The Ultimate 2025 Guide: 3 Ways To Format Any Samsung Galaxy (One UI 6.1 & Hard Reset With PC)

Formatting your Samsung Galaxy phone is the definitive solution for major performance issues, preparing the device for sale, or completely eliminating persistent software bugs. As of December 2025, with the widespread adoption of One UI 6.1 and Android 14, the process remains straightforward, but there is one critical change for the "Hard Reset" method on newer models that every user must know.

This comprehensive guide details the three proven methods to restore your Samsung device to its factory settings. We focus on the most secure and up-to-date steps, ensuring you can perform a clean wipe, whether your phone is running slow or completely locked. Before starting, remember that a format operation will permanently erase all data on the internal storage, so a complete backup is non-negotiable.

Essential Pre-Formatting Checklist (The Non-Negotiable Steps)

Before initiating any type of reset—whether it’s a standard Factory Reset or a more aggressive Hard Reset—you must take these preventative steps. Ignoring them can lead to permanent data loss or, worse, a device locked by the Google security feature known as FRP (Factory Reset Protection).

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1. Perform a Complete Data Backup

You have three main options for a secure data backup:

• Samsung Cloud / Samsung Account: Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Back up data. Select everything, including Contacts, Call logs, Messages, and Settings, then tap Back up now.
• Google Backup: Go to Settings > Google > Backup. Ensure "Backup by Google One" is turned on and tap Back up now. This saves app data, photos (via Google Photos), and device settings.
• Samsung Smart Switch (PC/Mac): For the most thorough backup of everything, including secure folders and app layouts, connect your phone to a computer and use the official Smart Switch application. This creates a full local copy of your device.

2. Disable Factory Reset Protection (FRP Lock)

The FRP lock is a security measure that prevents thieves from using your phone after a reset. If you don't remove your main accounts before formatting, the phone will ask for the last synced Google Account credentials during setup, potentially locking you out if you forget them.

• Remove Google Account: Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Manage accounts. Tap on your Google Account, then select Remove account.
• Remove Samsung Account: In the same menu, tap on your Samsung Account and select Sign out or Remove account. You will need your password to confirm.

3. Check Battery Level

Ensure your battery is charged to at least 50%. A sudden power loss during the formatting process can corrupt the operating system, leading to a "bricked" device or a boot loop.

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Method 1: The Standard Factory Reset (Recommended)

This is the simplest and safest way to format your Samsung Galaxy and is the preferred method for devices that are fully functional and can access the Settings menu. This process is consistent across most recent models, including the Galaxy S24, A55, and Z Fold/Flip series running One UI 6.1.

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Go to Settings (the gear icon).
2. Scroll down and select General Management.
3. Tap on Reset.
4. Choose the option Factory data reset (or Restablecer valores predeterminados).
5. The phone will show a list of all data that will be erased (including your Google Account, Samsung Account, downloaded apps, and system data). Review this list carefully.
6. Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset.
7. Enter your PIN, password, or pattern to confirm.
8. Tap Delete all (or Eliminar todo) to begin the process.

The phone will restart, and the formatting process will begin. Once complete, it will boot up to the initial setup screen, just like a brand-new device.

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Method 2: The Hard Reset via Recovery Mode (For Locked or Unresponsive Devices)

The Hard Reset, also known as "Wipe Data/Factory Reset," is necessary when you cannot access the Settings menu—for instance, if you forget your lock screen pattern, the phone is stuck in a boot loop, or the system is frozen. This method utilizes the physical buttons to access the Android Recovery Menu.

CRITICAL UPDATE FOR 2025: For the Galaxy S20 series, S21, S22, S23, S24, and many A-series models (like the A55) running One UI 6.0 and newer, Samsung has implemented a security change: The phone must be connected to a PC or a pair of USB-C headphones to enter Recovery Mode when powered off. If you skip this step, the phone will simply turn on normally.

Hard Reset Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Power Off: Press and hold the Power Button (Side Key) and select Power off. If the phone is unresponsive, force a shutdown by pressing and holding Volume Down and Power Button simultaneously for about 10 seconds.
2. Connect to PC: Using a USB-C data cable, connect your powered-off Samsung phone to an active PC or laptop. Wait a few seconds for the charging indicator to appear.
3. Enter Recovery Mode: Press and hold the Volume Up Button and the Power Button simultaneously.
4. Release: As soon as the Samsung Galaxy logo appears on the screen, release both buttons. The device should now boot into the Android Recovery Menu.
5. Navigate: Use the Volume Down button to navigate through the menu options.
6. Wipe Data: Highlight Wipe data/factory reset.
7. Confirm: Press the Power Button to select.
8. Final Confirmation: Use the Volume Down button to highlight Factory data reset, and press the Power Button to confirm.
9. Reboot: Once the process is complete, the menu will return to the main screen. Ensure Reboot system now is highlighted and press the Power Button.

The phone will reboot and proceed with the factory reset, which will take several minutes. This process completely wipes the internal storage and restores the device to its default software state.

Method 3: Wiping the Cache Partition (The Soft Reset)

While not a full format, wiping the cache partition is a powerful, non-destructive step often used to resolve minor performance issues, random reboots, or glitches after a major software update (like an upgrade to Android 14 or One UI 6.1). It clears temporary system files without touching your personal data, photos, or apps.

Wipe Cache Partition Step-by-Step:

1. Power Off & Connect: Power off the phone and connect it to a PC using a USB-C cable (just like the Hard Reset method).
2. Enter Recovery Mode: Press and hold the Volume Up Button and the Power Button simultaneously. Release the buttons when the Samsung Galaxy logo appears.
3. Navigate: Use the Volume Down button to highlight Wipe cache partition.
4. Confirm: Press the Power Button to select.
5. Final Confirmation: Use the Volume Down button to select Yes, and press the Power Button.
6. Reboot: Once the cache wipe is complete, ensure Reboot system now is highlighted and press the Power Button.

Your phone will restart quickly, and you should notice a smoother performance without any loss of personal data. This is an excellent maintenance step for any Samsung Galaxy user.

Key Differences: Factory Reset vs. Hard Reset

Understanding the terminology is key to maintaining topical authority and ensuring you choose the right process:

• Factory Reset (Soft Reset): This is performed through the device's Settings menu. It is a software-based command that securely and completely wipes all user data and restores the original operating system configuration. It's the cleanest method when the phone is accessible.
• Hard Reset (Wipe Data/Factory Reset): This is performed externally via the Recovery Mode using physical buttons. It is typically used when the phone is locked, unresponsive, or experiencing deep-level software corruption that prevents access to the Settings menu. It achieves the same data wipe result but uses a different, lower-level system interface.
• Wipe Cache Partition: This is a non-destructive procedure, also performed in Recovery Mode, that only deletes temporary system files and logs. It does not affect personal data.

In conclusion, whether you are preparing to sell your Galaxy S24 Ultra, troubleshoot a slow Galaxy A55, or simply refresh an older device, following the correct, up-to-date steps—especially the crucial PC connection for a Hard Reset—will ensure a secure and successful formatting process every time. Always prioritize your data backup before you begin.