Whether you want to reset your Samsung Galaxy S6 to factory default settings or perform a soft reset that keeps your data, this article teaches you how to do either. A reset is useful if your Galaxy S6 locks or freezes and no longer responds. Here’s how to perform both a soft or hard reset.
Soft Reset
A soft reset is useful for freezes or when your apps run amok. To soft reset a Samsung Galaxy S6, do the following:
- Press and hold the “Power” button.
- A screen appears. On the screen select Power Off and then tap OK.
- Wait a few seconds for the Galaxy S6 to completely turn off.
- Then, press and hold the “Power“ button until the logo appears.
- You just successfully soft reset your Galaxy S6.
Factory Reset
To factory reset Samsung Galaxy S6 devices (hard reset) is to erase all data on the device. You ought to sync your contacts and other data before doing so. You may also want to save other data externally. Here’s what to do:
- Go to the Home screen.
- Navigate to Settings via the menu.
- Tap Backup & reset and then Reset device.
- Next, choose Reset and select the option “Erase Everything“.
- A warning appears for you to confirm. Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Wait for the Galaxy S6 to restart and go through the initial set up.
Alternatively,
- Turn off your Galaxy S6.
- Press and hold the Volume Up + Home + Power key buttons for a couple of seconds.
- Once the Samsung Logo appears, release the held keys.
- The Recovery Mode menu appears.
- Using the Volume buttons, go to “wipe data/factory reset“.
- Use the Power button to confirm.
- Then, select “Yes — delete all user data” to confirm the operation once more.
- Wait for the Galaxy S6 to restart and go through the initial set up.
Final Advice
The above steps/methods allow you to factory reset your Samsung Galaxy S6. By now, you know that a hard or factory reset erases all data and information stored on your phone.
It restores your device to the default settings and it is like having a brand new smartphone to set up. Always make sure to back up important information before doing any of the above.
Additional Information
Here are a few things to keep in mind when resetting your Samsung Galaxy S6. With a particular focus on forgetting the password/lock screen combination and FRP (Factory Reset Protection).
Factory Reset Protection (FRP) Feature
According to Samsung, Android devices provide built-in security features you can use to protect your device and information, including screen locks and data encryption. Data protection, or Factory Reset Protection (FRP), is a security feature on Android devices with Lollipop 5.1 and higher.
FRP is automatically activated when you set up a Google Account on your device. Once FRP is activated, it prevents use of a device after a factory data reset, until you log in using a Google username and password previously set up on the device.
Disable Factory Reset Protection
- Go to Settings, select Lock screen and security, and remove all passwords, pins, and patterns.
- Go to Settings, select Accounts, and remove all Google accounts.
How To Factory Reset A Galaxy S6 When Locked?
You need to make sure that FRP is not activated because if it is and you do not know the password for your Google account, then you won’t be able to sign in or use the device.
The best method to use is to turn off the S6 and restart it in recovery mode and do the factory reset from there.
Can I Reset My Galaxy S6 Without Losing Data?
Yes and No. Yes in the sense that you can back up all your files and photos/videos before doing the factory reset. And, no in the sense that if you cannot back up your data and do a hard reset then you WILL lose all your data.