In a fast-paced world where smartphones serve as our lifelines, getting locked out of your device can feel daunting. The Samsung Galaxy S21, a powerful smartphone packed with features, is no exception. If you find yourself in a situation where your Samsung S21 is locked and you need to reset it, don’t worry! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to reset your Samsung S21 phone when locked, providing valuable insights, tips, and additional information to make the process as smooth as possible.
Understanding the Need to Reset Your Samsung S21
Before diving into the steps to reset your Samsung S21, it’s essential to understand why you might need to perform a reset. Resetting your locked device can help in several scenarios:
- You’ve forgotten your password, PIN, or pattern lock.
- The device is unresponsive or crashes frequently.
- You’re preparing to sell or give away your phone and need to erase personal data.
Resetting your Samsung S21 involves clearing all personal data from the device, returning it to its original factory settings. This process will delete everything: apps, contacts, photos, and settings, so it’s necessary to consider this before proceeding.
Preparing for the Reset
Before initiating the reset process, here are a few critical points to ensure you’re ready:
Backup Your Data
If you have access to your device and it’s functioning partially, try to back up your data before resetting. You can do this using Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or any other backup solution.
Confirm Battery Charge
Ensure that your Samsung S21 has at least 50% battery charge. If the battery is low, charge your phone before starting the process to prevent it from shutting off unexpectedly during the reset.
Methods to Reset Your Samsung S21 When Locked
There are two primary methods to reset a locked Samsung S21: performing a factory reset via Recovery Mode or using Find My Mobile. Let’s explore both methods in detail.
Method 1: Performing a Factory Reset via Recovery Mode
This method is highly effective if you cannot access the settings menu due to a lock. Follow the steps carefully to reset your device:
Step 1: Power Off Your Device
First, turn off your Samsung Galaxy S21. You can do this by holding the Power button and selecting “Power off.” If the phone is completely unresponsive, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds until it turns off.
Step 2: Enter Recovery Mode
Once your device is off, you’ll need to enter Recovery Mode. Do this by pressing and holding the Volume Up and Power buttons simultaneously.
- Keep holding both buttons until the Samsung logo appears on the screen, and then release both buttons.
- You should now see the Android Recovery menu.
Step 3: Navigate the Recovery Menu
In Recovery Mode, use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select options. Here’s how you can proceed:
- Select the option labeled Wipe data/factory reset.
- Confirm your choice by highlighting Yes and pressing the Power button to execute.
Step 4: Reboot Your Device
After the reset completes, you’ll return to the Recovery Menu. Highlight the option Reboot system now and press the Power button to restart your Samsung S21.
Your phone will now start fresh, and you’ll be able to set it up as if it were brand new.
Method 2: Using Samsung Find My Mobile
If you’ve set up your Samsung account and have access to the internet, this method could be the easiest way to reset your locked phone remotely.
Step 1: Go to Find My Mobile
Visit the Samsung Find My Mobile website (findmymobile.samsung.com) from a computer or another smartphone.
Step 2: Log In
Log in using the Samsung account associated with your locked Galaxy S21. You’ll need to enter your credentials to gain access to the features.
Step 3: Locate Your Device
Once logged in, select your locked Samsung S21 from the list of devices linked to your account.
Step 4: Select the ‘Erase Data’ Option
On the right side of the screen, you will see several options. Click on Erase Data and follow the prompts to confirm.
This process will also erase everything on your device, including the lock screen security, allowing you to access your phone afterward.
Post-Reset Steps for Your Samsung S21
Once you’ve reset your Samsung S21, you would begin the setup process afresh. Here’s what you need to consider:
Setting Up Your Device
Upon rebooting, you’ll be greeted with the initial setup screen. Follow these prompts:
- Select your language.
- Connect to a Wi-Fi network.
- Log into your Google and Samsung accounts to restore your apps and data if you backed them up before resetting.
Restoring Apps and Data
If you had backed up your data prior to the reset, you could restore your applications and settings linked with both your Google and Samsung accounts during the setup process. This step ensures you don’t lose critical information from your previous configuration.
Secure Your Device
After setting up your device, make sure to establish a security method to prevent future lockouts. This could be a strong password, pattern, or biometric authentication such as fingerprint or facial recognition.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Even with a straightforward process, you might encounter some challenges. Here are a few common issues and how to address them:
Device Not Responding
If, during the reset process, your device appears to be stuck, try performing a soft reset by force restarting it (holding the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously for about 10 seconds).
