If you’re looking for information on how to reboot your Samsung phone, this article will provide you with all the necessary steps. Resetting your device can be beneficial for resolving performance issues or preparing it for resale. Should your Samsung phone freeze or become unresponsive, a forced reboot is possible by pressing the Side key and Volume down key at the same time. Continue reading if you need more in-depth troubleshooting.
Pre-Reset Preparations: Secure Your Data
Securing your data with a backup is essential before any reset attempt. By backing up, you preserve crucial files, applications, and configurations. Here’s how to secure your data on your Samsung device:
Backup Procedures for Android 12 and Newer
- Navigate to Settings and select Accounts and backup.
- Click on Back up data under the Google Drive section.
- Choose Back up now.
Backup Methods for Older Android Systems
| Android Version | Backup Steps |
|---|---|
| Android 4.4 to 6.0.1 | Apps > Settings > Backup and reset |
| Android 7 & 8 | Settings > Cloud and accounts > Backup and restore |
| Android 9 | Settings > Accounts and backup > Backup and restore > Back up my data |
Remember your Google account credentials and your SD card’s decryption key if needed.
Resetting Your Samsung Device to Factory Settings
A factory reset reverts your Samsung to its original factory settings, erasing all your data and installed settings. This is particularly useful if you are selling your device or if it suffers from significant software problems. Ensure your device’s software is fully updated before proceeding:
- Access Settings and select Software update.
- Tap on Download and install.
- Complete the update as instructed on-screen.
Factory Reset Steps for Android 7 and Later
- Swipe down to open the Quick Settings menu.
- Click the Settings icon.
- Go to General management.
- Hit Reset.
- Select Factory data reset.
- Read the information and choose Reset.
- Confirm by tapping Delete all.
Factory Reset Instructions for Android 6 and Earlier
- Enter Settings.
- Select Backup and reset.
- Choose Factory data reset.
- Click Reset Device.
- Press Erase Everything.
How to Perform a Soft Reset
A soft reset can be performed when your Samsung phone is unresponsive. This process will restart the device without deleting any data. Hold down the Power button and the Volume down button until the device powers back on. If this fails, holding the Power button alone for at least 10 seconds may work.
Clearing Memory and Storage
Lack of sufficient memory or storage space can cause your Samsung phone to freeze or slow down. To address this, try the steps below:
- Open Settings and tap on Battery and device care.
- Check your storage space by selecting Storage and your memory status by choosing Memory.
To free up space, optimize your device, which helps shut down background apps, manage battery use, and scan for crashed apps and malware:
- Go to Settings, then Battery and device care.
- Select Optimize now.
- Click Done once the process is complete.
Using Safe Mode to Diagnose Issues
Enabling Safe mode can help identify if third-party apps are causing issues by disabling them temporarily. Here’s how to turn on Safe mode:
- Hold down both the Volume down key and the Side key.
- Select Power off.
- After the device powers down, hold both the Volume down key and the Side key.
- Release the Side key when the Samsung logo appears, but keep holding the Volume down key until Safe mode displays.
To exit Safe mode and return to normal, follow these steps:
- Press and hold both the Volume down key and the Side key.
- Choose Restart.
For further assistance with your Samsung phone, reaching out to Samsung Support can provide additional guidance and solutions. By applying the methods described here, you can ensure your Samsung phone functions optimally once again.