If you’ve recently purchased a Samsung S20, you may find yourself needing to reset the device, clear out old data, or transfer ownership to someone else. Deleting everything on your phone can seem daunting, but it can be a straightforward process when broken down into manageable steps. In this guide, we will walk you through various methods of deleting all your data and settings on the Samsung S20 to ensure a fresh start.
Why You Might Want to Delete Everything
Deleting everything on your Samsung S20 can be necessary for various reasons:
- Selling or Giving Away the Device: Before transferring ownership, you must remove all your personal data to protect your privacy.
- Performance Issues: Over time, your device may slow down due to accumulated data and unused apps. A factory reset can improve performance.
- Fixing Software Issues: If you encounter persistent bugs or crashes, starting fresh can often resolve these issues.
Regardless of your reason, understanding how to properly delete everything on your Samsung S20 is crucial.
Preparing for the Deletion Process
Before you go ahead and delete everything, there are several preparations to keep in mind:
Backup Your Data
It is essential to backup your data before deleting it. You wouldn’t want to lose important photos, contacts, or other data. Here’s how you can do it:
- Use Samsung Cloud: Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud, and follow the prompts to back up your data.
- Back Up on Google Drive: Navigate to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Back up data, and activate Google Drive backup.
Removing External Storage
If your device has a microSD card, remove it to avoid losing any data stored on it. The deletion process can affect the contents of your SD card, depending on your settings.
Methods to Delete Everything on Samsung S20
Now let’s dive into the various methods for deleting all data and settings from your Samsung S20.
Using the Factory Reset Option
The most effective way to delete everything on your Samsung S20 is through a factory reset. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Access Settings
- Start by unlocking your Samsung S20.
- Locate and tap on the Settings app.
Step 2: Navigate to General Management
- Scroll down and find the General Management option.
- Tap on it to open various management options.
Step 3: Select Reset
- In the General Management section, tap on Reset.
- You will see several reset options; select Factory Data Reset.
Step 4: Review Information
- You’ll be presented with a list of information that will be deleted. Take a moment to review the data included.
- Note: This step is critical, as you will lose all data that is not backed up.
Step 5: Confirm the Reset
- Scroll down and tap on the Reset button.
- Enter your device’s PIN or password to confirm the action, then tap on Delete All.
The Samsung S20 will reboot and initiate the factory reset process. This may take a few minutes, and once completed, your device will appear as new.
Using Find My Mobile (Samsung Account Required)
If you’ve lost your device or cannot access the settings, Samsung provides a remote factory reset option via the Find My Mobile service.
Step 1: Visit Find My Mobile
- Use a computer or another mobile device and navigate to the Find My Mobile website findmymobile.samsung.com.
- Log in using the Samsung account linked to your S20.
Step 2: Select Your Device
- Once logged in, choose your Samsung S20 from the list of registered devices displayed.
Step 3: Factory Reset
- Click on the Erase Data option.
- Confirm the action, and this will remotely wipe all data from your device.
Deleting Individual Data Manually
If you only want to delete specific items rather than resetting the entire device, you can manually delete data. Here’s how to delete individual apps, messages, or media files.
Step 1: Uninstall Apps
- Go to Settings > Apps.
- A list of installed applications will appear. Tap on the app you want to uninstall.
- Select Uninstall, then confirm the action.
Step 2: Deleting Photos and Videos
- Open the Gallery app.
- Select the albums or photos you wish to delete.
- Tap the Delete icon and confirm your choice.
Step 3: Clearing Messages
- Open the Messages app.
- Long-press a conversation thread; select Delete from the action menu.
- To delete all messages at once, navigate to Settings in the Messages app and select Delete all conversations.
Considerations After Deletion
Once you’ve deleted everything on your Samsung S20, here are some important points to consider:
Setting Up the Device
You will need to set the device up as if it’s brand new. During the setup process, you can restore any backup you made earlier via Samsung Cloud or Google Drive. Simply follow the on-screen instructions to log into your accounts.
Security Best Practices
If you’re selling or giving away your device, ensure that you’ve removed your Samsung account and Google account links. This additional step prevents the new user from facing issues with account verification.
Conclusion
Deleting everything on your Samsung S20 doesn’t have to be a complicated process. By following the methods outlined in this guide, you can effectively wipe your device clean, ensuring your data is deleted and improving the overall performance of your smartphone. Whether you’re preparing your phone for a new user or troubleshooting issues, understanding how to reset and delete everything on your S20 is crucial for a smooth experience.