Failure to Enter Recovery Mode
Ensure you’re pressing the correct buttons. If you find entering Recovery Mode is not working, try timing your button presses more carefully or check that your device is completely powered off before beginning.
Conclusion
Being locked out of your Samsung S21 can be frustrating, but following the methods outlined in this guide can help you reset your device effectively. Whether opting for Recovery Mode or Samsung Find My Mobile, you now have the tools and information to regain access, clear your data, and start fresh.
Always remember to keep your data backed up and to implement robust security measures to avoid future lockouts. With this knowledge at your fingertips, you can confidently navigate the steps needed to reset your Samsung S21 phone when locked, bringing freedom back to your mobile experience.
What should I do first if my Samsung S21 phone is locked?
If your Samsung S21 phone is locked, the first step is to determine how it became locked. If it’s a result of forgetting your password or PIN, you can attempt to unlock it with the correct credentials. If you have entered the wrong attempt multiple times, your device may be temporarily locked, requiring you to wait a few minutes before trying again. Alternatively, if the device is locked due to an issue with your carrier, you may need to contact them for assistance.
If you’re unable to remember your password or if the device shows a different type of lock, you might consider using Samsung’s Find My Mobile feature. This service allows you to remotely unlock your device if it is connected to the internet. Simply log in with your Samsung account credentials, choose the lock option, and follow the prompts to reset your password.
Can I unlock my Samsung S21 without losing my data?
Yes, it is possible to unlock your Samsung S21 without losing any data, provided you follow the correct methods. If you have access to Samsung’s Find My Mobile service, using it to unlock your phone is the safest option. This method does not erase your data and allows you to regain access while preserving all your personal files and settings.
However, if you opt for a factory reset as a last resort, please note that this will erase all your data. It’s advisable to back up your important data regularly to ensure you can restore it after a reset. If you cannot access your phone at all, consider reaching out to a professional data recovery service before taking drastic measures.
What if I forgot my Samsung account credentials?
If you’ve forgotten your Samsung account credentials, recover them by visiting the official Samsung website or using the Samsung app. Look for the “Forgot ID or password?” option, and it will guide you through the steps to recover your account. You may be required to provide alternative information associated with your account, such as an email address or phone number, to verify your identity.
In some cases, if you cannot recover your Samsung account, you may need to perform a factory reset on your device. This will remove all data from the phone, including account information. Be prepared to lose content unless you’ve backed it up, and you will need to set up your phone as new with a new Samsung account once the reset is complete.
How can I perform a factory reset on my Samsung S21?
To perform a factory reset on your Samsung S21, go to the Settings app on your device. Scroll down and select ‘General Management,’ then tap on ‘Reset.’ You’ll see various reset options; choose ‘Factory Data Reset.’ You will be prompted to review the information that will be erased. Once you are ready, confirm the reset, and your phone will begin the process.
After the factory reset, your Samsung S21 will reboot and restore to its original settings. It is essential to remember that this action will delete all your data, including apps, contacts, and settings. Therefore, ensure you back up any important files before proceeding.
What is Samsung’s Find My Mobile, and how can it help?
Samsung’s Find My Mobile is a useful service that allows you to locate, lock, or unlock your Samsung device remotely. To use this feature, your phone must be registered with a Samsung account and connected to the internet. If your device is lost or locked, you can log into the Find My Mobile website on any browser using your Samsung account credentials.
Once logged in, you can access various features, including the option to unlock your device without losing data. This service is particularly effective for users who have forgotten their screen lock credentials, as it provides a straightforward method to regain access. Additionally, you can use it to track your device’s location if it’s lost, making it a comprehensive tool for managing your Samsung devices.
What are the potential risks of unlocking my Samsung S21?
Unlocking your Samsung S21 can sometimes come with risks, particularly if you use third-party unlocking tools or services. These methods may not be secure and can result in data loss, damage to the device, or breach of warranty. Moreover, using unverified sources may expose your phone to malware or other security threats, putting your personal data at risk.
Additionally, after unlocking your device, there is a chance that it may not function correctly if the unlocking process is not completed properly. For example, some features may become unavailable, or network connectivity could be affected. To minimize these risks, it’s advisable to stick with official methods, such as using Samsung’s services, which offer more reliability and security.