If you’re a Samsung Galaxy S7 user, there may come a time when your phone displays erratic behavior, refuses to function normally, or simply feels bogged down with unwanted data. In such scenarios, performing a reset could breathe new life into your device. Whether you want to fix performance issues, prepare your phone for resale, or just make it feel like new again, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps for resetting your Galaxy S7 — safely and effectively.
Why Should You Reset Your Samsung Galaxy S7?
Resetting your Samsung Galaxy S7 can have several benefits, including but not limited to:
- Enhanced Performance: Over time, your phone accumulates unnecessary app data and cache that can slow it down. A reset can clear this clutter.
- Fixing Software Issues: If your device is experiencing glitches, freezing, or crashing, a reset often resolves these issues.
- Preparing for Sale: Perhaps you’re planning to sell or give away your S7. Resetting it ensures all your personal data is erased for the new owner.
- Restoring Default Settings: A reset brings your device back to its factory settings, erasing all customizations you’ve made.
Types of Resets
Before diving into the reset process, it’s crucial to understand the different types of resets available for the Galaxy S7.
Soft Reset
A soft reset is a simple restart of your device. This is often the first step you should take if your phone is behaving strangely. A soft reset does not erase any data or settings.
Factory Reset
The factory reset is a more drastic measure. This process wipes all data from your device and restores it to its original system state. You’ll want to back up all important information before proceeding with a factory reset.
How to Perform a Soft Reset on Your Galaxy S7
Performing a soft reset on your Galaxy S7 is easy and can be done in just a few simple steps:
- Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for about 10 seconds.
- Your device will vibrate, and the screen will turn off. Once it does, you can release both buttons.
- The phone will restart automatically, and you’ll be back to your home screen.
How to Perform a Factory Reset on Your Galaxy S7
Before you proceed with a factory reset, it is essential to backup your data. You can use Samsung’s Smart Switch, Google Drive, or any other file backup method to save your important files, contacts, and photos. Once you’ve backed everything up, you can follow these steps:
Reset via Settings
Open Settings: Begin by navigating to the Settings app on your Galaxy S7.
Go to Backup and Reset: Scroll down and select Backup and Reset or General Management depending on your software version.
Select Factory Data Reset: Here, you will find the Factory Data Reset option. Tap on it to proceed.
Read Information: You will see a list of the data and accounts that will be erased from your device. Take a moment to read through this information.
Tap Reset Device: Scroll down and select Reset Device, then tap Delete All to confirm your action.
Your phone will now begin the reset process. This might take a few minutes. Once completed, your Galaxy S7 will reboot to its welcome screen, as if it were brand new.
Reset via Hardware Keys
If your phone is unresponsive and you can’t access the settings, you can perform a factory reset using the hardware keys.
Turn Off Your Phone: Press and hold the power button, then select Power Off.
Access Recovery Mode: To enter recovery mode, press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously. Once the Samsung logo appears, release the Power button but continue to hold the other two until you access the recovery menu.
Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset: Use the volume buttons to navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset, and use the power button to select it.
Confirm Reset: Navigate to Yes to confirm that you want to perform the reset.
Reboot Your Device: After the factory reset process is complete, navigate to Reboot System Now to restart your phone.
Post-Reset Setup Steps
After resetting your Samsung Galaxy S7, the phone will reboot and greet you with the setup wizard. Follow these steps to set up your phone:
- Choose Your Language: Select your preferred language and tap Next.
- Connect to Wi-Fi: Choose a Wi-Fi network to connect to the internet.
- Sign in to Google Account: You will be prompted to sign in to your Google account. This step is crucial if you want to restore apps and data from your Google backup.
- Set Up Samsung Account: If you have a Samsung account, signing in will allow you to restore your settings and data easily.
By following the setup wizard, you’ll have your Galaxy S7 ready in no time, just the way you want it.
Important Notes Before Resetting
Before you reset your device, you should consider a few important points:
Backup Your Data
As mentioned earlier, backup anything important. This includes photographs, documents, and application data, as a factory reset will erase everything.
Battery Check
Ensure your device is charged to at least 50% or keep it plugged in during the reset process. A sudden power loss during the reset can corrupt your system, leaving you with a non-functional device.
Remove SIM and SD Card (Optional)
Although resetting the device does not typically erase data on a SIM or SD card, it’s advisable to remove them to avoid any accidental data loss or corruption.
Common Issues After Resetting
After a factory reset, users may face several common issues. Here are some solutions to help you troubleshoot:
Device Runs Slowly
If, after the reset, your phone seems sluggish, clearing the cache can help improve performance:
1. Turn off the device.
2. Boot into Recovery Mode.
3. Select Wipe Cache Partition.
Cannot Sign In to Google Account
Sometimes, users face difficulties when restoring their account:
– Ensure you enter the correct credentials.
