In the fast-paced world of technology, smartphones are our trusty companions, holding a world of information at our fingertips. However, there are times when we may need to perform a factory reset on our devices, such as the Samsung Galaxy S21 FE (Fan Edition). Whether you’re preparing to sell your phone, troubleshooting persistent issues, or simply wanting a fresh start, understanding how to factory reset your Samsung S21 FE is vital. This guide will elaborate on everything you need to know about this essential process.
Understanding What a Factory Reset Is
Before diving into the steps of how to factory reset your Samsung S21 FE, let’s clarify what a factory reset is. A factory reset restores your device to the state it was in when you first purchased it. This process typically involves:
- Deleting all user data and settings
- Removing applications that have been installed
- Reverting all customizable features back to their original state
Why You Might Need a Factory Reset
There are several reasons to reset your device back to factory settings. Here are some common scenarios where a factory reset is beneficial:
1. Selling or Giving Away Your Device
Performing a factory reset before handing over your phone ensures that no personal data remains on the device.
2. Troubleshooting Performance Issues
If your Samsung S21 FE is running slow, experiencing crashes, or glitches, a factory reset can often solve these problems.
3. Starting Fresh
Maybe you just want to clean out your phone and start from scratch. A factory reset is the perfect solution for that.
Preparation Before You Reset
Prior to initiating a factory reset, it’s critical to back up your data to prevent any loss of important information. Here’s how to adequately prepare:
Backup Your Data
Samsung provides a built-in feature for backing up data via Samsung Cloud or Google Account. This includes contacts, messages, photos, and other important files.
Steps to Back Up Your Data:
- Go to the settings on your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE.
- Tap on “Accounts and Backup.”
- Select “Backup and restore.”
- Choose either “Samsung Cloud” for Samsung-specific backup or “Google Drive” for Google services.
- Follow the prompts to complete your backup.
Charging Your Device
Ensure your device is charged to at least 50% before attempting a factory reset. This will help prevent the phone from powering off during the process, which can cause severe software issues.
How to Factory Reset Your Samsung S21 FE
There are two primary methods you can use to perform a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE: through the settings menu and using hardware buttons.
Method 1: Factory Reset via Settings
This is the simplest method and can be easily performed via your device’s settings.
Follow These Steps:
- Open the Settings App: Scroll through your apps and open the “Settings” app.
- Navigate to General Management: Scroll down and tap on “General management.”
- Select Reset: Within the general management menu, find and select “Reset.”
- Choose Factory Data Reset: You will see several options, choose “Factory data reset.”
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open the Settings App. |
| 2 | Go to General Management. |
| 3 | Select “Reset.” |
| 4 | Choose “Factory Data Reset.” |
- Review Information: Scroll down to read the information regarding the reset. This section outlines everything that will be erased during the process.
- Confirm Reset: Click on “Reset” at the bottom of the screen.
- Enter Password or PIN: If prompted, enter your password, PIN, or pattern to confirm your identity.
- Final Confirmation: Tap “Delete all” to initiate the factory reset.
The Samsung Galaxy S21 FE will now begin the resetting process, which may take several minutes. Once completed, the device will reboot as if it were brand new.
Method 2: Factory Reset Using Hardware Buttons
If you cannot access the Settings app due to a malfunctioning interface, you can factory reset your device using the hardware buttons.
Here’s How to Do It:
- Power Off Your Device: Press and hold the Power button, then tap “Power off” to turn off your smartphone.
- Enter Recovery Mode: Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears on the screen.
- Navigate Recovery Menu: Once the recovery menu appears, use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select.
- Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset: From the menu, select “Wipe data/factory reset.”
- Confirm Selection: Scroll to “Yes” and confirm by pressing the Power button.
- Reboot Your Device: Once the process is complete, select “Reboot system now.”
Your device will restart, and you will be welcomed with the initial setup screen, just like when you first bought it.
Post-Reset Considerations
After performing a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE, there are essential steps to take:
Setting Up Your Device
Upon rebooting, you’ll be greeted with the initial setup wizard. Follow these steps to set up your device:
- Select Language: Choose your preferred language and tap “Next.”
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Connect to a Wi-Fi network to proceed with the setup.
- Sign in to Google: Log in with your Google account to restore your previously backed-up data (if you choose to).
- Set Up Samsung Account: Log in to your Samsung account or create a new one to access Samsung services.
- Customize Settings: Personalize your settings according to your preferences.
Restoring Your Data
If you backed up your data before the factory reset, now is the time to restore it. Depending on the method you used for backup:
- Samsung Account: Go to “Accounts and Backup” > “Restore data” and select the data to restore.
