In a world where smartphones are an integral part of our lives, it can be troubling when you find yourself locked out of your device. The Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) is no exception, and if you have forgotten your password, PIN, or pattern, you may find yourself searching for solutions. Fortunately, there is a method to reclaim access to your device. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to factory reset your locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, ensuring you can regain control of your phone and get back to what truly matters.
Understanding the Factory Reset Process
Before delving into the step-by-step guide, it’s essential to understand what a factory reset entails. A factory reset is a process that erases all data on your device, returning it to its original manufacturer settings. This means that personal data, apps, and settings will be deleted, leaving you with a clean slate.
Why You Might Need a Factory Reset
Here are a few common scenarios when you might need to factory reset your Galaxy S20 FE:
- You have forgotten your unlock PIN or pattern.
- Your device is malfunctioning and unresponsive.
In these cases, a factory reset can be a lifesaver. However, it’s crucial to remember that this process is irreversible, so it’s recommended to back up your data if possible.
Preparing for the Factory Reset
Before proceeding with the reset, there are a few preparatory steps you should take to ensure a smooth process.
Charge Your Device
First and foremost, ensure your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE has at least 50% battery remaining. A factory reset can take some time, and you don’t want your device to power off midway through the process. If your phone is locked, it may be challenging to know the battery percentage, but if it’s possible, plug it in until you feel confident about the charge.
Understand the Risks
Factory resetting your device will erase everything stored on it—contacts, photos, messages, and personal files. If you have vital information that you want to keep, consider the options for backing it up or be prepared to lose it entirely.
How to Factory Reset a Locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
If you find yourself standing at the crossroads of forgetting your credentials, fear not. There are methods available. This section will detail two effective approaches: using Recovery Mode and Samsung’s Find My Mobile service.
Method 1: Using Recovery Mode
Recovery Mode allows users to perform various system-level tasks, including a factory reset. Follow these steps carefully to unlock your device:
Step 1: Turn Off Your Device
Begin by holding the Power button until the Power off menu appears. Tap on Power off to turn off your device completely.
Step 2: Access Recovery Mode
To enter Recovery Mode, press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears. Once it does, release both buttons.
Step 3: Navigate in Recovery Mode
Upon entering Recovery Mode, you will see a blue screen with multiple options. To navigate, use the Volume buttons to scroll and the Power button to select options.
Step 4: Select ‘Wipe Data/Factory Reset’
Scroll down to the option labeled Wipe data/factory reset and select it by pressing the Power button.
Step 5: Confirm the Reset
You will be shown a warning message that confirms you want to proceed. Navigate to Yes and press the Power button once more to confirm.
Step 6: Reboot Your Device
Once the factory reset is complete, you will return to the Recovery Mode menu. From here, select Reboot system now to restart your device. Your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE will now boot up as if it were brand new.
Method 2: Using Samsung’s Find My Mobile
If you have your Samsung account linked to your Galaxy S20 FE, you can factory reset your device remotely using Samsung’s Find My Mobile service.
Step 1: Access Find My Mobile
On a computer or another device, open a web browser and go to the Find My Mobile website. Log in using your Samsung account credentials.
Step 2: Locate Your Device
Once logged in, the website will search for your registered devices. Select your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE from the list of devices associated with your account.
Step 3: Initiate the Factory Reset
In the device management options available, look for the Erase Data option. Click on it. This will initiate a factory reset on your device.
Step 4: Confirm the Reset
You will be prompted to confirm your selection. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the factory reset process.
Post-Factory Reset: What to Do Next
Congratulations! You have successfully performed a factory reset on your locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. However, you’re not quite done yet.
Setting Up Your Device
Upon rebooting, your device will present the initial setup screen, prompting you to set up the language, Wi-Fi network, and your Samsung account. Follow these steps to complete the setup process.
Restoring Data (If Applicable)
If you have previously backed up your data to Samsung Cloud or Google Drive, you can restore your information during the setup process. Simply follow the options to restore your accounts and data when prompted.
Security Precautions
To avoid future lockouts, consider the following security recommendations:
- Set up biometric security options such as fingerprints or facial recognition.
- Regularly back up your data to prevent data loss.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the factory reset process is straightforward, you may encounter some common problems. Here’s how to troubleshoot:
Device Won’t Enter Recovery Mode
If you’re unable to enter Recovery Mode, check the following:
- Ensure you’re holding the correct buttons simultaneously and for long enough (approximately 10 seconds).
- Make sure your device isn’t functioning normally, which may prevent it from powering down properly.
