If you own a Samsung Galaxy S20 FE (Fan Edition), you know that it offers a fantastic blend of premium features at an accessible price point. However, like any electronic device, there may come a time when you need to reset your phone to factory settings. Whether you’re troubleshooting performance issues, preparing to sell your device, or clearing up space, understanding how to perform a factory reset on your Samsung S20 FE is essential. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about resetting your device, the types of resets available, and tips for preparing your phone for a fresh start.
Understanding Factory Reset: What You Need to Know
A factory reset, or hard reset, restores your device to its original settings as if it just came out of the box. This process removes all user data, including apps, contacts, messages, and files. Knowing when to perform a factory reset can be crucial for maintaining your device’s optimal performance.
Why Would You Reset Your Samsung S20 FE?
The reasons for resetting a smartphone can vary widely, but here are some common situations where this action may be warranted:
- Preparing to Sell: If you are planning to sell or give away your Galaxy S20 FE, a factory reset ensures that all your personal information is deleted.
- Troubleshooting Issues: If your phone has become sluggish, unresponsive, or is experiencing glitches, a reset can often resolve these problems by erasing any corrupted files or settings.
Different Types of Resets: Soft vs. Hard Reset
It’s important to distinguish between a soft reset and a hard reset:
- Soft Reset: This method simply restarts your device. An effective way to troubleshoot minor issues without losing any data.
- Hard Reset: This action erases all data on your device and restores it to factory settings. It’s crucial to back up any necessary files before proceeding.
How to Prepare for a Factory Reset
Before diving into the reset process, it’s essential to prepare your Samsung S20 FE. Following these steps will ensure you don’t lose important information.
Step 1: Backup Your Data
Backing up data is one of the most critical steps before a reset. You can use various methods:
Using Samsung Cloud:
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on Accounts and Backup.
- Select Backup and Restore.
- Choose Backup data and follow the prompts.
Using Google Drive:
- Open Google Drive.
- Tap the + icon, then select Upload.
- Choose the files and folders you want to save.
Step 2: Note Down Important Information
Make a note of essential passwords, contacts, and any other critical pieces of information that you may need later.
How to Reset Samsung S20 FE to Factory Settings
There are two primary methods to perform a factory reset on your Samsung S20 FE: through the settings and using hardware keys. Here’s how you can do it:
Method 1: Factory Reset via Settings
This is the most straightforward method and can be completed with just a few taps.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Open Settings: Locate the ‘Settings’ app on your home screen or app drawer.
- Navigate to General Management: Scroll down and find ‘General Management’.
- Choose Reset: Tap on ‘Reset’ to see the options available.
- Select Factory Data Reset: You will see several reset options; select ‘Factory data reset’.
- Review the Information: This screen will provide an overview of what will be erased. Scroll down and tap on ‘Reset’.
- Enter Your PIN/Password: If prompted, enter your device’s PIN, password, or pattern to continue.
- Confirm Reset: Finally, tap on ‘Delete all’. Your phone will reboot and begin the reset process.
This method is user-friendly and should only take a few minutes, depending on the amount of data that needs to be erased.
Method 2: Factory Reset Using Hardware Keys
Sometimes, you may not be able to access the settings due to a serious software malfunction. In that case, you can reset your Samsung S20 FE using hardware keys.
Step-by-step Guide:
- Power Off Your Device: Turn off your Samsung S20 FE completely.
- Enter Recovery Mode: Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously.
- Release Buttons: Once the Samsung logo appears, release both buttons.
- Navigate with Volume Keys: You will see the Android Recovery screen. Use the volume keys to navigate to ‘Wipe data/factory reset’.
- Select with Power Button: Press the Power button to select this option.
- Confirm Reset: Highlight ‘Yes’ and press the Power button again to confirm.
- Reboot Your Device: Once the data wipe is complete, go back to the home screen of the recovery mode and select ‘Reboot system now’.
Using hardware keys is a useful alternative if you’re locked out or facing significant issues.
Post-Reset: What to Expect
After your Samsung S20 FE is reset, it will restart and display the initial setup screen. This means that your device is now as good as new, but you’ll need to set it up again.
Setting Up Your Device
Once your phone has rebooted, you can follow the on-screen instructions to set up your device. This includes connecting to Wi-Fi, signing into your Google or Samsung account, and restoring any backed-up data.
Reinstalling Apps and Data
If you have backed up your data using Samsung Cloud or Google Drive, now is the time to restore your apps and files.
Final Tips on Using Your Samsung S20 FE After a Reset
After you’ve successfully reset and set up your device, keep the following tips in mind to ensure optimal performance:
Regular Backups
Make it a habit to back up your data regularly. This will prevent the loss of important files in case you need to reset your phone again in the future.
