When it comes to ensuring your personal information is secure, knowing how to wipe your smartphone is essential. Samsung’s flagship device, the Galaxy S21, is no exception. Whether you’re preparing to sell your device, give it to someone else, or just want a fresh start, wiping your Samsung S21 can be done easily and effectively. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through various methods to permanently remove data from your device, ensuring a smooth transition for the next user or a cleaner slate for your continued use.
Why You Might Want to Wipe Your Samsung S21
Before diving into the specific methods of wiping your Samsung S21, it’s important to understand why you might want to do this. Here are a few scenarios where wiping your device becomes essential:
- Preparing to sell or trade-in your device
- Giving your phone away to a friend or family member
- Fixing software issues by restoring factory settings
- Improving device performance by starting fresh
Understanding your motivation will help you determine which wiping method is best for your situation.
Backup Your Data Before Wiping
Before initiating a wipe, it’s crucial that you back up any important data that you do not want to lose. Samsung offers several methods to back up your data:
Using Samsung Cloud
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Accounts and Backup.
- Select Backup and Restore.
- Choose Samsung Cloud.
- Tap on Back up data.
- Select the data types you wish to back up and follow the prompts to complete the backup.
Using Google Drive
- Open the Google Drive app.
- Tap on the Menu (three horizontal lines).
- Select Backups.
- Tap on Back up now to save your current device data.
Once you’re sure all important information is saved, you can proceed with wiping your device.
Methods to Wipe Your Samsung S21
There are a couple of methods to wipe your Samsung S21 completely. We’ll explore the options below:
1. Factory Reset through Settings
This method is straightforward and can be done directly from your device settings:
Step-by-Step Guide
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Open the Settings App: Locate the Settings app on your Samsung S21 home screen or in the app drawer.
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Scroll Down: Navigate to General management and tap on it.
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Choose Reset Options: Here, select Reset.
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Select Factory Data Reset: Once there, you will see the option for Factory data reset. Tap on it.
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Review Information: You’ll see a list of all data that will be erased. Take a moment to review this.
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Tap Reset: When ready, tap on the Reset button.
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Confirm Your Choice: Enter your PIN, if prompted, and tap Delete all to confirm the wipe.
What Happens Next?
Your Samsung S21 will begin the factory reset process. This may take a few minutes. Once completed, your device will restart and be in the initial setup state, just like when it was new.
2. Wipe with Hardware Buttons
If you are unable to access the settings due to a software issue, you can use the hardware buttons to reset your device.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Turn Off Your Device: Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears. Select Power off.
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Boot into Recovery Mode: Once the device is off, press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously.
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Continue Holding Until Logo Appears: Release the buttons when the Samsung logo appears. This will take you to the Recovery menu.
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Navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset: Use the Volume buttons to scroll and highlight Wipe data/factory reset. Press the Power button to select it.
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Confirm: Navigate to Yes and confirm with the Power button. This will enable the wiping process.
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Reboot Your Device: Once the wipe is complete, select Reboot system now.
What Happens Next?
Similar to the factory reset through settings, your device will erase all data and restart, bringing you back to the initial setup screen.
Ensuring Data is Permanently Erased
After wiping your Samsung S21, it’s natural to wonder if your data is truly gone. Just performing a factory reset does not guarantee that the data is traditionally unrecoverable. Therefore, it’s worth considering a more secure wipe if you’re concerned.
Using Third-Party Apps
Third-party applications can provide a more secure wipe of your data. Some popular apps include:
- iShredder: This app offers various shredding algorithms to ensure your data is irretrievable.
- Secure Erase: Designed to overwrite data, making formatting more effective.
When using third-party applications, make sure to download from a trustworthy source, such as the Google Play Store.
Precautions After Wiping Your Samsung S21
Once your Samsung S21 is completely wiped, it’s essential to take some precautions before handing it over to another user or resetting it up for your use:
Remove SIM and MicroSD Cards
Make sure to completely remove both the SIM and microSD cards. This will protect your personal information linked to your cellular provider and any additional data stored on your microSD.
Reset Your Google Account
If you’re planning on selling the phone, ensure you remove your Google account:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Accounts and backup.
- Select Accounts.
- Tap the Google account and then Remove account.
Doing this will ensure that the new user won’t have any access to your Google information.
Factory Reset Protection (FRP)
Be aware of Factory Reset Protection (FRP) which is integrated into Android devices. Disabling your Google account before the wipe is crucial, as failing to do so may lock the new user out of the device.
