This guide will explain how to do a factory data reset on the Samsung Galaxy S6 and how to delete all information and user data for those who are having problems, trade devices or even those who are selling the Galaxy S6 for something different. It’s usually the last resort when a device has a problem, but backing up and restoring Android is extremely easy these days so let’s review how to reset the Galaxy S6.
These days, our smartphones are extremely important devices with tons of information. Email accounts, banking and login information, photos, videos and much more. If you’re selling a device, it’s extremely important that you know how to delete it. Whatever your reasons are, here is how to reset Samsung’s new flagship smartphone or Galaxy S6 Edge.
With Android, Google has made factory data reset extremely easy. As the name suggests, it restores the device from the “factory” state you got it to. All apps, information, email accounts and more will be deleted. This is a great way to restart and fix bugs after major software updates and more. Lets start.
Some Samsung Galaxy S6 devices actually have a new option in the factory data reset menu that does not wipe the entire device, but resets all system settings and the like. This is something relatively new that our AT&T Galaxy S6 doesn’t have, but we’ll go over that and do a normal factory reset below.
With Android, Google makes the reset process extremely easy and basically the same on all devices. Although the menu and location are different sometimes, you will go to the same general area and click 2-3 buttons and you are done.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 is a brand new device that can make many transitions from iPhone or older Android devices to Samsung and if you need to know how to reset your device, here is how.
Instructions
This is extremely simple and is the same on almost all devices. For Galaxy S6 users, they will go to settings by tapping the gear-shaped settings button at the top of the notification bar or by finding the settings app in the app tray.
From here go to settings > personal > backup & reset. This will erase everything on your device, we repeat, everything. Apps, photos, videos and more will be gone. If you need to save your information, follow the backup instructions at the top of the page before continuing.
When an owner goes to personal > backup & reset, they will see several options to enable backup. This is on by default, so everything should already be stored in the Google cloud. If not, enable it and sync backup before resetting.
When you’re ready, scroll down and tap . This will show you everything that was removed. Most of them, like your Google account, Samsung account, Facebook, system and app settings, device settings, music, photos and all other user data. They will all be gone. So use it carefully.
Scroll to the bottom and tap Reset Device. This will start the process and it will only take a few minutes to completely wipe a smartphone. The device will then load the latest version of Android and reboot into the same state as it came out of the box. Ready to be installed and reused, sold or given away.
This is also a step many people take to correct misbehaving devices. If your Galaxy S6 has a few issues, try backing up and resetting everything. There’s now a new Tap N Go restore that Google has added to Android that makes restoring everything super simple. Just select this as you go through the initial setup and it will restore all your apps.
Some Samsung Galaxy S6 devices like Verizon also have a “reset settings” button in the aforementioned menu. This does not delete all your information, but rather all the settings, tweaks and software changes you have made while keeping everything else. It’s a new add-on and worth a try if you’re having trouble with the Galaxy S6.
You should do it?
Factory data reset should only be done if necessary. If you’re having problems, want to trade or sell the phone, or are giving it to a friend or family member, it’s always a good idea to delete everything on the phone. This allows the new owner to start with a clean slate and wipes everything on the device, ensuring the privacy of past users is preserved.
This is one of the steps every Android owner should know, and it’s easy enough that anyone can do it. It only takes a few minutes and the device will be back to the same state as it came out of the box in no time.
