How to Reset Samsung Tablet to Factory Settings

Are you facing issues with your Samsung tablet, and thinking about a factory reset? It could be running slow, crashing frequently, or you just want to wipe it clean before passing it on. Whatever your reason, knowing how to reset Samsung tablet to factory settings, and implementing it so you can give your tablet a new life. Let’s focus on everything you need to know about performing a factory reset on your Samsung tablet.

Understanding Factory Reset

What is a factory reset?

A factory reset, also known as a master reset, restores your device to its original system state by erasing all the data stored on it. This includes apps, settings, and personal files, making it new.

Differences between soft reset and hard reset

A soft reset is simply restarting your device, which can solve minor issues without deleting any data. A hard reset, or factory reset, wipes all data and restores the device to its original settings.

Reasons for the factory reset of a Samsung tablet

Factory resetting a Samsung tablet can be necessary or beneficial for various reasons. Here are some common scenarios where a factory reset might be needed:

1. Resolving Software Issues

• Fixing Performance Problems: Over time, tablets can become slow or unresponsive due to software bloat, accumulated cache, or corrupted files. A factory reset of your tab can clear out these issues and restore the smart device to its original performance.
• Eliminating Bugs and Glitches: Persistent software bugs or glitches that don’t resolve with standard troubleshooting steps can often be fixed with a factory reset.
• Removing Malware or Viruses: If your tablet has been infected with malware or viruses that are difficult to remove, a factory reset will wipe all malicious software.

2. Preparing for Sale or Transfer

• Protecting Personal Data: Before selling or giving away your tablet, a factory reset ensures all your personal data, including accounts, photos, and documents, are completely erased.
• Returning to Original State: A factory reset returns the tablet to its original factory settings, making it like new for the next user.

3. Starting Fresh

• Clearing Out Unwanted Apps and Data: Over time, you might accumulate a lot of apps, files, and settings that you no longer need or use. A factory reset can provide a clean slate, allowing you to start over with a fresh setup.
• Troubleshooting: If you’re experiencing issues that aren’t easily diagnosed, starting fresh with a factory reset can help you determine if the problem is software-related.

4. Changing Ownership

• Passing the Device to a Family Member or Friend: When giving your tablet to someone else, resetting it ensures they have a clean device without any of your data.
• Returning to Employer: If the tablet was provided by your employer, a factory reset is often required before returning it.

5. Security Concerns

• Addressing Security Vulnerabilities: Sometimes, security vulnerabilities are discovered that require a complete system wipe to fully address.
• Removing Unauthorized Access: If you suspect someone has gained unauthorized access to your tablet, a factory reset can help you remove any potentially harmful changes they made.

6. After Major Updates

• Resolving Update Issues: Major system updates can sometimes cause compatibility issues or bugs. If problems persist after an update, a factory reset can help stabilize the device.

7. Device is Locked or Unresponsive

• Locked Out: If you forget your password, PIN, or pattern and can’t access your tablet, a factory reset via recovery mode can unlock the device.
• Unresponsive Tablet: In cases where the tablet becomes completely unresponsive or stuck in a boot loop, a factory reset can be a necessary step to regain functionality.

8. Following a Backup

• Restoring from a Backup: After backing up important data, a factory reset followed by a selective restore can help clean up the system and only bring back essential data and apps.

What to Do Before a Factory Reset

Some preparation should be there before you start factory reset of your tablet.

Backing up your data

Before resetting your tablet, ensure that all important data is backed up to avoid losing it.

Ensuring you have the necessary passwords

You’ll need your Google account and Samsung account passwords to set up your device after the reset.

Charging your tablet sufficiently

Make sure your tablet is charged to at least 50% to prevent any interruptions during the reset process.

How to Back Up Your Samsung Tablet

Using Samsung Cloud

1. Go to Settings. Then go to Accounts and backup. Now click on Samsung Cloud.
2. Select Backup data.
3. Choose the data, from your device, you want to back up.
4. Tap Back up now.

Using Google Drive

1. Open Settings > Accounts and backup > Backup and restore.
2. Select Google account.
3. Tap Back up now.

Manual backup to a computer

1. Using a USB cable, connect your tablet to a computer.
2. Transfer important files manually to your computer.

Soft Reset vs. Hard Reset

Definition and steps for a soft reset

A soft reset is akin to restarting your computer. It’s the first step to take when troubleshooting your device.

Steps:

1. Hold down the Power button.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Wait for the device to reboot.

Definition and steps for a hard reset

A hard reset deletes all data and settings, returning the device to its factory state.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings. Navigate General management. Then Click on Reset.
2. Tap Factory data reset.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Performing a Soft Reset

Step-by-step guide for a soft reset

1. Hold the Power button of your tablet until the power menu appears.
2. Select Restart.
3. Confirm the action and wait for the tablet to reboot.

Troubleshooting common issues

• If your tablet doesn’t restart, try holding the power button for a longer time.
• Ensure the battery isn’t dead; charge your tablet if necessary.

Performing a Hard Reset via Settings

Step-by-step guide for resetting via the settings menu

1. Open Settings.
2. Navigate to General management.
3. Select Reset.
4. Tap Factory data reset.
5. Read the information, then tap Reset.
6. Confirm by selecting Delete All.

Performing a Hard Reset via Recovery Mode

What is recovery mode?

Recovery mode is a special mode that allows you to perform various system-level tasks without booting into the Android OS.

