When a Samsung phone encounters persistent issues that disrupt your daily tasks, a factory reset can often breathe new life into the device. However, if your touch screen is unresponsive, you may find yourself in a frustrating situation. Fortunately, learning how to factory reset a Samsung phone without a touch screen is entirely possible. This guide walks you through the various methods to reset your device when physical screen interaction is not an option.
Understanding Factory Reset
Before diving into the steps, it’s crucial to understand what a factory reset entails. A factory reset restores your device to its original factory settings, erasing all personal data including:
- Photos
- Contacts
- Apps
- Settings
Warning: Always back up your information before proceeding with a factory reset, as the process is irreversible.
Why Would You Need to Factory Reset Your Samsung Phone?
Several scenarios may necessitate a factory reset, including:
- Persistent lag or slow performance
- Issues with apps crashing or freezing
- Malware or virus attacks
- Preparing the device for sale or transfer
But if your touch screen is not functioning, don’t worry! There are alternative methods to follow:
Methods to Factory Reset a Samsung Phone Without Touch Screen
Here we will discuss two primary methods to achieve a factory reset without the need for a functioning touch screen: utilizing the hardware keys and Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature.
Method 1: Using Hardware Keys
Utilizing the hardware keys is one of the most effective methods for performing a factory reset on your Samsung phone when the touch screen is unresponsive.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Using Hardware Keys
- Power Off the Device
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Start by turning off your Samsung phone completely. You can usually do this by holding down the Power button until the device shuts down.
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Enter Recovery Mode
- Once the phone is off, press and hold the following keys simultaneously:
- Volume Up
- Home Button (if available, some newer models do not have this)
- Power Button
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Keep holding them until the Samsung logo appears, then release all buttons.
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Navigate the Recovery Menu
- In recovery mode, use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate through the menu. Since the touch screen is unresponsive, these volume keys are your primary means of navigation.
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Look for the option that reads “Wipe data/factory reset.”
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Select the Option
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Once you have highlighted the desired option, press the Power button to select it.
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Confirm the Action
- Navigate to “Yes” to confirm the factory reset. This option will also be selected using the Power button.
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Wait patiently as the process begins. This may take a few moments.
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Reboot the Device
- After the reset completes, you will be returned to the recovery menu. Here, select the “Reboot system now” option.
- Your Samsung phone will now restart, and you will set it up as new.
Method 2: Using Samsung’s Find My Mobile
If you have set up a Samsung account and registered your device, you can also use Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature to remotely initiate a factory reset.
Step-by-Step Guide to Resetting Using Find My Mobile
- Visit the Find My Mobile Website
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Open a web browser on your computer or another mobile device. Go to the Samsung Find My Mobile website at findmymobile.samsung.com.
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Log Into Your Samsung Account
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Sign in using the Samsung account credentials linked to your Samsung phone. Ensure you have internet access to perform this step.
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Select Your Device
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Once logged in, select your Samsung phone from the list of registered devices.
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Choose the “Erase Data” Option
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On the interface, look for the “Erase data” option. Click it to initiate the factory reset.
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Confirm the Erasure
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You will be prompted to confirm your decision to erase all data. Acknowledge any warning messages about data loss.
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Wait for the Process to Complete
- Once confirmed, your device will begin the factory reset process remotely. After completion, the device will reboot.
Important Considerations Before a Factory Reset
Before proceeding with either method, consider the following:
Backup Your Data: If your Samsung device is still operational in some capacities, make sure to back up any essential files, photos, and contacts. Consider using Samsung Cloud or Google Drive for backup.
Ensure Battery Life: It is important to make sure your device has sufficient battery life (preferably above 50%) or is plugged into a charger during the factory reset process.
After the Reset: What to Expect
Once your Samsung phone completes the factory reset, it will reboot, displaying the initial setup screen similar to when the device was first purchased. You will need to:
- Connect to Wi-Fi
- Sign in to your Google and Samsung accounts
- Restore data from backups (if desired)
This is your chance to start fresh, customize your settings, and install your favorite apps anew.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to factory reset your Samsung phone without a touch screen can be a lifesaver in moments of frustration. Whether you choose to reset via hardware keys or utilize the Samsung Find My Mobile service, both methods provide effective solutions to restore your device’s performance.
