The Samsung S20 Plus is a powerful smartphone known for its impressive features and high performance. However, like any electronic device, it may occasionally require a reset to function optimally. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues, preparing to sell your phone, or simply want to refresh your device, resetting your Samsung S20 Plus can be a great solution. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to reset your Samsung S20 Plus effectively, ensuring you take advantage of its full potential.
Understanding the Need to Reset Your Samsung S20 Plus
Resetting your Samsung S20 Plus is a straightforward process, but it is essential to understand why you might need to do it in the first place. Below are some common reasons for resetting a smartphone:
Performance Issues
Over time, smartphones can accumulate cache files and data that may slow down their performance. If you notice lagging, freezing, or slow app response times, a reset can help restore your device to its original speed.
Software Glitches
Software bugs and glitches can hinder functionality. If you frequently experience app crashes or unexpected behavior from your Samsung S20 Plus, a reset might resolve these issues.
Preparing for Sale or Trade-In
If you’re planning to sell or trade in your S20 Plus, you should reset it to factory settings. This ensures that all your personal data is wiped clean, protecting your privacy.
Starting Fresh
Sometimes, you may want a fresh start on your phone. A reset can clear unnecessary apps and files, providing a clean slate.
Types of Resets
Before diving into the reset process, it is essential to understand that there are two main types of resets: a soft reset and a hard reset.
Soft Reset
A soft reset is often performed when the phone is unresponsive or when you want to restart it without losing any data. It can be done quickly and does not erase personal information.
Hard Reset
A hard reset returns your Samsung S20 Plus to its factory settings. This method erases all data, applications, and settings, restoring the device to its original state. It is crucial to back up your data before performing a hard reset.
How to Perform a Soft Reset
Performing a soft reset on your Samsung S20 Plus is simple and can be done in under a minute.
Step-by-Step Guide to Soft Reset
- Press and hold the Power button located on the right side of your device.
- When the Power off menu appears, select “Restart.”
- Tap “Restart” again to confirm.
- Wait for your phone to automatically reboot.
This method does not affect any personal data and is a safe way to troubleshoot minor issues.
How to Perform a Hard Reset
For more significant problems or if you want to clear all data, a hard reset is necessary. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Back Up Your Data
Before resetting your Samsung S20 Plus, it is imperative to back up your important data to prevent losing anything valuable. You can do this by:
- Using Samsung Cloud to sync your contacts, calendar, photos, and more.
- Backing up to Google Drive for documents, apps, and additional files.
Make sure that your backups are complete before proceeding.
Step 2: Factory Reset via Settings
The factory reset process can be completed through your phone’s settings. Follow these steps:
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung S20 Plus.
- Scroll down and tap on General management.
- Select Reset.
- Tap on Factory data reset.
- Scroll down and tap Reset.
- If prompted, enter your device PIN or password for security verification.
- Confirm by selecting Delete all.
Your Samsung S20 Plus will restart and begin the resetting process. This can take some time, so be patient.
Step 3: Performing a Hard Reset Using Hardware Buttons
If your phone is unresponsive or you cannot access the settings menu, you can perform a hard reset using the hardware buttons.
Step-by-Step Guide to Hardware Reset
- Turn off your Samsung S20 Plus.
- Press and hold the Volume Up button and Bixby button (if applicable), then press and hold the Power button.
- When the Samsung logo appears, release all buttons.
- Use the Volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset and press the Power button to select it.
- Navigate to Yes and confirm the selection with the Power button.
- Once the reset is complete, select Reboot system now.
Your device will restart and return to its factory settings.
Post-Reset Considerations
After successfully resetting your Samsung S20 Plus, there are several important considerations to keep in mind:
Setting Up Your Device
Once the reset process is complete, you will need to go through the initial setup process. This includes selecting your language, connecting to Wi-Fi, and signing in to your Google or Samsung account.
Restoring Backup Data
If you backed up your data before the reset, you can restore it during the setup process. Follow the prompts to restore your files and settings to get your device back to its original state.
Reinstalling Applications
You will need to reinstall any applications that you need, as they will be removed during the factory reset. Simply access the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store to download your preferred apps.
Updating Software
It’s a good practice to check for software updates after resetting your device. Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install to ensure your phone is up to date.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
While resetting your Samsung S20 Plus can often resolve problems, some issues may persist. Here are common troubleshooting steps you can take:
Device Still Slow After Reset
If your device continues to experience performance issues even after a factory reset, consider checking for software updates or visiting a Samsung service center for assistance.