Conclusion
Knowing how to wipe a Samsung S21 effectively empowers you to manage your data securely, whether you’re giving away your device or starting fresh. By following the processes outlined in this guide, you can ensure a clean slate for yourself or the next user. Remember that safety is paramount, so always backup your information, remove your accounts, and use reliable methods when wiping your device.
The Samsung S21 is a powerful device, and knowing how to maintain it responsibly reflects your tech-savvy approach in today’s digital landscape. So go ahead, cleanse your smartphone with confidence, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with secure data management.
What are the steps to wipe a Samsung S21 clean?
To wipe your Samsung S21 clean, begin by backing up any important data. This can be done by using Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or any other preferred storage option. Once your data is secured, navigate to the “Settings” app on your device. Scroll down and select “General management,” then tap on “Reset,” and choose “Factory data reset.” You will see a warning regarding the implications of erasing everything on your device.
Next, confirm your selection by tapping “Reset.” If you have set a PIN, pattern, or password for your device, you will be prompted to enter it. After that, you will see a final confirmation screen detailing the data that will be deleted. Once you are ready, tap “Delete all,” and your device will restart and begin the wiping process. This may take a few minutes, and when complete, your Galaxy S21 will present the setup screen as if it were brand new.
Will wiping my Samsung S21 delete everything?
Yes, performing a factory reset on your Samsung S21 will erase all data stored on the device. This includes apps, contacts, messages, media files, and any personal settings. Once the wipe is complete, the phone will return to its original factory settings, similar to when it was first taken out of the box. This is why backing up important data beforehand is crucial to avoid losing anything valuable.
However, it’s worth noting that while the data is deleted from the device, it may still be recoverable using specialized data recovery software unless the storage is overwritten. If you’re disposing of your device or transferring it to someone else, it’s advisable to ensure that all sensitive data is securely wiped out before parting ways with the device.
What should I do if I forget my Samsung S21 password before wiping it?
If you forget your Samsung S21 password, you have a couple of options to regain access. One method is to use Samsung Find My Mobile, a service provided by Samsung that allows you to unlock your device remotely. You will need to have registered your device with your Samsung account beforehand. If this option is available and you can complete the necessary steps, you can unlock your phone without losing your data.
In cases where you cannot access your device using Samsung Find My Mobile, the only option left is a factory reset. Keep in mind that performing a factory reset without accessing the phone will erase all data stored on the device. You can do this by pressing and holding the Volume Up button and the Power button until the Android logo appears, then using the Recovery Mode menu to perform a factory reset. This will completely wipe the device, including the forgotten password.
Is it safe to wipe your Samsung S21 before selling it?
Yes, wiping your Samsung S21 clean is a safe and recommended practice before selling or giving away your device. Factory resetting your phone ensures that all personal data, such as messages, photos, and accounts, is removed, protecting your privacy and preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. It’s crucial to perform this step to safeguard your information from the next user.
In addition to a factory reset, you may also want to remove your SIM card and any external storage (such as microSD cards) before selling the device. After performing the factory reset and removing your personal items, your Samsung S21 will be wiped clean and ready for a new owner. This enhances not only your security but also the overall usability of the device for the buyer.
Can I wipe my Samsung S21 without losing data?
If you’re looking to wipe certain parts of your Samsung S21—such as caches or specific apps—you can do this without performing a full factory reset. For example, you can clear individual app data by going to “Settings,” selecting “Apps,” choosing the app you want to clear, and tapping “Storage.” Then select “Clear data” or “Clear cache.” This method allows you to free up storage without losing all of your personal information.
However, if you wish to completely remove all user data, there is no method to perform a factory reset without eventually losing that information. It’s vital to back up essential data before proceeding, as factory resets are designed to wipe everything clean. Always ensure that you have a backup through Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or other storage options to avoid losing any important content before wiping your device.
What happens after I wipe my Samsung S21?
After you wipe your Samsung S21 clean through a factory reset, the device will restart and return to the initial setup screen. This is akin to how the device appeared when you first purchased it, prompting you to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in with your Google or Samsung account. At this point, you can either set up the phone as a new device or restore previously backed-up data if you’ve created a backup.
If you decide to sell or give away your Samsung S21 after the wipe, the new owner can set it up according to their preferences. They will have a fresh start with the device, and you won’t have to worry about any of your personal information being accessible to others. This process ensures that your data is safeguarded while making the device ready for its next user.