In today’s fast-paced technological world, it’s crucial to have a smartphone that operates smoothly and efficiently. The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a fantastic device, renowned for its sleek design, impressive camera capabilities, and robust performance. However, like any electronic device, you may find yourself needing to perform a factory reset for various reasons. Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue, preparing the phone for resale, or simply wanting to start fresh, knowing how to factory reset your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the processes, the nuances involved, and the precautions you should take before hitting that reset button.
Why You Might Need to Factory Reset Your Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Factory resetting your device is a powerful troubleshooting method that returns all settings to default, erasing all personal data in the process. Here are some valid reasons why you might consider a factory reset:
- Device Slowdown: Over time, your device may become sluggish due to accumulated apps, files, and electronic clutter. A factory reset can help restore its original speed and responsiveness.
- Software Issues: If your device is experiencing crashes, freezes, or other software-related issues, a factory reset may resolve these problems effectively.
However, before proceeding with a factory reset, it is vital to understand the implications and steps to ensure a smooth transition back to normalcy.
Preparation Steps Before Factory Resetting Your Galaxy S21 FE 5G
When thinking about performing a factory reset, the first step is to prepare your device adequately. Below are critical preparations you must undertake:
1. Backup Your Data
A factory reset will erase all personal data, so it’s imperative to back up your important files, photos, contacts, and other data. Here are some methods to back up your data:
- Using Samsung Cloud: Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud, and follow the prompts to back up your data.
- Using Google Drive: Ensure that your files are synced with your Google account by checking Settings > Accounts and Backup > Backup and Restore.
2. Make Sure Your Device is Charged
To avoid any interruptions during the reset process, ensure that your device’s battery is charged to at least 50%. This reduces the risk of a shutdown midway through the procedure, which could potentially harm your device.
3. Note Your Google Account and Password
Resetting your device may trigger the Google Factory Reset Protection feature, which means you’ll need your Google account credentials to regain access. It’s essential to keep a record of your account information to avoid complications.
How to Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G
Now that you are adequately prepared, let’s dive into the methods for performing a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G.
Method 1: Factory Reset Through Settings
This method is the simplest and most straightforward way to factory reset your device.
Steps to Reset Through Settings
- Open Settings:
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Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap on the gear icon to access Settings.
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Navigate to General Management:
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Scroll down and tap on General Management.
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Select Reset:
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Tap on Reset to find various reset options.
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Choose Factory Data Reset:
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Select Factory data reset.
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Review Information:
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You will see a summary of the data that will be erased. Ensure you have backed up everything important.
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Confirm Reset:
- Scroll down and tap Reset.
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If prompted, enter your PIN, password, or pattern.
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Tap Delete All:
- Finally, tap on Delete All to complete the process.
Your device will now begin the factory reset process, and it may take a few minutes to complete.
Method 2: Factory Reset Using Hardware Keys
If your device is unresponsive or you cannot access the settings menu, you can perform a factory reset using hardware keys.
Steps to Reset Using Hardware Keys
- Turn Off the Device:
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Press and hold the power button, then select Power off.
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Boot into Recovery Mode:
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Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears. Release both buttons when you see the Android recovery screen.
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Navigate Using Volume Keys:
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Use the Volume keys to navigate through the options. Highlight Wipe data/factory reset.
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Select the Option:
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Press the Power button to select the highlighted option.
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Confirm the Reset:
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Use the Volume keys to select Yes to confirm that you want to perform a factory reset. Press the Power button again.
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Reboot the Device:
- Once the reset is complete, select Reboot system now using the Power button.
Your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G will now restart and will be returned to its factory settings.
Post-Reset Steps: What to Do Next
After successfully wiping your device, you may be left wondering what to do next. Here’s a short guide to help you get started:
1. Set Up Your Device
Upon rebooting, you’ll be greeted with the setup wizard. Here you can:
- Choose your language.
- Connect to Wi-Fi.
- Sign in with your Google account.
- Restore data from the backup options you set up earlier.
2. Install Necessary Applications
You’ll find that most of your downloaded applications have been removed. Revisit the Google Play Store to reinstall any necessary applications.
