When it comes to smartphones, the Samsung S20 stands out with its impressive capabilities and sleek design. However, there may be times when you need to reset your device—whether to troubleshoot issues, restore factory settings, or improve performance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to reset a Samsung S20 along with the reasons why you might consider doing so.
Why You Might Need to Reset Your Samsung S20
Resetting your Samsung S20 can serve multiple purposes. Here are some common reasons:
Troubleshooting Issues
Experiencing lag, app crashes, or connectivity issues? A reset can often help resolve these performance glitches.
Preparing for a Sale or Trade-in
Before you hand over your device to a new owner, it’s essential to remove all personal data. A factory reset ensures that your information is no longer accessible.
Reclaiming Storage Space
An overload of apps and data can slow down your device. Resetting can help clear out unnecessary files and restore efficiency.
Software Updates
If your device has been acting strangely after a software update, a reset might restore order and optimization.
Types of Resets
Before diving into the actual resetting process, it’s crucial to understand that there are two primary types of resets for the Samsung S20: a Soft Reset and a Hard Reset.
Soft Reset
A Soft Reset simply restarts your device without erasing any data. This is akin to rebooting your computer and is often enough to solve minor issues. To perform a soft reset:
- Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously.
- Release both buttons once the power menu appears.
- Select “Restart” from the options presented.
Hard Reset
A Hard Reset, also known as a factory reset, completely wipes all data from your phone and restores it to its original state. This method is beneficial for more severe issues or when preparing your device for a new user.
How to Perform a Hard Reset on Samsung S20
Follow these detailed steps to execute a hard reset on your Samsung S20 safely and effectively.
Before You Begin: Back Up Your Data
Before proceeding with a hard reset, it is crucial to back up your important data. This includes contacts, photos, and any other personal information you want to retain. You can back up your data via:
- Samsung Cloud: Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud, then select Backup Data.
- Google Drive: Open Google Drive, tap on the menu icon, select “Back up,” and follow the prompts.
Resetting via Settings Menu
One of the simplest ways to perform a hard reset on your Samsung S20 is through the Settings menu. Here’s how:
- Navigate to Settings on your home screen.
- Scroll down and select General Management.
- Tap on Reset.
- Choose Factory Data Reset.
- Carefully read the information, then tap Reset.
- If prompted, enter your Password/PIN.
- Finally, tap Delete All.
After following these steps, your device will begin the reset process. You’ll see a progress bar, and once completed, your Samsung S20 will reboot automatically.
Resetting via Hardware Keys
For those instances where you can’t access the settings menu (due to a frozen screen, for example), you can perform a hard reset using the hardware keys:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Turn off your Samsung S20. If it’s unresponsive, press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons simultaneously until the screen goes black.
- Once the device is off, press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons together.
- Release the buttons when the Samsung logo appears, and you’ll see the Android recovery menu.
- Use the Volume Down button to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset, and press the Power button to select it.
- Confirm your selection by navigating to Yes using the Volume Down button, then select it with the Power button.
- After the process is finished, highlight Reboot system now and press the Power button to restart your device.
Post-Reset Setup
Now that your Samsung S20 has been reset, you’ll need to set it up again—just like it’s fresh out of the box.
Choosing a Language and Connecting to Wi-Fi
Upon rebooting, the device will prompt you to select your preferred language and connect to a Wi-Fi network.
Restoring Data
After completing the initial setup, you’ll have the option to restore data:
- If you backed up to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive, select the respective option and sign in to your account to recover your data.
- You can also set up your apps manually, although this may take more time.
Finalizing Setup
After restoring your data, finalize your setup by adjusting your preferences in Settings, such as:
- Display options
- Notifications settings
- Privacy and security settings
Common Issues After Resetting
Resetting your Samsung S20 can solve many issues. However, users might encounter some challenges even after the process.
What to Do If Your Phone Won’t Turn On
If your device doesn’t respond after a reset, try the following steps:
Force Restart
Press and hold both the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about 10–15 seconds until the device powers on.
Charge Your Device
Connect your phone to a charger and let it charge for at least 30 minutes before attempting to turn it on.
Apps That Don’t Work Properly
After a reset, sometimes apps may not function as they should. In such cases:
- Check for app updates in the Google Play Store.
- If issues persist, consider uninstalling and reinstalling the problematic app.
