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If you're looking to sell your old Samsung device, whether it's a Samsung Phone, Samsung Tablet, or smartwatch, you're best doing a factory reset beforehand so the next user doesn't have access to any of your personal information. 

Read on to learn more about factory resetting different Samsung devices, how to factory reset Samsung from lock screen and how to hard reset Samsung:

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What should I do before I factory reset Samsung?

Before carrying out a factory reset, make sure to back up all of your personal data and information you want to keep.

A factory reset completely wipes your device and permanently deletes Google and other account settings, downloaded applications, music, photos, and other files. 

Here are a few ways to back up your Samsung device:

Back up Samsung Galaxy using your Samsung account 

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Backup 
• Select Backup and Restore
• Under the Samsung account heading, choose Back up data 
• Enter your username and password if you aren't signed in
• Select the apps you would like to back up then choose Back up
• The time it will take to back up your data depends on how much there is being saved 
• Tap Done 

Back up your Samsung Galaxy using your PC 

• Use Smart Switch on your PC or Mac and it can be downloaded for free
• Once downloaded, open Smart Switch
• Connect your phone with a USB cable 
• Choose Backup 
• If prompted, choose Allow
• When the backup is complete, select OK to finish 

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How to factory reset Samsung phone?

Whether you're selling your phone or just want a fresh start, it's never been easier to reset your device. If you're selling your old Samsung phone, we encourage you to complete a factory reset so the next user can't access your app data, bank information, email addresses and contacts. 

If your Samsung is running Android Nougat or above, follow these simple steps to reset your phone:

• Go to Settings 
• Choose General Management 
• Select Reset
• Choose Factory Data Reset and tap Reset 
• Wait for your Samsung phone to reset

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How to reset a Samsung phone that is locked?

If you are locked out of your phone and cannot remember the password, here's how to use the buttons on your device to reset it.

However make sure you know your Google account information before you reset, for security reasons you'll be asked for this information once the device has reset. 

Just follow these steps to reset your locked Samsung phone:

• Turn off the device – you will be asked to enter a PIN, password or pattern. 
• Open the recovery menu using the buttons on your phone. This differs on different devices.
• If your phone does not have a home button e.g Note 10, Note 20, S20, S21, Fold, Z Flip, press the volume up and side buttons until your device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears.
• If your phone does not have a home button but has a separate power button such as the S8, S9 or S10, press volume up, Bixby and power buttons until your device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears. 
• If your phone has a home button, press volume up, Home and hold the power buttons until your phone vibrates and a menu will appear.
• Once the recovery menu has been opened, use volume up and volume down to select Delete all user data or wipe data/factory reset then press the power button to select.
• Use volume up and volume down to select Yes to delete all user data or Factory Reset. Press the power button to select.
• Your device will factory reset and once complete, you will see Data wipe complete at the bottom of the screen. Press the power button to select Reboot device.

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Can I factory reset Samsung watch?

Yes! You'll need to reset your Samsung watch if you're trading it in or want to start from scratch. 

However, before you reset your Samsung Galaxy Watch, we encourage you to back up your device. This is to ensure your data can be restored after it's reset. 

You'll also need to make sure you unpair the Bluetooth connection between the watch and any other devices paired to the device. You can do this by going to Settings > Connections > Bluetooth > choose the Settings option next to the watch and tap Unpair.

You can reset your Samsung Watch through Settings but this can depend on which model you have. Just follow these steps:

Reset Samsung Watch through settings

• You will need the Galaxy Wearable app to reset your watch
• Go to Settings and choose General
• Swipe and tap Reset
• Tap the checkmark and follow on-screen instructions 

Reset Samsung and Gear watches 

• Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone 
• Select Watch Settings ( this step can be skipped on some models)
• Tap General > Reset and then Reset again 

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How to factory reset Samsung Tablet?

It's really easy to factory reset your Samsung Tablet, make sure the power is off and follow these steps:

• Go to apps and choose Settings
• Scroll and find Backup and reset 
• Choose Factory data reset and read the information provided
• Choose Reset device
• If security locked is enabled on your device, you'll be asked before you continue to enter your lock information
• Choose Erase Everything

However, if your Samsung Tablet is locked and you can't remember the password, don't worry, follow these simple steps to carry out a factory reset: 

• Make sure the Samsung Tablet is turned off
• Hold down the Volume Up and Power buttons until the Android Recovery screen appears
• Release both buttons and from the Recovery screen, choose to Wipe data/factory reset
• Choose yes and wait for your device to factory reset

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