Remember that a factory reset should only be a last resort when other troubleshooting methods have failed. Keep your device backed up and updated regularly to minimize the need for drastic measures in the future. With the knowledge from this guide, you are more than equipped to handle any situations involving your Samsung device, regardless of the challenges presented by an inoperable touch screen.
What is a factory reset on a Samsung phone?
A factory reset on a Samsung phone restores the device to its original settings, effectively wiping all personal data, applications, and files. This process is often used to resolve performance issues, prepare the phone for sale, or remove any personal information before disposing of the device. Performing a factory reset can help enhance the overall speed and functionality of the phone.
When you factory reset your Samsung phone, it removes your Google account and any other accounts linked to the device. It’s essential to back up any important information, such as contacts, photos, and files, before proceeding with a factory reset, as all data will be permanently lost.
How can I reset my Samsung phone without a touch screen?
If your Samsung phone’s touch screen is unresponsive, you can still perform a factory reset using hardware buttons. First, power off your device completely. Then, press and hold the correct key combination for your specific Samsung model, which typically involves pressing the Volume Up button, the Bixby button (if applicable), and the Power button simultaneously until you see the Samsung logo on the screen.
Once you enter the recovery mode, use the Volume buttons to navigate through the options. Select “Wipe data/factory reset” using the Power button to confirm. After the process is complete, you can choose “Reboot system now” to restart your phone. Following these steps will ensure that your data is wiped and your phone is reset, even without a functioning touch screen.
Will a factory reset remove all my data?
Yes, a factory reset will remove all data stored on your Samsung phone, including apps, contacts, photos, and any other personal files. The reset restores the phone to the state it was in when it first left the factory, meaning that all user-installed applications and data will be erased. Therefore, it is crucial to back up any important data before initiating a reset.
You can back up your data using Samsung’s Smart Switch, Google Drive, or any preferred backup service. Ensuring that your data is safely backed up will allow you to restore it after the reset, preventing any loss of important information or files that you still wish to keep.
Can I perform a factory reset remotely?
Yes, you can perform a factory reset remotely if your Samsung phone is connected to the internet and linked to your Samsung account or Google account. Use Samsung’s “Find My Mobile” service, which allows you to manage your device from anywhere. By logging into your Samsung account on a computer or another device, you can locate your phone and initiate a factory reset remotely.
To use this feature, go to the “Find My Mobile” website, select your device, and look for the option that allows you to “Erase Data” or “Erase Device.” This will initiate a factory reset, effectively wiping all content from the phone. However, keep in mind that this requires the phone to be powered on and connected to the internet at the time of the reset.
What happens after I factory reset my Samsung phone?
After a factory reset, your Samsung phone will reboot and present the initial setup wizard, just like when it was first purchased. You’ll need to go through the setup process, which typically includes selecting your language, connecting to Wi-Fi, and signing into your Google or Samsung account. This initial setup is essential to restore functionality to your device.
Be aware that once the reset is completed, all previously installed apps and user data will be erased. You will need to download and install applications again, as well as restore data from backups if needed. The phone should now perform better, but it’s crucial to ensure any necessary data has been restored before you begin using it again.
Is it necessary to back up my data before a factory reset?
Yes, it is highly recommended to back up your data before performing a factory reset on your Samsung phone. A factory reset erases all your personal files, apps, and settings, meaning you will lose anything that is not backed up. To avoid losing important data such as contacts, photos, and documents, always take the time to create a backup beforehand.
You can back up your data using various methods, such as Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or external storage options. After resetting your device, you can restore your data from the backup you created, ensuring that you don’t lose important information. Taking these precautionary steps will save you time and trouble later on.
Are there any risks associated with performing a factory reset?
Performing a factory reset is generally safe, but there are a few risks you should consider. The most significant risk is the permanent loss of data if you have not adequately backed up. Once you reset your phone, all existing data is irretrievable, so make sure that you are confident about your decision to reset and that you don’t require any of the information currently stored on the device.
Another potential risk is that if there are underlying hardware issues with the device, a factory reset will not resolve those problems. You might still encounter performance issues after a reset if the root cause lies within the hardware. Additionally, be cautious with your Samsung or Google accounts; if you forget your password or account details, it might hinder you from accessing your device after the reset.