Similar to other Samsung Galaxy smartphones, the recently released Galaxy S23 models also have different reset options that you can use whenever you need to restore default settings or resolve some transpiring system problems. Tackled in this quick tutorial is a reset that’s widely referred to as a hard reset. Read on for more detailed instructions.
Hard Reset & Factory Reset
A hard reset, also known as a factory reset, is a process that erases all the data and settings on a device and restores it to its original state.
A hard reset basically works the same as the usual factory reset (master reset). The only difference is on how it’s done. It is deemed a ‘hard’ reset because the process basically involves the use of hardware keys or physical buttons on the phone.
Steps to Hard Reset the Galaxy S23
If you’re aiming to try this reset to fix a fatal system issue on your Samsung Galaxy smartphone, be sure to back up all your important files beforehand. Failure to do so will result in permanent data loss given that this reset wipes everything from the system.
Once you have secured your backup files, you can proceed with the hard reset on your new Samsung Galaxy S23 with these simple steps:
Step 1: First, turn off the phone completely.
Step 2: While the phone is powered off, press and hold the Power button and the Volume up button simultaneously for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Do not let go of the buttons when you see the Samsung logo because you’ll need to get to the Android recovery menu.
Step 3: When you see the Android recovery screen, release both buttons. The Android recovery screen basically consists of text-based commands with a black background.
Step 4: Once you’re in the Recovery screen, press the Volume down button several times to navigate to the Wipe data/factory reset option.
Step 5: When the Wipe data/factory reset option is selected, press the Power button to confirm action.
Step 6: On the next screen, press the Volume down button to navigate to and highlight “Yes” and then press the Power key to confirm selection.
Step 7: Wait for the process to complete, which may take a few minutes.
Step 8: Once the reset is finished, press the Volume down button to navigate to the “Reboot system now” option and then press the Power key to confirm action. The phone will then instigate a system reboot.
Just wait for the phone to finish restarting and restore everything in the system to its original state, as if the device just came out of the box.
By then you can proceed with the initial setup and configure everything on your phone as new.
Common instances when a hard reset is needed
This reset is more drastic and should only be used when necessary. Among the common situations when you may have to consider resorting to a hard reset on your Galaxy S23 are as follows:
1. Forgotten Password or PIN.
If you forget your phone’s password or PIN, a hard reset can be performed to regain access to the phone. However, this will erase all data on the phone.
Malfunctioning Phone: If the phone is not working properly or is freezing, crashing, or experiencing other issues, a hard reset may help to fix the problem.
2. Prior to selling or sharing the phone.
If you plan to sell or donate the phone, performing a hard reset will erase all data and settings on the device, ensuring that your personal information is not accessible to others.
3. Cleaning up the phone system.
Over time, the phone may accumulate a lot of unnecessary data and files that slow down its performance. A hard reset can help to clean up the phone and restore it to its original state.
Hard Reset vs Fatal System Errors
A hard reset is also regarded as an effective solution to fatal Android system issues including the following:
- Slow Performance. If your Android device is running slow, a hard reset can help to clean up the phone and restore it to its original state, which may improve performance.
- Frequent App Crashes. If an app (particularly system/stock app) is crashing frequently, a hard reset can help to clear up any software conflicts and restore the phone to a stable state.
- Software-related battery draining. If your Android device is experiencing battery drain, a hard reset can help to clear up any background processes or apps that may be draining the battery.
- Unresponsive/stuck touchscreen. If the touchscreen on your Android device is unresponsive, a hard reset can help to clear up any software glitches and restore the touchscreen functionality.
- Recurring Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity issues. If you are experiencing connectivity issues with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, a hard reset can help to clear up any software conflicts and restore connectivity.
- Post-update bugs and malware. If a certain stock application or the phone itself suddenly malfunctions after a new software update installation, performing a hard reset on the phone can likewise be deemed among the drastic solutions. Software-related problems that suddenly instigated from an update are usually tied to some unknown bugs that need to be wiped out from the system.
A hard reset can also help unclog your phone’s internal system storage and thereby restores its optimal speed and overall system performance.
