Samsung Galaxy S21: How to Soft & Hard Reset?

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If you own a Samsung Galaxy S21, you might occasionally encounter issues that require restoring your device to its original settings. Resetting your phone can help fix problems like freezing, slow performance, or software glitches. It can also be useful before selling or giving away your device, ensuring your personal data is securely erased. Understanding why and when to reset your Galaxy S21 is an important first step in device management.

There are different types of resets available for your Galaxy S21, each serving a specific purpose. A soft reset, also known as a restart, simply reboots your phone and can resolve minor hiccups quickly. On the other hand, a factory reset erases all data and settings, returning your device to its original state when it was first purchased. This is especially useful if your phone is severely malfunctioning or infected with malware.

Resetting your Galaxy S21 is a straightforward process, but it’s essential to choose the right reset method for your situation. For example, if your device is unresponsive, a force restart might be necessary. If you’re preparing to sell your phone or fix persistent software issues, a factory reset is usually the best option. Keep in mind that a factory reset deletes all your personal data, so backing up your information beforehand is highly recommended.

In this chapter, we will walk you through the different reset methods and explain their importance. Knowing how and when to reset your Galaxy S21 can save you time, solve frustrating problems, and keep your personal information secure. Whether you’re troubleshooting minor bugs or performing a complete reset, understanding these options makes managing your device easier and safer.

When and Why to Soft Reset Your Galaxy S21

A soft reset, also known as restarting your Galaxy S21, is a simple way to fix common minor problems such as app crashes, slow performance, or unresponsive screens. Knowing when to perform a soft reset can help resolve issues quickly without losing any of your personal data. It is a safe and effective troubleshooting step that refreshes your phone’s system.

Typically, you should consider soft resetting your Galaxy S21 if you experience problems like freezing, lagging apps, or if your device becomes unresponsive. Sometimes, after installing a new app or update, your phone may behave oddly, and a quick restart can often fix these glitches. It’s also useful if your device is overheating or draining battery unusually fast, as these may be caused by background processes that a reset can help manage.

Performing a soft reset is especially helpful when your Galaxy S21 is not responding to touch or if the screen is frozen. It allows the phone to clear temporary files and refresh its system resources. This can improve overall performance and stability without affecting your stored data, apps, or settings.

Steps to Soft Reset Your Galaxy S21

Press and hold the Power button and the Volume Down button simultaneously.
Keep holding both buttons until the screen goes black and the Samsung logo appears. This usually takes around 7-10 seconds.
Release the buttons once the logo appears. Your Galaxy S21 will now restart automatically.

If your device is frozen and the above method doesn’t work, you can force a soft reset by removing the battery (if removable) or, on newer models like the Galaxy S21, performing a forced restart using the hardware buttons. This method forces the phone to restart without causing data loss.

Additional Tips

Use a soft reset instead of a factory reset unless you are troubleshooting serious issues, as it does not delete your data.
Perform a soft reset regularly if you notice your device slowing down, to keep it running smoothly.
Remember, if problems persist after a soft reset, you might need to consider other troubleshooting steps or consult technical support.

By understanding when and why to perform a soft reset on your Galaxy S21, you can quickly resolve minor issues and keep your device running efficiently. It’s a simple but powerful tool to enhance your smartphone experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Soft Reset

If your Galaxy S21 is not responding properly, or you’re experiencing temporary glitches, performing a soft reset can often resolve the issue. A soft reset restarts your device without deleting any data and can help restore normal operation. Follow these simple steps to perform a soft reset on your Galaxy S21 effectively and safely.

Locate the Power Button and Volume Down Button

Find the power button on the right side of your Galaxy S21. The volume down button is just below or above the power button, on the same side. These buttons are easy to identify and accessible for most users.

Press and Hold Both Buttons Simultaneously

Press and hold the power button and the volume down button at the same time. Keep holding them for about 10 seconds. This step is crucial as it triggers the restart process.

Wait for the Device to Restart

After holding the buttons, you will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen. Release the buttons once the logo appears. Your Galaxy S21 will then complete the restart process on its own. This may take a few seconds.

Verify the Restart

Once the phone boots up, check if the issue you were facing has been resolved. If your device is responsive and functions smoothly, the soft reset was successful.

