Factory resetting your Samsung Galaxy S24 is the most complete way to wipe it clean, returning it to the exact state it was in when you first took it out of the box. It erases all your apps, photos, messages, and settings. I'd only recommend this if you're preparing to sell the phone, dealing with severe software glitches that nothing else fixes, or just want a completely fresh start with One UI.
Back Up Everything Before You Start
This is the most critical step. Once you confirm the reset, there's no going back. Your S24 has a few built-in backup options. Head to Settings > Accounts and backup. From here, you can back up to your Samsung account or to Google Drive.
For a more comprehensive local backup, use the Samsung Smart Switch app. You can back up directly to a computer or to a microSD card if you have one in your phone. Double-check that your photos are safely in Google Photos or Samsung Cloud, and that any important files are saved elsewhere.
Remove Your Accounts to Avoid FRP Lock
Factory Reset Protection (FRP) is a security feature on Android. If you don't remove your main Google account before the reset, the phone will ask for that account's password during the next setup, effectively locking out anyone who isn't you. To prevent this, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Manage accounts.
Tap on your Google account and select Remove account. Do the same for your Samsung account. This ensures a smooth setup process after the reset, whether it's for you or the next owner.
Perform the Reset from Within Settings
This is the standard method when your phone is functioning normally. Open Settings and go to General management > Reset > Factory data reset. You'll see a final screen listing everything that will be deleted, including apps, accounts, and personal files.
Scroll down and tap Reset. You'll be asked to enter your PIN, pattern, or password for security. Finally, tap Delete all. Your Galaxy S24 will restart and begin the erasure process, which can take several minutes. When it's done, you'll see the initial setup screen in your chosen language.
Use Recovery Mode If the Phone Won't Boot
If your S24 is frozen, stuck in a boot loop, or won't turn on normally, you can still reset it using the hardware buttons. First, ensure the phone is completely off. Now, press and hold the Volume Up button and the Side (Power) button simultaneously.
When you feel a vibration or see the Samsung logo, release only the Side button while continuing to hold Volume Up. You'll enter the Android Recovery menu. Use the Volume Down button to highlight Wipe data/factory reset and press the Side button to select it.
Confirm by selecting Factory data reset on the next screen. Once it completes, you'll be back at the main recovery menu. Select Reboot system now to restart your freshly wiped phone.
Consider a Network or Settings Reset First
A full factory reset isn't always necessary. Your S24 offers several targeted reset options that can solve specific problems. Go to Settings > General management > Reset. Here, you'll find Reset network settings, which clears all Wi-Fi passwords and Bluetooth pairings, great for fixing connection issues.
You can also choose Reset accessibility settings or Reset app preferences. These options fix misbehaving features without touching your personal data, so they're a great first step before the more drastic full reset.
Setting Up Your S24 After the Reset
After the phone reboots, you'll walk through the standard Android setup. Choose your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign back into your Google and Samsung accounts. When you get to the step about restoring data, you can choose the backup you created earlier.
If you used Samsung Cloud or Google Drive, your apps, call logs, and device settings will be reinstalled. Your photos will repopulate if you had cloud sync enabled. The process can take a while depending on your internet speed and how much data you're restoring.
When a Factory Reset Is the Right Call
I've found a factory reset is most useful for persistent, unexplained problems like severe battery drain that persists after updates, constant app crashes, or general system lag that a simple restart doesn't fix. It's also the only way to ensure all your personal data is removed before you sell or trade in your Galaxy S24.
For less serious software hiccups, try clearing the system cache first. You can do this from the same recovery mode menu by selecting Wipe cache partition. It's a non-destructive step that clears temporary files and often resolves minor performance issues without a full reset.