Conclusion
Resetting your Samsung S20 can be a quick and effective way to rejuvenate your smartphone—whether you’re troubleshooting issues or preparing to pass it on. With this guide, you should feel confident in navigating the reset process, whether choosing a soft reset for minor troubles or opting for a hard reset for more significant challenges.
Remember to back up your data and follow the outlined steps carefully to ensure a smooth reset and setup experience. With a little patience and know-how, you can master the art of resetting your Samsung S20 for optimal performance and enjoyment.
What are the different types of resets available for the Samsung S20?
The Samsung S20 offers two primary types of resets: a soft reset and a factory reset. A soft reset is typically used to fix minor issues such as freezing or unresponsive applications. This process simply involves restarting your device and does not erase any personal data or settings. To perform a soft reset, you can hold down the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for about 10 seconds until the device restarts.
On the other hand, a factory reset is a more drastic measure that restores the device to its original factory settings. This means that all data, applications, and custom settings will be erased, so it is crucial to back up any important information before proceeding. A factory reset is often utilized when selling the phone, resolving persistent problems, or when the device is sluggish and needs a fresh start.
How do I perform a soft reset on my Samsung S20?
Performing a soft reset on your Samsung S20 is a simple process that can resolve temporary performance issues. To initiate a soft reset, press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously for approximately 10 seconds. You will see the device power down and restart. This action helps refresh your device’s memory and clears any minor glitches that may be affecting its functionality.
After the device has restarted, check to see if the problems you were experiencing, such as app crashes or sluggishness, have been resolved. If your S20 continues to have issues, you might want to consider a factory reset as a more comprehensive solution to eliminate persistent software problems.
What steps must I take to perform a factory reset?
To perform a factory reset on your Samsung S20, you need to navigate through the device’s settings. Begin by opening the Settings app. From there, scroll down and tap on General management. Next, select Reset, and then choose Factory data reset. The phone will display information about the data that will be erased, so ensure you’ve backed up necessary items before proceeding.
Once you’re ready, scroll down and tap Reset. You may be prompted to enter your PIN, password, or pattern, depending on your security settings. Finally, tap Delete all to confirm the factory reset. Your Samsung S20 will restart and begin the process of erasing data, setting everything back to its original settings. This can take a few minutes, after which your device will be like new, ready for setup.
Will a factory reset erase all my data?
Yes, a factory reset will erase all data stored on your Samsung S20, returning it to the state it was in when it first came out of the box. This includes all applications, user accounts, settings, and any files saved on the internal storage. Therefore, it is crucial to back up any important data before proceeding with a factory reset. You can back up your information using Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or other backup solutions available on the device.
After the factory reset is complete, you will need to set up your device from scratch. This involves signing in to your Google account, restoring backed-up data if available, and reinstalling any applications you want to use. If you do not have a backup, be aware that all your data will be lost permanently, so it is always best to ensure your important files are saved elsewhere.
How can I back up my data before a factory reset?
Backing up your data before performing a factory reset on your Samsung S20 is crucial to avoid losing important information. You can use Samsung Cloud to back up various types of data, including photos, contacts, and app settings. To do this, open the Settings app, tap on Accounts and backup, then select Backup and restore. Here, you can choose to back up your data to Samsung Cloud, ensuring all key information is saved.
Alternatively, you can back up your data using Google Drive. Sign in to your Google account and navigate to the Drive app, where you can manually upload files, photos, and documents. For a full backup, you can go to Settings, tap on Google, then choose Backup to enable backup for app data, device settings, and more directly to your Google account. Remember, it is wise to check that the backup has been completed successfully before proceeding with the factory reset.
What should I do if my Samsung S20 is unresponsive and I can’t access the settings?
If your Samsung S20 is unresponsive and you cannot access the settings to perform a reset, you can attempt a forced restart first. To do this, press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button together for about 10 seconds. This action will force the device to restart, and if the issue was temporary, it might resolve itself upon rebooting.
If the phone remains unresponsive and you need to perform a factory reset, you can do so using the hardware buttons. Turn off the device, if possible, and then press and hold the Volume Up button along with the Power button until you see the Android logo. Once in Recovery Mode, use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset and select it using the Power button. Confirm the action, and after the reset completes, select Reboot system now to restart your device.