Apps Not Functioning Properly
If applications are not working correctly, try uninstalling and reinstalling them. Ensure that your device has adequate storage and RAM available for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Resetting your Samsung S20 Plus can breathe new life into your device, helping to enhance its performance and fix software glitches. Whether you choose a soft reset for minor issues or a hard reset for a complete fresh start, following the steps outlined in this guide will ensure a smooth experience when resetting your device. Always remember to back up your data before performing any reset to protect your valuable information. With these measures in place, you can enjoy your Samsung S20 Plus to its fullest!
What is the purpose of resetting my Samsung S20 Plus?
Resetting your Samsung S20 Plus can help resolve persistent performance issues, software glitches, or other operational problems. It essentially restores your device to its original factory settings, erasing all personal data, apps, and settings. If your phone has been running slowly or crashing frequently, a reset can provide a fresh start and improve its overall functionality.
Additionally, resetting is an important step if you plan to sell or give away your device. By doing a factory reset, you ensure that all your personal information is removed, protecting your privacy and preventing the next user from accessing your accounts, files, or sensitive information. It’s a simple yet effective way to prepare your phone for a new owner.
How do I perform a factory reset on my Samsung S20 Plus?
To perform a factory reset on your Samsung S20 Plus, start by backing up any important data, as this process will erase all information from your device. Go to “Settings,” then navigate to “General Management.” Here, select “Reset,” followed by “Factory Data Reset.” You will see a list of the information that will be erased from your device. Confirm your choice by tapping “Reset” at the bottom of the screen.
Once you’ve confirmed the reset, your device may prompt you to enter your PIN, password, or biometric authentication. After successful verification, select “Delete All” to begin the reset process. Your Samsung S20 Plus will restart and wipe all user data, returning it to the state it was in when it was first unpacked. This process usually takes a few minutes, after which you’ll be presented with the initial setup screen.
Will resetting my Samsung S20 Plus delete all my data?
Yes, performing a factory reset on your Samsung S20 Plus will delete all data stored on the device. This includes your contacts, messages, photos, applications, and any files saved on the internal storage. It is crucial to back up everything you want to keep before initiating the reset process. You can use Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or other backup solutions to safeguard important files and data.
Also, it is a good idea to take note of any essential account information, such as passwords for apps and services, to make the reconfiguration process easier once you set up your phone again. By preparing adequately, you can prevent data loss and ensure a smooth transition after the reset.
Can I reset my Samsung S20 Plus if I forget my password?
If you’ve forgotten your password, you can still reset your Samsung S20 Plus using the hardware buttons. To do this, turn off your device first. Then, press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously until you see the Samsung logo. Release the buttons, and you’ll be taken to the recovery menu. Use the Volume buttons to navigate the menu and highlight “Wipe data/factory reset.” Select it using the Power button.
After you confirm the factory reset, your device will erase all data and reset to its factory settings. It’s important to note that this process will also remove all your personal data, including the password you’re trying to bypass. Therefore, only use this method if you’re comfortable with losing all data on your device.
How long does it take to reset a Samsung S20 Plus?
The time required to reset your Samsung S20 Plus can vary depending on the amount of data stored on the device and its current performance issues. Generally, a factory reset usually takes around 5 to 10 minutes to complete. The device will first prepare for the reset and then perform the action, after which it will restart and present the initial setup screen.
However, the total time to set up your device again can take longer, especially if you choose to restore your data from a backup. After a reset, you will need to go through the setup process, which includes logging back into your accounts and reinstalling any apps you had previously. Be prepared to spend additional time getting your device back to your preferred setup.
What should I do if my Samsung S20 Plus is not resetting properly?
If your Samsung S20 Plus is not resetting as expected, you may want to check for any software updates prior to attempting the reset again. Sometimes, glitches or bugs can interfere with the reset process. Ensure that your device is fully charged or plug it into a power source during the reset attempt to avoid interruptions.
If the device still doesn’t reset properly through the standard methods, consider performing a hard reset using the hardware buttons. This method is more comprehensive and can help resolve deeper software issues that might prevent a standard reset. Be aware that both methods will erase all data from your device, so ensure that you have backed up any important information beforehand.