Resetting your smartphone can sometimes feel like a daunting task, but knowing how to reset your Samsung S20+ can be a game changer. Whether you’re experiencing issues with your device, planning to sell it, or just wanting to start fresh, a reset can breathe new life into your device. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the different types of resets—soft reset, factory reset, and hard reset—helping you to master your Samsung S20+.
Understanding the Types of Resets
Before diving into the details of how to reset your Samsung S20+, it is important to understand the different types of resets available. Each type serves a specific purpose and can be useful in different scenarios.
Soft Reset
A soft reset essentially restarts your device without deleting any data or settings. It is the first step to troubleshooting minor issues such as lagging, freezing apps, or unexpected shutdowns.
When to Perform a Soft Reset
Perform a soft reset when:
- Your phone is running slow.
- Apps are frequently crashing or freezing.
Factory Reset
A factory reset, also known as a hard reset, wipes all the data from your device and returns it to the original factory settings. This option is best for serious software issues, or when you want to erase all personal data before selling or giving away your device.
When to Perform a Factory Reset
Consider a factory reset if:
- Your device is still experiencing problems after a soft reset.
- You’re selling or gifting your device.
Hard Reset
A hard reset, often referred to when resetting the phone through recovery mode, is similar to a factory reset but can be used if your phone is unresponsive or locked.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Perform a Soft Reset on Samsung S20+
Performing a soft reset is simple and can be done in just a few steps. Here’s how:
Steps to Soft Reset
- Press and Hold the Power and Volume Down Buttons: Locate the power button on the right side of your phone and the volume down button on the left side. Press and hold both buttons simultaneously for approximately 10-15 seconds.
- Wait for the Samsung Logo to Appear: Once you see the Samsung logo, release both buttons. Your device will automatically restart.
This quick reset can help rectify minor problems without affecting your data.
How to Factory Reset Your Samsung S20+
A factory reset will wipe all the data on your device, so it’s essential to back up important information before proceeding. Here are the steps you need to follow:
Backup Important Data
Before you proceed with a factory reset, ensure that your data is safe. You can back up your data using Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or by connecting your device to a computer.
Steps for Factory Reset
- Open Settings: Go to the Home screen, swipe down from the top, and tap on the gear icon to open Settings.
- Select General Management: Scroll down and tap on “General Management.”
- Tap on Reset: In the General Management menu, you will see the Reset option. Tap on it.
- Choose Factory Data Reset: You will find multiple reset options. Select “Factory Data Reset.”
- Review Information: Review the information presented regarding what will be erased from your device.
- Tap Reset: Scroll down and tap on the “Reset” button.
- Confirm Your Action: If prompted, enter your PIN, Password, or Pattern to confirm.
- Select Delete All: Finally, tap “Delete All” to initiate the reset process.
Your device will take some time to reset. Once it’s done, it will restart, and you will be guided through the setup process, just like when you first bought the device.
How to Hard Reset Your Samsung S20+
A hard reset is particularly helpful if your device is frozen, stuck on a screen, or unable to power down normally. This method bypasses the operating system to restore the phone.
Step-by-Step Process to Hard Reset
- Turn Off Your Device: If your phone is responsive, start by turning it off. If it’s not responding, you can skip this step.
- Press the Correct Button Combination:
- Press and Hold the Volume Up and Bixby Buttons: Press and hold both these buttons while also pressing the Power button.
- Release All Buttons: You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen. Once it shows up, release all buttons.
- Access Recovery Mode: After a few seconds, the Android Recovery menu will appear.
- Navigate Using Volume Buttons: Use the volume buttons to navigate through the menu.
- Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset: Highlight this option and press the Power button to select it.
- Confirm the Reset: Use the volume buttons to highlight “Yes” and select it with the Power button.
- Reboot Your Device: Once the reset is complete, select the “Reboot System Now” option to restart your device.
Your device will restart, and you can set it up just like new!
Important Considerations Before Resetting
Before you finalize the reset, consider the following important points:
Backup Your Data
As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to backup your data before performing a factory or hard reset. Data loss can be devastating, especially for photos, emails, and important documents.
Certain Data Will Be Lost
Be aware that all installed apps, contacts, messages, photos, and user data will be lost following a reset. Always stay informed about what you will lose and act accordingly.
Account Verification Required
After a factory reset, if your device was previously linked to a Google account, you may need to verify your account on the next startup. Make sure you know your credentials to avoid any access issues.