Step-by-step guide for using recovery mode

1. Turn off the tablet.
2. Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons of your tab simultaneously.
3. When you see the Samsung logo appearing, release the buttons.
4. Use the volume buttons to navigate to Wipe data/factory reset.
5. Press the Power button to select it.
6. Confirm by selecting Yes.
7. Once done, choose Reboot system now.

How to Reset Samsung Tablet to Factory Settings

Resetting your Samsung tablet to factory settings can be done through the settings menu if you have access, or through the hardware buttons if you’re locked out or experiencing issues. Here are the easy steps for both methods:

Method 1: Reset via Settings Menu

1. Open the Settings app on the Samsung tablet.
2. Scroll down and select “General management”.
3. Tap “Reset”.
4. Select “Factory data reset”.
5. Read the information displayed and then tap “Reset”.
6. Enter your PIN, password, or pattern if wanted/prompted.
7. Tap “Delete all” to confirm and start the reset process.
8. The tablet will restart and begin the factory reset process. This may take a few minutes.

 Method 2: Reset via Recovery Mode (when locked out)

1. Turn off the tablet.
2. Now, Press and hold the Volume Up button and Power button of your device simultaneously.
3. When the Samsung logo appears, release the Power button but continue holding the Volume Up button until the Android Recovery menu appears.
4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset” and press the Power button to select it.
5. Navigate to “Yes” using the Volume buttons and press the Power button to confirm.
6.  Allow the reset process to be complete, then select “Reboot system now” using the Power button.  

What to Do After Resetting Your Tablet

Setting up your tablet again

Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your tablet, including connecting to Wi-Fi and signing in to your Google and Samsung accounts.

Restoring your backup

1. During setup, you’ll be prompted to restore data.
2. Select the backup you created before the reset.

Reinstalling apps and updates

Download and install your apps from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store, and ensure your device is updated to the latest software version.

Troubleshooting Factory Reset Issues

Common problems and solutions

• Tablet stuck during reset: Hold the power button to restart the device.
• Forgot Google account details: Recover your account at the Google account recovery page.

Contacting Samsung support

If problems persist, then you may contact Samsung support for further assistance.

Alternative Methods to Fix Issues Without a Factory Reset

Clearing cache partition

1. Turn off the tablet.
2. Press and hold the Volume Up and Power buttons.
3. Select Wipe cache partition.
4. Confirm and reboot.

Uninstalling problematic apps

Identify and uninstall apps causing issues through Settings > Apps.

Performing system updates

Ensure your device is running the latest software by checking for updates in Settings > Software update.

How to Factory Reset a Samsung Tablet Without a Password

If you need to reset your Samsung Galaxy Tablet A to factory settings but don’t have the password, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the tablet.
2. Press and hold the “Volume Up” button and the “Power” button simultaneously.
3. Release the Power button when the Samsung logo appears, but continue holding the Volume Up button until the Android Recovery menu appears.
4. Use the Volume buttons to navigate to “Wipe data/factory reset” and press the Power button to select it.
5. Navigate to “Yes” and press the Power button to confirm.
6. Once the reset is complete, select “Reboot system now.”

How to Force a Factory Reset on a Samsung

To force a factory reset on a Samsung device, follow the steps above. This method works even if you cannot access the settings menu.

Does a Factory Reset Delete Everything on a Tablet?

Yes, a factory reset will delete all data on your tablet, including apps, settings, personal files, and any accounts you have signed into. It essentially restores the device to its original state when it was first purchased.

Is a Factory Reset Enough Before Selling Samsung?

Performing a factory reset is generally sufficient for clearing your personal data before selling your Samsung device. However, to ensure that your data cannot be recovered, you may want to encrypt your data before performing the reset. This can be done by going to Settings > Security > Encrypt Device.

Can You Factory Reset a Locked Samsung?

Yes, you can factory reset a locked Samsung device using the hardware method mentioned above. This method does not require access to the device’s settings or passwords.

What is the Default PIN for Samsung Tablet?

Samsung devices do not come with a default PIN. The PIN is set by the user during the initial setup or later in the settings.

Can Samsung Factory Reset Be Undone?

No, a factory reset cannot be undone. Once you perform a factory reset, all data is permanently erased and cannot be recovered unless you have a backup.

How to Factory Reset Samsung Tablet Without Email and Password

If you need to reset your Samsung tablet without an email and password, use the hardware method ( Reset via Recovery Mode) described earlier. This bypasses the need for any account credentials.

How to Factory Reset Samsung Tablet Without a Google Account

The hardware reset method does not require you to log into a Google account. Simply follow the steps for performing a factory reset using the device’s physical buttons.

How to Unlock Tablet Without Google Account for Free

Unlocking a tablet without a Google account can be challenging, especially with newer security measures. However, you can try the following steps:

1. Use Samsung’s Find My Mobile service: If you have registered your device with Samsung, go to findmymobile.samsung.com, login, and use the unlock feature.
2. Use Android Device Manager: Visit google.com/android/find, log in with the Google account associated with the device, and select the “Erase Device” option. This will perform a factory reset.
3. Factory Reset via Recovery Mode: This method will unlock the device but will also erase all data, as described in the initial section.

Conclusion

Resetting your Samsung tablet can resolve many issues and improve performance, making it feel like new. Whether you choose a soft reset or a hard reset, always remember to back up your data. If you encounter problems, alternative methods like clearing the cache or uninstalling apps might do the trick. Happy troubleshooting!

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