– If you’ve forgotten your password, use Google’s recovery options.
Applications Fail to Install
Sometimes, post-reset, you may find that applications do not install properly:
– Ensure you’re connected to a stable internet connection.
– Restart your phone and try the installation again.
Conclusion
Resetting your Samsung Galaxy S7 is an effective way to troubleshoot issues or prepare your device for a new user. Whether you opt for a soft reset to fix minor glitches or a factory reset for a fresh start, following the correct procedures ensures that your device is restored to its optimal performance. Always remember to back up your important data before proceeding. Enjoy your refreshed Samsung Galaxy S7!
What is a reset on a Samsung Galaxy S7?
A reset on a Samsung Galaxy S7 refers to the process of restoring the device to its original factory settings. This means that all user data, settings, and apps will be erased, and the device will be returned to the state it was in when it was first unboxed. A reset can be useful for troubleshooting issues, removing unwanted files, or preparing the device for sale or transfer.
There are two types of resets: a soft reset and a hard reset. A soft reset simply involves restarting the device, which can help clear temporary glitches. In contrast, a hard reset, also known as a factory reset, erases all data and restores the phone to its default configuration. Users should back up important data before proceeding with a hard reset to prevent permanent data loss.
How do I perform a soft reset on my Samsung Galaxy S7?
Performing a soft reset on your Samsung Galaxy S7 is a straightforward process that does not erase any data. To do this, simply press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously until the device vibrates and restarts. This method can help resolve minor software issues, unresponsive applications, or a frozen screen.
After the device restarts, it will function normally, and your personal data and settings will remain intact. A soft reset is often the first troubleshooting step recommended for various minor problems, ensuring that the system can get a chance to refresh without the risk of losing any information.
What steps do I follow to perform a hard reset on my Samsung Galaxy S7?
To perform a hard reset on your Samsung Galaxy S7, first, make sure to back up any necessary data, as this process will erase everything on the phone. Navigate to the Settings app on your device and scroll down to find ‘Backup and Reset.’ Tap on it, and then select ‘Factory Data Reset.’ Follow the prompts to confirm your selection. The device may require your PIN or password for authentication.
Once confirmed, the Galaxy S7 will begin the reset process, which may take a few minutes. After the reset is complete, the device will restart and prompt you to set it up as if it were brand new. This is the perfect time to restore data from a backup if you have one available, ensuring you can get back to your previous setup quickly.
Will a hard reset remove my Samsung account?
A hard reset on your Samsung Galaxy S7 does not automatically remove your Samsung account; however, it will remove the information associated with your device. This includes all apps, data, and settings but keeps your Samsung account intact as it is linked to your email address. You may need to sign in again after the reset.
If your device is registered under the Samsung account’s Find My Mobile service, it’s essential to remember your credentials, as they may be required to unlock your phone or access certain features after the reset. Deleting your device from your Samsung account can be done through the Samsung website or via another device, but that’s not part of the hard reset process itself.
What happens to my apps and data after a factory reset?
After a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S7, all downloaded apps, photos, documents, and personal settings will be erased permanently. This is why it is crucial to back up your data beforehand, as once the reset is completed, restoring that information can only happen if you have saved it elsewhere. The device will return to its original state, as it was when it first left the factory.
Post-reset, you will need to reinstall any applications you were using, and will have to set up your personal preferences and accounts anew. The reset process is an effective way to resolve persistent issues and can improve device performance, but the trade-off is the necessity to reconfigure your device from scratch.
Can I reset my Samsung Galaxy S7 without using the settings menu?
Yes, you can reset your Samsung Galaxy S7 without using the settings menu by utilizing the hardware buttons. This method is particularly useful if your phone is unresponsive or you can’t access the settings due to software issues. To initiate this kind of reset, power off the device completely and then press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously.
Once the Samsung logo appears, release all buttons. The phone will boot into recovery mode, where you can navigate using the Volume buttons to select “Wipe data/factory reset.” After choosing this option, confirm your selection, and the device will perform the reset. Once complete, select “Reboot system now” to restart your phone. This method is effective for situations where the screen or settings menu is inaccessible.
How can I back up my data before performing a reset?
Backing up your data before performing a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S7 can be accomplished through several methods. One of the easiest ways is to use Samsung’s built-in backup features found in the Settings menu. Go to Settings, then Accounts and backup. Here, you can select “Backup and restore” to back up data to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive. Make sure to turn on the desired backup options.
Alternatively, you can manually transfer files to a computer using a USB cable. Connect your Galaxy S7 to the computer, and simply drag and drop files, such as photos, videos, and documents, onto your computer’s hard drive. This ensures that all important data is securely stored before you proceed with the reset, allowing you to restore everything seamlessly afterward.