How to factory reset a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge

Factory reset is often a useful solution for many types of Android issues. Other than doing it for troubleshooting purposes, some may also want to know how to do it on their Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, especially if they plan on selling or donating the device away. Factory reset will delete all personal data such as photos, videos, documents, etc. in the storage device so be sure to back your files up before doing it. If you’re ready, follow our steps below on how to perform a factory reset.

Before we proceed, be reminded that we provide answers to Android problems. If you are looking for solutions to your own #Android issue, you can contact us by using the link provided at the bottom of this page. When describing your issue, please be as detailed as possible so we can easily pinpoint a relevant solution. If you can, kindly include the exact error messages you are getting to give us an idea where to start. If you have already tried some troubleshooting steps before emailing us, make sure to mention them so we can skip them in our answers.

Disable FRP before you reset

With the introduction of Android – 5.0 Lollipop, Samsung devices enjoyed stronger security features. Android – 5.0 Lollipop brought with it Factory Reset Protection or FRP that locks a device if a user fails to provide Google account credentials following a factory reset. This makes it harder for thieves to simply wipe a stolen device and use it. If FRP was enabled before the device was stolen, the screen would be locked for good unless the correct Google account is added to it.

So, even if you are the legitimate owner of your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge, you want to make sure that you won’t be locked out of your own device after wiping it. To do that, you must turn off FRP ahead of time. You also need to do this if you’re planning on giving or selling the device away.

To disable FRP on your Galaxy S7 or S7 edge:

1. Open Settings app.
2. Tap Lock screen and security and remove all passwords, patterns, or PINs you are using to secure your phone.
3. Once you’ve removed your screen lock, go back the main menu of Settings.
4. Then, go to Cloud and accounts.
5. Tap Accounts.
6. Select your Google account or accounts. Make sure to remove all Google accounts from the device.
7. Then, tap on More settings icon at the upper right of the account (three dots).
8. Tap Remove account button.

Steps to factory reset your Galaxy S7 / S7 edge

There are two ways to factory reset your device. One is via Settings and the other thru Recovery Menu. Here are the steps to do each of them.

Galaxy S7 Factory reset via Settings:

1. Create a backup of your data.
2. Go to Settings.
3. Scroll down to Backup and Reset.
4. Go to Factory Data Reset.
5. Here you will see the Reset Device button.
6. To confirm, it will ask you for your password, PIN, or pattern.
7. Then choose Delete All.

Galaxy S7 Factory reset via Recovery Menu or mode:

1. Create a backup of your data.
2. Turn off the device. This is important. If you can’t turn it off, you’ll never be able to boot to Recovery Mode. If you are not able to shut the device off regularly via the Power button, wait until the phone’s battery is drained. Then, charge the phone for 30 minutes before booting to Recovery Mode.
3. Press and hold the Volume Up key and the Bixby key, then press and hold the Power key.
4. When the green Android logo displays, release all keys (‘Installing system update’ will show for about 30 – 60 seconds before showing the Android system recovery menu options).
5. Press the Volume down key several times to highlight ‘wipe data / factory reset’.
6. Press Power button to select.
7. Press the Volume down key until ‘Yes — delete all user data’ is highlighted.
8. Press Power button to select and start the master reset.
9. When the master reset is complete, ‘Reboot system now’ is highlighted.
10. Press the Power key to restart the device.

 

---