3. Customize Your Settings
Now is your chance to personalize your device settings. Visit Themes, Wallpaper, and Display settings to make your device feel like your own.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting Tips
While factory resetting your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G is a relatively simple procedure, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are common challenges and suggested troubleshooting tips:
1. Device Won’t Boot Up
If your device does not boot up after the reset, it may be stuck in a boot loop. In this case, try performing the recovery mode steps again to either clear cache or perform another reset.
2. Google Account Verification Issues
After the reset, if prompted for a Google account that you previously added, ensure you enter the correct credentials. If you cannot remember the password, recover it through Google’s account recovery page.
Conclusion
Performing a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G can breathe new life into your device, fixing slowdowns and resolving software issues. However, understanding the preparation needed and the steps involved is essential to ensure a smooth process. Remember to back up your data, charge your device, and note your Google account credentials. With these precautions in place, you can confidently reset your device and enjoy a refreshed smartphone experience. Embrace this handy skill, and you can conquer any smartphone issue that comes your way!
What is a factory reset and when should I perform one on my Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
A factory reset is a process that restores your device to its original system state by erasing all data, including your personal files, apps, and settings. This process is helpful when you want to resolve performance issues, prepare the phone for sale, or simply want to start fresh. Performing a factory reset can also help clear persistent glitches or freezes that might be hindering your device’s performance.
Before proceeding with a factory reset, it is essential to back up your important data, as this process will delete everything on your device. You can use Samsung Cloud or Google Drive for backing up data such as photos, contacts, and important documents. Make sure you have your accounts and passwords handy, as you will need to log back in after the reset.
How do I perform a factory reset on my Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G?
To perform a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, start by opening the “Settings” app on your device. Scroll down and tap on “General management,” then select “Reset.” In this menu, you will see the option for “Factory data reset.” Tap on it, and you will be shown a list of accounts and data that will be erased.
After confirming your choice, tap “Reset” and then “Delete all” to initiate the process. Your device will restart and begin the reset procedure, which may take a few minutes. Once completed, your device will boot up as if it were new, prompting you to set it up from scratch, just like you did when you first unboxed it.
Will a factory reset remove my Google account and settings?
Yes, a factory reset will remove all accounts linked to your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, including your Google account and any associated settings. This means that all your synced data, such as emails, contacts, calendar events, and photos (if they were not backed up separately), will also be deleted. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that you back up these details before proceeding with the reset.
After the reset, you will need to sign in again to your Google account to regain access to any synced content. Additionally, you may want to set up your preferences from scratch, as the factory reset erases all custom settings on your device. This is a great opportunity to set up your phone according to your current needs.
Can I restore my data after performing a factory reset?
Restoring your data after a factory reset is possible, but it requires that you have a backup of your information created prior to the reset. If you backed up your data using Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or any third-party applications, you can easily restore it once you have set up your device anew. During the setup process after the reset, you will be prompted to restore your information from your chosen backup.
To restore data from Samsung Cloud, simply log into your Samsung account during setup and select the backup to restore from. For Google Drive, log in to your Google account, and you can restore your apps and settings automatically. Keep in mind that some files might need to be re-transferred manually if they were not included in the backup.
What happens to my installed apps after a factory reset?
After performing a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G, all installed apps will be removed from the device. This includes any third-party applications downloaded from the Google Play Store or other sources. The reset returns your phone to a state similar to when it was first purchased, meaning that only the default applications originally installed by Samsung will remain.
If you want to keep any of the apps you had before the reset, make sure to note them down, as you will need to reinstall them after the reset is complete. Once you’ve set up your device, you can go to the Google Play Store and download the apps again. If you had backed up your apps via Google, you might have the option to restore them during the setup process.
Is there any risk involved in performing a factory reset?
Performing a factory reset typically poses no risk to the hardware of your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE 5G; however, there are several important considerations to keep in mind before proceeding. The most significant risk is losing all your personal data that hasn’t been backed up. Any important files, media, and app data may be permanently lost if a backup is not made beforehand.
Additionally, if your device is linked to accounts like Google or Samsung, you may face additional verification steps after the reset, known as Factory Reset Protection (FRP). This security measure is in place to prevent unauthorized access to your device. Therefore, make sure you have your account credentials ready before performing the factory reset to avoid any potential lockout issues post-reset.