How to Reset a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019): A Comprehensive Guide

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is a reliable and versatile tablet, but sometimes you might need to reset it to its factory settings. This can be useful for troubleshooting issues, preparing the tablet for sale, or simply starting fresh. The process is straightforward, but it’s crucial to understand the different methods and their implications.

How to reset a Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019)? There are two primary ways to reset your tablet: through the Settings menu (factory reset) and using the hardware buttons (hard reset). The factory reset method is generally preferred when the tablet is functioning and accessible. However, if your tablet is unresponsive, locked, or experiencing severe software issues, the hard reset using hardware buttons becomes necessary. Always back up your important data before performing any reset, as it will erase all personal information, apps, and settings from the device.

Factory Reset via Settings Menu

This method is the simplest if you can access your tablet’s settings.

Steps for Factory Reset

1. Back Up Your Data: Before proceeding, back up all important data, including photos, videos, documents, and contacts. You can use Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or an external storage device. This is the most important step to prevent data loss.
2. Navigate to Settings: Open the Settings app on your Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019). You can find it in the app drawer or by swiping down from the top of the screen to access the notification panel and tapping the gear icon.
3. Find General Management: Scroll down and tap on “General management”. This section houses various system settings, including reset options.
4. Select Reset: Within the General Management menu, tap on “Reset”. This will present you with several reset options.
5. Choose Factory Data Reset: Tap on “Factory data reset”. This option will erase all data on your tablet and restore it to its original factory settings.
6. Review and Confirm: A screen will appear outlining what will be erased during the reset process. Scroll down and tap on the “Reset” button.
7. Enter Your PIN/Password (if applicable): If you have a screen lock enabled (PIN, password, or pattern), you will be prompted to enter it for security purposes.
8. Tap Delete All: Finally, tap on the “Delete all” button to confirm the reset. This is your last chance to cancel the process.
9. Wait for the Reset to Complete: The tablet will now begin the reset process. This may take several minutes. Do not interrupt the process by powering off the device. The tablet will automatically restart once the reset is complete.
10. Set Up Your Tablet: After the reset, your tablet will boot up to the initial setup screen, just like when you first purchased it. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Google account, Samsung account (optional), Wi-Fi connection, and other preferences.

Hard Reset via Hardware Buttons

This method is useful when you cannot access the Settings menu, such as when your tablet is frozen, locked, or experiencing boot loops.

Steps for Hard Reset

1. Power Off Your Tablet: Ensure that your Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019) is completely powered off. If it’s frozen, you may need to force a shutdown by holding the Power button for about 10-15 seconds.
2. Enter Recovery Mode: Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously. Continue holding both buttons until the Samsung logo appears. Once the logo appears, release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Up button until the Android Recovery screen appears. This may take a few tries.
3. Navigate Using Volume Buttons: Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate through the options in the Recovery menu. The Power button is used to select an option.
4. Select “Wipe data/factory reset”: Use the Volume Down button to highlight the “Wipe data/factory reset” option.
5. Confirm with Power Button: Press the Power button to select the “Wipe data/factory reset” option.
6. Choose “Yes — delete all user data”: Use the Volume Down button to highlight the “Yes — delete all user data” option.
7. Confirm with Power Button: Press the Power button to confirm and start the factory reset process.
8. Wait for the Reset to Complete: The tablet will now begin the reset process. This may take several minutes.
9. Select “Reboot system now”: Once the reset is complete, the Recovery menu will reappear. Use the Volume Up or Volume Down buttons to highlight the “Reboot system now” option.
10. Confirm with Power Button: Press the Power button to reboot your tablet.
11. Set Up Your Tablet: After the reboot, your tablet will boot up to the initial setup screen. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your Google account, Samsung account (optional), Wi-Fi connection, and other preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some common questions related to resetting your Samsung Galaxy Tab A 8.0 (2019):

1. What data will be lost during a factory reset?

A factory reset will erase all personal data, including:

• Accounts: Google account, Samsung account, and other linked accounts.
• Apps: All downloaded and installed applications.
• Data: Photos, videos, music, documents, and other files stored on the tablet’s internal storage.
• Settings: Customized settings, Wi-Fi passwords, and preferences.

2. Will a factory reset remove the operating system?

No, a factory reset will not remove the operating system (Android). It will only restore the operating system to its original factory state.

3. Can I undo a factory reset?

No, once a factory reset is complete, it cannot be undone. Therefore, backing up your data beforehand is extremely important.

4. What should I do before performing a factory reset?

Before performing a factory reset, you should:

• Back up all important data.
• Note down your Google account and password (required to set up the tablet after the reset).
• Charge your tablet to at least 50% to prevent interruptions during the process.

5. How long does a factory reset take?

The duration of a factory reset can vary depending on the amount of data stored on your tablet. Generally, it takes between 5 to 15 minutes.

6. What if my tablet is frozen during the reset process?

If your tablet freezes during the reset process, try performing a hard reset using the hardware buttons. If that doesn’t work, you may need to seek professional help from a Samsung service center.

7. Will a factory reset fix a virus or malware infection?

Yes, a factory reset can often remove viruses or malware from your tablet, as it erases all data and restores the system to its original state. However, it’s crucial to be cautious about the source of the infection to prevent reinfection after the reset.

8. Can I perform a factory reset without a Google account?

Yes, you can perform a factory reset without a Google account. However, you will need to set up a Google account (or create a new one) to access Google services like the Play Store after the reset.

9. What is the difference between a soft reset and a hard reset?

A soft reset simply restarts the tablet, while a hard reset (factory reset) erases all data and restores the tablet to its original factory settings.

10. Is it possible to selectively reset specific settings instead of a full factory reset?

Yes, the “Reset” menu in Settings usually offers options to reset specific settings, such as network settings or accessibility settings, without performing a full factory reset. Look for options like “Reset network settings” or “Reset accessibility settings” in the Reset menu.

11. Will a factory reset remove Samsung Knox security features?

No, a factory reset will not remove Samsung Knox security features if they are pre-installed and integrated into the device’s firmware. However, any user-configured Knox settings will be reset to their defaults.

12. What if I forgot my Google account password after a factory reset?

If you forgot your Google account password, you will need to go through the Google account recovery process. Visit the Google account recovery page on another device and follow the instructions to verify your identity and reset your password. You will need this password to fully set up your tablet.