Monitor Performance
After a factory reset, closely monitor your device to determine if any lingering issues remain. If problems persist, this could indicate a hardware issue that may require professional attention.
Utilize Device Care
Samsung offers a feature called Device Care that can help optimize the performance of your Galaxy S20 FE. Make sure to periodically check this setting to maintain your device’s health.
Conclusion
Resetting your Samsung Galaxy S20 FE to factory settings is a powerful tool that can breathe new life into your device. Whether you’re preparing it for a new user, solving technical issues, or simply looking to clear space, knowing how to perform a proper reset is invaluable. Always remember to back up your data and keep your software updated for the best possible experience. With this comprehensive guide, you now have all the information needed to effectively and safely reset your Samsung S20 FE. Happy resetting!
What does resetting a Samsung S20 FE to factory settings do?
Resetting your Samsung S20 FE to factory settings erases all data, apps, and settings, returning the device to its original state as it was when it was first purchased. This process clears personal data such as contacts, messages, photos, and installed applications. It is an effective way to troubleshoot persistent software issues or prepare the device for sale or transfer.
After the reset, the phone will restart and prompt you to set it up like a new device. All your data will be unrecoverable unless you have backups stored on cloud services or an external device. Therefore, it’s crucial to back up any important information before proceeding with the factory reset.
How do I back up my data before resetting my Samsung S20 FE?
To back up your data, you can use Samsung’s built-in backup features or third-party applications. Samsung Cloud allows you to back up contacts, messages, photos, and app data. Simply go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Backup and Restore, then select Samsung Cloud and follow the instructions to back up your data.
Alternatively, you can create a backup using Google Drive or other cloud services. Ensure you sync your Google account by going to Settings > Accounts > Google, selecting your account, and enabling the necessary syncing options. For a more comprehensive backup, consider connecting your phone to a computer and manually transferring files.
Can I cancel the factory reset process once it has started?
Once the factory reset process has begun, it cannot be canceled. The reset will continue to completion, which typically takes a few minutes. During this time, your device will go through various stages of erasing data and restoring settings. Attempting to interrupt this process can lead to software issues, so it’s advisable not to power off your device.
If you change your mind about the reset before starting, you can simply exit the reset menu. Always ensure that you are ready to proceed with the factory reset because once it is initiated, there is no option to stop it until it’s complete.
How do I perform a factory reset on my Samsung S20 FE manually?
To perform a factory reset manually, start by navigating to the “Settings” app on your Samsung S20 FE. Scroll down and select “General Management,” then tap on “Reset.” From the list of reset options, choose “Factory Data Reset.” The system will display information about the data that will be erased.
After reviewing the information, tap on “Reset” at the bottom. You will be prompted to enter your PIN or password for security purposes. Confirm your choice to initiate the reset, and your device will automatically restart once the process is completed.
What if I forget my PIN or password before resetting my Samsung S20 FE?
If you have forgotten your PIN or password, you can use the Find My Mobile service provided by Samsung. First, ensure that you have a Samsung account set up and that your device has internet access. Visit the Find My Mobile website, sign in using your Samsung account, and select your device from the list. You can choose the option to unlock your device remotely.
If you do not have access to Find My Mobile or your Samsung account, you may need to perform a factory reset using the hardware buttons. This method involves shutting down your device, then pressing and holding the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously until the recovery menu appears. From there, you can navigate to the factory reset option and confirm your choice.
Will a factory reset remove my Google account from my Samsung S20 FE?
A factory reset will erase all your data, including your Google account and any other accounts you have synced with your Samsung S20 FE. However, it is essential to note that the next time you set up the device, you will be required to log in with your Google account if you had Factory Reset Protection (FRP) enabled. This security feature is designed to prevent unauthorized access to your device.
If you plan on selling or giving away your phone, it is recommended to remove your Google account before performing the factory reset to prevent any issues during the setup of the new user’s device. You can do this by going to Settings > Accounts > Google, selecting your account, and choosing the option to remove it.
How can I restore my data after resetting my Samsung S20 FE?
After performing a factory reset, restoring your data can be done through the backup method you used before the reset. If you backed up your data using Samsung Cloud, during the setup process after the reset, log in to your Samsung account and select the restore option. This will allow you to recover your contacts, messages, apps, and other data that were previously backed up.
If you opted for Google Drive for backup, sign in with your Google account and follow the prompts to restore your data during the setup process. Ensure to check if all desired data is restored, as some third-party apps may require you to log in again or reset their settings manually.