If your Galaxy S21 is frozen or unresponsive and the above method doesn’t work, try these additional tips:

Ensure Proper Button Pressure — press both buttons firmly but gently to avoid missing the trigger.
Wait Longer — sometimes, the device needs a bit more time to respond, especially if the battery is very low.
Charge Your Device — if the phone is completely drained, connect it to a charger and wait a few minutes before retrying the soft reset.

Performing a soft reset is a simple yet effective way to fix minor issues on your Galaxy S21. Always try this method before resorting to more complex troubleshooting steps or factory resets. Remember, a soft reset does not delete your personal data, so it’s safe to use whenever your device feels sluggish or stuck.

Hard Reset: Risks and Precautions

Performing a hard reset on your device can sometimes be necessary to fix persistent issues or unresponsive systems. However, it is important to understand the potential risks involved before proceeding. A hard reset is a forceful restart that can cause data loss or hardware problems if not done carefully. Therefore, knowing the safety precautions can help protect your device and data from unnecessary damage.

Before performing a hard reset, make sure you have tried other troubleshooting options like software updates or simple rebooting. A hard reset should be your last resort, especially if the device is completely frozen or inaccessible. It is also crucial to recognize that a hard reset may not solve underlying issues and could sometimes worsen certain problems.

Common Risks of Hard Reset

Data Loss: If your device is not backed up, a hard reset can erase personal files, photos, and app data.
Corrupted Software: Interrupting a device during a reset or reset process can lead to software corruption, causing longer recovery times or hardware issues.
Hardware Damage: In rare cases, forcing a reset may damage internal components, especially if the device has hardware issues or battery problems.
Void Warranty: Some devices may require specific reset procedures. Improperly performing a hard reset might void the warranty, so check manufacturer instructions first.

Precautions to Take Before Performing a Hard Reset

Backup Important Data: Always save copies of your photos, contacts, and documents before resetting, if possible. Use cloud storage or external backups.
Identify the Correct Reset Method: Different devices have different procedures. Consult your device’s manual or official support site for specific instructions.
Charge Your Device: Ensure your device has sufficient battery life, ideally more than 50 percent, to prevent shutdown during the reset process.
Close Apps and Save Work: Save any ongoing work and close open applications to avoid data loss.
Understand the Reset Process: Know what to expect after the reset, including potential reinstallation of software or updates.

When to Avoid a Hard Reset

If a software update is ongoing, and the device is working normally, do not interrupt the process.
If the device has hardware issues, like a swollen battery or other damage, a reset might not help and could worsen problems.
When you are unsure about the reset procedures, consult technical support or a professional technician before proceeding.

Remember, a hard reset can solve many issues but should be approached with caution. Taking the proper safety precautions ensures your device remains safe and your data protected, saving time and avoiding additional trouble in the long run.

How to Perform a Hard Reset on Galaxy S21

Ensure your phone is charged or plugged into a power source. Performing a hard reset requires enough battery power to complete the process without interruption.
Locate the physical buttons on your Galaxy S21. You will need the volume down button and the power button.
Press and hold both the volume down button and the power button at the same time. Keep holding them for about 10 to 15 seconds.
If the screen remains unresponsive, continue pressing the buttons a little longer until the device vibrates or the screen turns off, indicating it has powered off or rebooted.
Release both buttons once the Samsung logo appears on the screen. Your Galaxy S21 will now continue to boot normally.

Performing this hard reset is useful when your device is frozen, apps crash repeatedly, or you cannot turn off the phone normally. Keep in mind, a hard reset does not erase any data or settings from your device.

Some tips to consider:

Only use a hard reset when the phone is unresponsive. If your Galaxy S21 is functioning normally, you generally don’t need to perform a hard reset.
If your device frequently freezes, consider updating the software or performing a factory reset for a more permanent fix.
Be cautious not to hold the buttons for too long or press other buttons, as this could trigger different actions, like entering recovery mode.

If your Galaxy S21 still does not respond after a hard reset, try charging it for a while or visit a professional repair service. Often, persistent issues may indicate a deeper hardware or software problem. Remember, a hard reset is a troubleshooting step meant to resolve temporary glitches, not a long-term fix for hardware failures.