Take the necessary precautions to back up your data and follow the steps carefully to avoid any unwanted data loss. Enjoy your fresh start with your Samsung S20!
What are the steps to delete everything on a Samsung S20?
To delete everything on your Samsung S20, start by going to the Settings app on your device. From there, scroll down and tap on “General Management.” Look for the “Reset” option and select it. You will see a list of reset options available, including “Factory data reset.” Choose this option to proceed with the deletion process.
After selecting “Factory data reset,” you’ll be prompted to confirm your action. This step is crucial as it will remove all data, apps, and settings from your phone. Once you confirm, your device will begin the reset process, restarting itself in the process. When it powers back on, it will be in the same state as when you first bought it, requiring a new setup.
What data will be deleted when I perform a factory reset?
When you perform a factory reset on your Samsung S20, it will erase all personal data, including contacts, messages, photos, and any installed applications. In addition, all settings and user preferences will be reset to default. This means that any customized settings you have adjusted will return to their original state, as if the device is brand new.
It’s important to note that a factory reset will not delete data stored on external SD cards or in cloud backups. However, any data saved on the device itself will be permanently erased. Therefore, if you have important files you wish to keep, it is advisable to back them up before proceeding with the reset.
Can I back up my data before deleting everything?
Yes, you can and should back up your data before performing a factory reset on your Samsung S20. Samsung provides several backup options, including Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, and local backups to a computer. To back up your data using Samsung Cloud, navigate to Settings, tap on your Samsung account, and select “Cloud and Accounts.” From there, you can choose what data to back up.
Google Drive is another effective method for backing up your files. Simply sign in to your Google account and select the data you want to back up. You can also manually transfer files to your computer if you prefer a physical backup. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that important data is not lost during the factory reset process.
Is factory resetting the same as deleting individual apps?
No, factory resetting is not the same as deleting individual apps. When you delete individual apps, only those specific applications and their data are removed from your device. However, a factory reset wipes everything, including all apps, data, settings, and system files, reverting the device to its original condition.
If you simply wish to free up space or remove unwanted applications, you can uninstall them one by one through the Settings app or the Apps menu. This method is less drastic than a factory reset and allows you to retain other important information stored on your device.
Will a factory reset fix software issues on my Samsung S20?
Yes, performing a factory reset can fix various software issues on your Samsung S20. If your device is experiencing lag, crashing apps, or other performance problems, a reset can often resolve these issues by restoring the phone to its original state. This wipes corrupted files or problematic settings that might be affecting your device’s performance.
However, make sure to back up your data first, as all information will be deleted in the process. Additionally, if software issues persist even after a factory reset, it may indicate that there are deeper problems with your device, such as hardware-related issues, which will require professional diagnosis and repair.
Will a factory reset remove my Samsung account?
No, a factory reset will not remove your Samsung account itself; rather, it will log you out of the account on the device. However, all personal data stored on the device linked to that account will be deleted. After the reset, you will need to log back in to your Samsung account during the initial setup process to restore any cloud-stored data.
It is recommended to remove your Samsung account before resetting if you want to ensure that everything associated with the account is no longer connected to the device. This can help in managing your account better and keeping your data secure if you plan to sell or give away your device afterward.
What should I do if I forget my Samsung account password before resetting?
If you forget your Samsung account password before attempting to reset your Samsung S20, you can easily recover it. Go to the Samsung account login page and select “Forgot your password?” Follow the prompts to reset your password using your email address or phone number linked to your account. Once you have reset your password, you can log back in and proceed with your backup or reset.
If you are unable to reset your password through the self-service options, you can contact Samsung customer support for assistance. They can guide you through the steps to regain access to your account, ensuring that you don’t lose important data before performing a factory reset.
Does factory resetting improve battery performance on my Samsung S20?
Factory resetting can potentially improve battery performance on your Samsung S20 by removing applications and files that might be running in the background and consuming power. Over time, installed apps may accumulate cache and data that can slow down performance and drain the battery. A reset helps in starting fresh, removing unnecessary files that may be affecting battery longevity.
However, it’s essential to note that while a factory reset can provide a temporary boost in performance, it is not a guaranteed solution for battery issues. If you continue to experience battery problems after a reset, it may indicate underlying hardware issues, and you may need to explore options such as replacing the battery or optimizing your device settings for better battery life.