Find My Mobile Not Working
If you’ve forgotten your Samsung account details or can’t access Find My Mobile:
- Try recovering your Samsung account using the account recovery options.
- If you can’t recover it, you may unfortunately need to proceed with methods that do not require account access.
Conclusion
Factory resetting a locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE might seem daunting, but with this comprehensive guide, you possess all the tools needed to regain control of your device quickly. Whether through Recovery Mode or the Find My Mobile service, being equipped with the right knowledge is paramount. Remember, while factory resets are effective, they are a last resort and should be done with careful consideration. By following these steps, you can ensure your device is reset and ready for use once again. Happy resetting!
What does it mean to factory reset a locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE?
Factory resetting a locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE means restoring the device to its original settings, erasing all data and personalized content. This process removes any accounts and settings associated with the device, including the lock screen security measures. As a result, you will regain access to the phone; however, all data will be lost, including photos, contacts, and apps, unless they have been previously backed up.
The factory reset is often used as a last resort to regain access to a locked device or to prepare the phone for a new user. While it effectively removes the lock, users should approach this option with caution since recovery of deleted data post-reset is generally not possible without prior backup.
How do I perform a factory reset on a locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE?
Performing a factory reset on a locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE requires entering Recovery Mode. To do this, power off the device completely. Then, press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears. Once you see the Recovery Mode screen, release the buttons, and use the volume buttons to navigate the menu.
In Recovery Mode, select “Wipe data/factory reset” using the Power button to confirm your selection. After that, navigate to “Yes” to confirm the data wipe. Once the process is complete, you can choose “Reboot system now” to restart the phone. Your device should now be reset to its factory settings, removing all previous data and security locks.
Will a factory reset remove my Google account from the device?
Yes, a factory reset will remove all Google accounts associated with the locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE during the reset process. However, it’s important to note that if the phone has Factory Reset Protection (FRP) enabled, you will need to sign in with the Google account credentials that were previously linked to the device after the reset. This feature is designed to prevent unauthorized access to the device after a reset.
To avoid potential issues, make sure you remember your Google account credentials. If you cannot recall your account information, it may hinder your ability to set up the device post-reset, particularly if FRP is activated. Always consider backing up important information before proceeding with a factory reset.
Will I lose all my data after a factory reset?
Yes, performing a factory reset on your locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE will result in the loss of all data on the device. This includes contacts, messages, photos, videos, apps, and any other personal information stored on the internal memory. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure that you have a backup of your essential data before proceeding with the reset, if possible.
To back up your data, you can use Samsung Cloud or Google Drive before the device is locked. However, if you’re locked out and unable to access your device, retrieving your files will not be feasible after the reset. Always think carefully before deciding to factory reset your locked device, as the deletion of data is permanent.
Is there any way to recover data after a factory reset?
Once you perform a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE, recovering data directly from the device becomes highly unlikely. Factory resets are designed to permanently erase all personal data on the device. If you did not have a backup in place, unfortunately, you may not be able to retrieve the lost files.
Your only option to retrieve some data might be using third-party recovery software, which sometimes can recover files from previously deleted data, but the success rate is not guaranteed, especially after a factory reset. It’s important to remember that backing up data regularly can prevent loss in similar situations in the future.
Can a factory reset fix software issues on my Samsung Galaxy S20 FE?
Yes, performing a factory reset can often help resolve various software issues on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE. If you experience problems like freezing, crashing apps, or slower performance, a reset can restore the device to its original state, eliminating potentially corrupted files or faulty settings. This process gives the device a fresh start, which may improve its overall functionality.
However, it is essential to consider that if the issues stem from hardware malfunctions, a factory reset will not resolve those underlying problems. Always ensure that a reset is a necessary step in troubleshooting before proceeding, and consider backing up important data to prevent any unwanted loss.
What should I do if I am unable to reset my locked Galaxy S20 FE?
If you’re unable to perform a factory reset on your locked Samsung Galaxy S20 FE due to issues navigating Recovery Mode or if the device is unresponsive, there are a few options you may consider. Start by ensuring that your device has sufficient battery charge and is powered off properly. If you’re still experiencing issues, try performing the reset using Samsung’s official support channels or try visiting a local service center.
Alternatively, you can use the Find My Mobile service from Samsung if you’ve linked your account to the device before it was locked. This service can allow you to unlock your device remotely or perform a reset without needing to access the phone physically. If all else fails, seeking professional help from a technician may be necessary to assist in unlocking your device.