In today’s fast-paced digital world, smartphones have become essential tools for communication, entertainment, and productivity. Samsung’s Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition) is one such device that offers an impressive blend of performance and value. However, like any electronic device, there may come a time when you need to reset it. Whether you’re preparing to sell your device, troubleshooting issues, or just want a fresh start, knowing how to factory reset your Samsung S20 FE can save you a lot of hassle. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the steps involved, what to consider before resetting, and tips on managing your device afterward.
Understanding Factory Reset
A factory reset, also known as a hard reset, is the process of completely erasing all data, settings, and applications from your device, returning it to its original factory state. This process can resolve performance issues, remove unwanted software, and enhance the overall experience of your Samsung S20 FE.
Why Factory Reset?
– You intend to sell or give away your device.
– Your phone is experiencing persistent performance issues.
– You want to remove any malware or unwanted applications.
– You’re planning to start fresh with your device.
While the factory reset can be a useful tool, it’s important to consider that all your personal data will be removed during this process. Therefore, it’s crucial to back up your important files and data before proceeding.
Preparing for a Factory Reset
Before you initiate a factory reset, back up your data to ensure you don’t lose anything important. Here’s how to do that effectively:
How to Back Up Your Data
You can back up your data using Samsung Cloud or Google services.
- **Samsung Cloud**: Go to **Settings** > **Accounts and Backup** > **Backup and Restore** > **Samsung Cloud**. Choose what you wish to back up, such as photos, contacts, and settings.
- **Google Services**: Navigate to **Settings** > **Google** > **Backup**. Toggle on **Back up to Google Drive** and ensure your important data is selected for backup.
In addition to these options, ensure any media files, photos, and documents are also backed up to external storage or cloud services like Google Photos or Dropbox.
How to Factory Reset Your Samsung S20 FE
There are two primary methods to perform a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE: through the phone’s settings and using hardware buttons.
Method 1: Factory Reset via Settings
This is the most straightforward way to factory reset your device. Follow these steps:
- Open the **Settings** app on your Galaxy S20 FE.
- Scroll down and select **General Management**.
- Tap on **Reset**.
- Select **Factory data reset**.
- Review the information displayed, which outlines what will be deleted from your device.
- Scroll down and tap **Reset**.
- Enter your device PIN, password, or pattern if prompted.
- Confirm your selection by tapping **Delete all**.
Your phone will start the factory reset process. It may take a few minutes to complete. Once finished, your device will reboot and welcome you with the initial setup screen, just like when it was new.
Method 2: Factory Reset Using Hardware Buttons
If your device is unresponsive or you can’t access the settings menu, you can use the hardware buttons to perform a factory reset. Here’s how:
Step-by-step Instructions
- Power off your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE completely.
- Press and hold the **Volume Up** and **Power** buttons simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears.
- Once the logo shows, release both buttons.
- Using the volume buttons, navigate to **Wipe data/factory reset**.
- Press the **Power** button to select this option.
- Confirm your selection by navigating to **Yes** and pressing the **Power** button again.
- After the reset is complete, select **Reboot system now**.
Your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE will reboot, and you will be directed to the initial setup once again.
After the Factory Reset
Once you have successfully reset your device, there are a few critical steps to follow to ensure a smooth transition back to normal usage.
Restoring Your Data
If you have backed up your data, you can now restore it easily.
- During the setup process, you will be prompted to log into your Google account or Samsung account. This will allow you to restore your previously backed-up data automatically.
- You can manually download apps from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store if you’re not using cloud backup.
Setting Up Security Features
After restoring your data, it’s time to reconfigure your security settings. Setting up a secure method for unlocking your device is essential:
Options include:
- Fingerprint Scanner
- Face Recognition
- PIN or Pattern Lock
Make sure to choose a method that best suits your daily needs for security and convenience.
Updating Your Device
Factory resetting your device may require that you update some applications and system software. Ensure your software is up to date by going to:
Settings > Software update > Download and install.
Troubleshooting Post-Reset Issues
While a factory reset can resolve many issues, some problems may still persist even after taking this step. Here are some common troubleshooting tips:
Performance Issues
If your device is still slow or unresponsive:
– Clear application caches by navigating to Settings > Apps. Select each app, and tap Storage > Clear Cache.
– Ensure your device has enough storage space. Rotate or delete apps that you no longer use.
Battery Drain Problems
If you notice that your battery is draining rapidly:
– Check battery usage in Settings > Battery and Device Care > Battery. Here you can find apps consuming significant battery life.
– Adjust your display settings, such as reducing brightness or turning on Dark Mode, to conserve power.
