The screen will display a list of all accounts and data that will be erased. Read it carefully!
5. Tap “Reset”: This is the point of no return. Tap the “Reset” button at the bottom.
6. Confirm with “Delete All”: You may be prompted to enter your PIN, password, or pattern. Once done, tap “Delete All” to initiate the reset.
7. Wait for the Process to Complete: Your phone will restart, and the reset process will begin. This may take a few minutes. Do not interrupt the process.
8. Initial Setup: Once the phone restarts, it will be like a brand-new device. Follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.

Method 2: Factory Resetting Through Recovery Mode (Hardware Buttons)

This method is useful if your phone is frozen, won’t boot properly, or you can’t access the Settings menu. It involves using the physical buttons on your device.

Steps:

1. Power Off Your Phone: Ensure your phone is completely turned off. If it’s frozen, you might need to perform a forced shutdown by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about 10-20 seconds.
2. Enter Recovery Mode: Press and hold the Power, Volume Up, and Home buttons simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears, then release only the Power button. Continue holding the Volume Up and Home buttons until the Android Recovery Menu appears.
3. Navigate Using Volume Buttons: Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate through the menu options.
4. Select “Wipe Data/Factory Reset”: Use the Volume Down button to highlight “wipe data/factory reset” and press the Power button to select it.
5. Confirm with “Yes”: You’ll be asked to confirm your decision. Use the Volume Down button to highlight “Yes — delete all user data” and press the Power button to confirm.
6. Wait for the Process to Complete: The data wipe process will begin. This may take a few minutes.
7. Select “Reboot System Now”: Once the wipe is complete, the Recovery Menu will reappear. Use the Volume Down button to highlight “reboot system now” and press the Power button to restart your phone.
8. Initial Setup: Your phone will restart, and you’ll be greeted with the initial setup screen.

Important Considerations:

• Battery Life: Ensure your phone has sufficient battery life (at least 50%) before starting the factory reset. An interrupted reset can cause serious issues.
• SIM and SD Card: While not strictly necessary, consider removing your SIM and SD card before the reset to avoid any potential data loss issues related to those cards.
• Account Information: Remember the Google account and Samsung account details associated with your phone. You may need them to set up the phone again.
• Patience is Key: The reset process can take some time. Don’t panic if it seems slow. Just let it run its course.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions related to factory resetting the Samsung S7 Edge:

1. What exactly does a factory reset do?

A factory reset erases all data on your phone’s internal storage, including apps, photos, videos, contacts, messages, and settings. It returns the phone to the same state it was in when it left the factory, hence the name.

2. Will a factory reset remove the operating system?

No, a factory reset does not remove the operating system (Android). It only removes the data and settings you’ve added since you first activated the phone.

3. How long does a factory reset take on a Samsung S7 Edge?

The duration of a factory reset can vary, but typically it takes between 5 to 15 minutes. This depends on the amount of data stored on your phone.

4. What is Factory Reset Protection (FRP), and why is it important?

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a security feature that prevents unauthorized access to your phone if it’s lost or stolen. After a factory reset, FRP requires you to enter the Google account and password that were previously registered on the phone. Removing your Google account before the reset prevents FRP lock.

5. Can I undo a factory reset?

No, once a factory reset is complete, the data is permanently erased. That’s why backing up your data beforehand is so crucial.

6. Will a factory reset fix all my phone’s problems?

A factory reset can resolve many software-related issues, such as performance slowdowns, app crashes, and persistent errors. However, it won’t fix hardware problems.

7. What should I do if my phone gets stuck during a factory reset?

If your phone gets stuck during a factory reset, try performing a forced restart by holding the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously. If that doesn’t work, try booting into Recovery Mode and performing the factory reset again. If problems persist, consider seeking professional help.

8. Will a factory reset remove my SIM card lock or carrier unlock?

No, a factory reset does not affect your SIM card lock or carrier unlock status. These are tied to your SIM card and phone’s IMEI, respectively, and are not altered by a factory reset.

9. Does factory resetting my phone delete my data from Google Cloud?

No, factory resetting your phone only deletes data from your phone’s internal storage. Your data backed up to Google Cloud or Samsung Cloud will remain safe and accessible after the reset.

10. I forgot my Google account password. Can I still factory reset my phone?

Yes, you can still factory reset your phone through Recovery Mode (hardware buttons). However, after the reset, you’ll be prompted to enter the Google account that was previously associated with the device. If you can’t remember the password, you’ll need to go through Google’s account recovery process.

11. Can a factory reset improve my phone’s battery life?

In some cases, yes. If battery drain is caused by rogue apps or software glitches, a factory reset can help improve battery life by removing these issues.

12. Is it safe to buy a used Samsung S7 Edge that has been factory reset?

Buying a factory-reset used phone is generally safe, but there are a few things to check. First, ensure that the phone is not FRP locked. Ask the seller to demonstrate that they can set up the phone after the reset. Secondly, inspect the phone for any signs of physical damage. Lastly, verify the IMEI number to ensure the phone hasn’t been reported as lost or stolen.

Factory resetting your Samsung S7 Edge is a powerful tool for maintaining and managing your device. Just remember to back up your data, understand the process, and proceed with caution. With this guide, you should be well-equipped to handle the task successfully.