- Google Account: During setup, you will have the option to restore apps and data from your Google Drive backup.
Conclusion
Performing a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S21 FE can be a straightforward process, whether through the settings or using the hardware buttons. It’s a useful tool for troubleshooting issues, preparing for a new owner, or starting fresh. By following the outlined steps and ensuring you back up your crucial data, you can reset your device without stress.
With technology continuously evolving, knowing how to manage your devices efficiently pays dividends. Now, whether you’re cleaning your phone for sale or simply decluttering, you have the knowledge to successfully reset your Samsung S21 FE with confidence!
What is a factory reset and why would I need to perform one on my Samsung S21 FE?
A factory reset is a procedure that restores your device to its original system state, erasing all user data, settings, and applications. This process can be useful for several reasons, such as fixing persistent software issues, enhancing device performance, or preparing the phone for resale. Performing a factory reset can give your phone a fresh start, similar to when you first bought it.
Before initiating a factory reset, it is crucial to back up your data, as this process will eliminate all personal files, including photos, contacts, and messages. If you’re experiencing problems such as freezes, crashes, or battery drains, a factory reset might resolve these issues. Additionally, if you’ve decided to sell or give away your device, a reset ensures that your personal information is no longer accessible to the next user.
How do I back up my data before performing a factory reset?
Backing up your data on a Samsung S21 FE can be accomplished through several methods. The most straightforward way is to use Samsung’s built-in backup feature found in the Settings app. Navigate to Settings, then select “Accounts and backup.” From there, you can choose “Backup and restore” and follow the prompts to save your data to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive. This includes contacts, messages, photos, and app data.
Alternatively, you can manually back up your data using a USB cable to connect your phone to a computer. This allows you to transfer important files, such as photos and videos, directly to your computer’s storage. Make sure to double-check that all crucial data is properly backed up, as a factory reset will wipe all existing data from the device.
What are the steps to perform a factory reset on my Samsung S21 FE?
To initiate a factory reset on your Samsung S21 FE, start by opening the “Settings” app from your home screen. Scroll down and select “General management,” then tap on “Reset.” In the reset options, select “Factory data reset.” This will bring up information about what will be erased from your device. Review this information to ensure you’re ready to proceed.
After confirming your decision, tap on “Reset” and then “Delete all.” You may need to enter your security credentials, such as your PIN, password, or pattern, to authorize the reset. Once you’ve done this, your device will begin the reset process, which can take a few minutes. After it’s complete, your phone will reboot and you’ll need to set it up as if it were new.
Will a factory reset remove all of my apps and personal data?
Yes, performing a factory reset on your Samsung S21 FE will erase all installed apps, personal data, and settings, effectively restoring the device to its original state. This means that all files including contacts, photos, videos, and installed applications will be deleted. Therefore, it’s essential to back up your data before performing this operation to avoid losing important information.
After the factory reset is complete, your phone will present the initial setup screen, much like the first time you turned it on. You will have the option to restore any backed-up data during this setup process. This can help you quickly get your device back to a familiar state, depending on the extent of the backup you created prior to the reset.
Is there any way to perform a factory reset remotely?
Yes, if you have set up Samsung’s Find My Mobile service before losing access to your device, you can remotely reset your Samsung S21 FE. This service offers a way to locate, lock, and erase your device in case it’s lost or stolen. To do this, visit the Find My Mobile website and log in using your Samsung account credentials. Once you’re logged in, select your device and look for the option to erase the device.
Please be aware that using the remote reset feature will erase all your data, similar to a local factory reset. Make sure any important information is backed up beforehand, as this option is primarily intended for security purposes. Once the remote reset is initiated, your phone will reset to factory settings as soon as it connects to the internet, ensuring that your personal data is protected.
What should I do if my Samsung S21 FE won’t reset properly?
If your Samsung S21 FE is not resetting properly, there could be several reasons for this issue. First, ensure that your device has sufficient battery life, as low battery levels can interrupt the process. If the phone is frozen or unresponsive, you may try performing a hard reset. This can be done by pressing and holding the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously until the device restarts.
In cases where the device continues to experience problems, you may want to boot your Samsung S21 FE into Recovery Mode. This can be achieved by powering off the device, then pressing and holding the Power and Volume Up buttons until the Samsung logo appears. Once in Recovery Mode, use the volume buttons to navigate to the “Wipe data/factory reset” option and confirm your selection using the Power button. If issues persist, reaching out to Samsung support or visiting a service center may be necessary.