Restoring Factory Settings Safely

If your Galaxy S21 is acting up or you want to erase personal data, restoring factory settings can be a good solution. This process resets your phone to its original state, removing all your apps, settings, and personal files. However, it’s important to do it safely to avoid data loss or other issues.

Before starting, remember that restoring factory settings will delete everything on your device. To prevent losing important data, you should back up your information first. Once you understand the consequences, you can proceed with confidence.

Back Up Your Data – Save your photos, contacts, messages, and app data. You can use Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or transfer files to a PC or external storage.
Charge Your Phone – Make sure your Galaxy S21 has at least 50% battery. A power loss during reset can cause issues.
Disable Find My Mobile – If you enabled this feature, disable it from your Samsung account. This prevents potential lockouts after reset.
Remove Your Google Account – Performed in Settings > Accounts and Backup > Accounts. Removing your account ensures you won’t face verification issues after reset.

Performing the Factory Reset

Via Settings Menu – Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset. Read the warning message carefully.
Confirm Your Choice – Tap Reset, then enter your screen lock password or PIN if prompted. Confirm again when asked.
Wait for the Process to Complete – Your Galaxy S21 will restart and erase all data. This can take a few minutes.

Alternative: Hard Reset Using Recovery Mode

Turn Off Your Phone – Power down completely.
Enter Recovery Mode – Press and hold the Volume Up button and the Power button simultaneously until the Samsung logo appears.
Navigate the Menu – Use volume buttons to highlight “Wipe data/factory reset.” Select it with the Power button.
Confirm and Reset – Confirm your choice when prompted. The process will then start.
Reboot Your Device – Once done, select “Reboot system now” to restart your Galaxy S21 with factory settings restored.

Important Tips and Considerations

Always back up before resetting to avoid permanent data loss.
If you have a Samsung account, think about removing it beforehand to prevent activation lock issues.
Keep your device charged during the process to prevent interruptions.
After reset, you will need to set up your Galaxy S21 as new, like during initial setup.

Restoring factory settings can solve many problems but should be used carefully. Follow these steps to do it safely and securely, protecting your data and device integrity.

Troubleshooting Common Reset Issues

Resetting your device can sometimes lead to unexpected problems. Whether the reset process stalls, the device doesn’t turn on after reset, or settings don’t revert as expected, these issues are common but solvable. In this section, we will explore some of the most frequent reset problems and provide simple, effective solutions to help you get back to normal quickly.

The device gets stuck during reset or restarts repeatedly

If your device appears to be stuck or keeps restarting during a reset, it may be due to software errors or insufficient storage. First, try a force restart by pressing and holding the power button for 10-15 seconds. If that doesn’t work, connect your device to a power source to ensure enough battery life. You can also attempt a hard reset using specific key combinations—check your device’s manual for instructions.
The reset process completes but settings do not revert or data remains

This often happens if you perform a ‘soft reset’ or factory reset without completing the process properly. Ensure you follow the correct steps for your device. For smartphones or tablets, go to Settings > System > Reset options, and select ‘Factory data reset.’ Confirm your choice and wait patiently. If settings still persist, it might be due to cloud backups restoring after reset. Sign out of accounts like Google or iCloud before resetting, to prevent data reinstallation.
The device fails to turn on after reset

This could indicate a hardware issue or a reset that caused a software problem. First, check the power source and try charging the device for at least 30 minutes. Use the original charger if possible. If it still won’t turn on, perform a forced shutdown and restart. For example, press and hold the power and volume down buttons together for 10-15 seconds. If the device remains unresponsive, contacting customer support may be necessary.
Resetting causes data loss or error messages

Always back up your data before resetting if possible. Use cloud services or external storage to save important files, contacts, and photos. If error messages appear during reset, note the exact message. Some errors can be fixed by updating your device’s firmware or software. Visit the manufacturer’s support site for firmware updates or troubleshooting guides specific to your device model.
Other common problems and quick tips
- Ensure your device’s software is up to date before resetting.
- Remove any SD cards, SIM cards, or external accessories during reset.
- Try resetting in safe mode if available, to bypass third-party apps that may interfere.
- If resetting via settings doesn’t work, consider performing a factory reset using hardware buttons.