Conclusion
Knowing how to reset your Samsung S20+ is an essential skill for any user. Whether you’re performing a simple soft reset for minor issues or a complete factory reset to refresh your device, the process is straightforward. Just keep in mind the importance of backing up your data and understanding the implications of a reset.
By following this guide, you can effectively troubleshoot problems, prepare your device for a new owner, or simply start fresh. Embrace these steps with confidence, and you’ll ensure that your Samsung S20+ continues to serve you well for years to come. With the right knowledge, mastering your device has never been easier!
What are the different types of resets for the Samsung S20+?
The Samsung S20+ can be reset in two primary ways: a soft reset and a factory reset. A soft reset is essentially restarting the device and can be beneficial if your phone is unresponsive or performing poorly. To perform a soft reset, you can hold down the power button and the volume down button simultaneously until the screen goes off and the device restarts.
On the other hand, a factory reset is a more drastic measure that erases all data, including apps, settings, and personal files. This type of reset is ideal if you’re selling your phone or troubleshooting persistent issues that a soft reset doesn’t resolve. For a factory reset, you need to go through the phone’s settings menu or use hardware buttons if the screen is unresponsive.
How do I perform a soft reset on my Samsung S20+?
To perform a soft reset on your Samsung S20+, simply press and hold the Power button along with the Volume Down button simultaneously. Hold these buttons down for about 10 seconds, or until the device screen turns black and then restarts. This method does not delete any data; it merely reboots your phone.
Once your phone has restarted, it should function normally, assuming there were no underlying issues. If you’re experiencing more frequent problems, you may need to consider other troubleshooting steps or different types of resets.
What should I do before performing a factory reset?
Before proceeding with a factory reset, it’s crucial to back up all important data stored on your Samsung S20+. This includes contacts, photos, videos, and any application data you may have. You can back up your data using Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or any other cloud service you prefer. Alternatively, you might want to transfer files to a computer for safekeeping.
Additionally, ensure your device is charged sufficiently before starting the factory reset process. A good practice is to have at least 50% battery life to prevent interruptions during the reset. Once your data is backed up and your battery is charged, you can confidently move forward with a factory reset.
How can I reset my Samsung S20+ through the settings menu?
To reset your Samsung S20+ through the settings menu, first, open the Settings app on your device. From there, scroll down and tap on “General management.” You will see an option titled “Reset.” Tap on it, and you will find various reset options, including “Factory data reset.”
After selecting “Factory data reset,” you will be presented with information about what will be erased from your device. If you are ready to proceed, scroll down and tap “Reset,” then follow the prompts. Confirm any additional information required, and your Samsung S20+ will begin the factory reset process.
What are the consequences of a factory reset?
A factory reset will erase all data, settings, and personal files stored on your Samsung S20+. This includes applications, contacts, and any media files that are not backed up. Therefore, it’s imperative to have completed a backup before performing this reset to avoid data loss.
After the reset is complete, your device will be restored to its original factory settings. This means you’ll have to set up your phone as if it were new, including signing into your accounts and reinstalling applications. If you were experiencing issues before the reset, they will be resolved if they were software-related.
Can I reset my Samsung S20+ if the screen is unresponsive?
Yes, if your Samsung S20+ screen is unresponsive, you can still perform a reset using hardware buttons. To initiate a reset, press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously for about ten seconds. This method forces your phone to restart, which can resolve various minor software issues.
If a factory reset is necessary and the touchscreen is not responsive, you can initiate it using the hardware buttons as well. By powering off the device, then pressing the Power, Volume Up, and Bixby buttons together, you can access recovery mode where you can select the option to perform a factory reset.
How long does it take to reset my Samsung S20+?
The time it takes to reset your Samsung S20+ can vary depending on the type of reset you’re performing. A soft reset is typically quick, taking only a few seconds for the device to reboot. However, for a factory reset, the process may take several minutes, usually between five to ten minutes, depending on how much data needs to be erased.
Once the factory reset is complete, your device will reboot and you will be greeted by the initial setup screen. This is your signal that the reset process has been successfully completed, and you can begin setting up your device anew if desired.
Will resetting my Samsung S20+ remove any malware or viruses?
Yes, performing a factory reset can remove malware or viruses from your Samsung S20+. Since a factory reset erases all data and applications, any malicious software residing on the device will also be eliminated during this process. This is particularly helpful if you’re experiencing strange behavior or performance issues that might be rooted in a malware infection.
However, it’s important to note that if the malware has infected your backups or is associated with accounts synced to your device, it could reappear after restoring. Therefore, make sure to scan your backups and only restore trusted apps or files after completing the reset to avoid reinfection.