Final Thoughts
Performing a factory reset on your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE can breathe new life into your smartphone, enabling it to run smoothly and efficiently. This process is straightforward, but it’s crucial to approach it with caution. Always back up your important data before proceeding, and be mindful of the consequences of resetting your device.
By following this detailed guide, you can factory reset your Samsung S20 FE with confidence, knowing that you’ll be able to get it back to its optimal condition. Whether you are troubleshooting issues, decluttering your phone, or readying it for a new owner, a factory reset can be a valuable tool in your smartphone toolkit.
What is a factory reset on the Samsung S20 FE?
A factory reset on a Samsung S20 FE is a process that erases all the data on the device, returning it to its original factory settings. This includes removing all personal data, apps, settings, and anything else that was added after the initial setup. It’s often used to troubleshoot issues, prepare the device for a new owner, or improve performance by removing unnecessary data.
Before performing a factory reset, it’s important to back up any important information, such as contacts, photos, and documents. Once the reset is complete, the phone will feel like new, but you will need to restore your data and reinstall apps to resume normal use.
How do I back up my data before resetting?
To back up your data on the Samsung S20 FE, you can use Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or manually copy files to a computer. To use Samsung Cloud, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud. Here, you can select the data types you wish to back up, such as photos, contacts, and notes, and then initiate the backup process.
For Google Drive, you can also go to Settings > Accounts and backup and select backup options for apps, contacts, and photos. Alternatively, you can connect your phone to a computer via USB and manually transfer files to ensure everything important is saved before you reset your device.
What are the different methods to factory reset my Samsung S20 FE?
There are two main methods to factory reset your Samsung S20 FE: through the Settings menu and using hardware buttons. To reset through Settings, move to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. This method is straightforward and allows you to see what data will be erased before you confirm the reset.
Alternatively, if your device is unresponsive, you can perform a reset using hardware buttons. Turn off your phone, then press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears. Use the volume buttons to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset,” then press the Power button to select it. This method is effective when the device is not functioning properly.
Will a factory reset remove my Google account?
Yes, a factory reset will remove your Google account along with all other accounts linked to your Samsung S20 FE. This means that once you perform a reset, you will need to sign in to your Google account again during the initial setup. This is an essential step if you want to regain access to Google services and data associated with your account, such as emails and saved app data.
It’s worth noting that if you have enabled Factory Reset Protection (FRP), you will be required to log in to the previous Google account after the reset to ensure that the device remains secure. This feature is helpful in preventing unauthorized access to the device if it is lost or stolen.
What should I do if my phone doesn’t turn on after the reset?
If your Samsung S20 FE doesn’t turn on after a factory reset, it could be due to several reasons, such as issues with the battery, software corruption, or hardware damage. First, try charging the phone for at least 15-30 minutes to ensure that the battery was not drained during the process. After charging, attempt to power it on by pressing the Power button.
If your phone remains unresponsive, you may consider performing a soft reset by pressing and holding the Power and Volume Down buttons together for about 10-15 seconds. This action can help reset the device’s state without affecting any data. If the issue persists, you may need to seek professional assistance or repair service.
Can I recover data after a factory reset?
Recovering data after performing a factory reset on the Samsung S20 FE can be quite challenging, but it is not always impossible. If you didn’t back up your data prior to resetting, you might be able to use third-party data recovery tools specifically designed for Android devices. These tools scan the internal storage for recoverable files, but success is not guaranteed.
However, if the data was overwritten after the reset, recovery is highly unlikely. Therefore, if your data is invaluable, it’s always best to ensure you have a reliable backup plan in place. Regular backups can save you from the hassle of losing important information due to unintentional resets or device issues.
How long does a factory reset take on the Samsung S20 FE?
The time it takes to complete a factory reset on the Samsung S20 FE can vary based on the amount of data stored on the device and the method used. Generally, a reset through the Settings menu can take anywhere from a few minutes to around 10 minutes, depending on the overall performance of the device and other factors. Once the reset is done, your phone will reboot, which adds to the total time needed.
If you are using hardware buttons for a reset, the process may be slightly quicker, as the device is not required to load system settings like during a soft reset. Regardless of the method, it is important to allow the process to complete without interruption to avoid potential software issues.
What happens to my apps and settings after a factory reset?
After a factory reset, all apps and settings will be erased from the Samsung S20 FE. This includes any downloaded apps, personal settings, and preferences you have customized. The device will revert to its original state as it was when first unboxed, which means you will need to reinstall apps from the Google Play Store and configure your settings anew.
While data such as contacts, messages, and media files will also be deleted, this can be avoided by performing a backup prior to the reset. Once you restore your backup, most of your previous app data and settings can be recovered, allowing you to return to your previous setup with minimal hassle.