If you are experiencing issues with your Samsung Galaxy S25 FE — whether it’s freezing, lagging, or you simply want to wipe everything for a fresh start — performing a hard reset (also known as a factory reset) can help.
Resetting your phone restores it to its original factory settings, erasing all apps, data, and customizations. This process can also fix stubborn problems like boot loops, system crashes, or forgotten screen locks.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about hard resetting your Samsung Galaxy S25 FE, step-by-step. Let’s get started!
Why You Might Need a Hard Reset
Before diving into the instructions, it’s important to understand when and why you might need a hard reset:
- Performance Issues: Over time, phones can become sluggish due to accumulated data, apps, and cache. A reset can make your device feel new again.
- Software Errors: Glitches, random reboots, and system crashes can often be fixed by a factory reset.
- Preparing for Sale or Trade-In: Wipe your personal data before handing your device over to a new owner.
- Forgotten Passwords: If you’re locked out of your phone and can’t access it normally, a hard reset can be the last resort (note: Factory Reset Protection may still require your Google account afterward).
Important Things to Know Before You Reset
- Backup Your Data: A hard reset deletes everything — apps, contacts, photos, videos, and documents. Back up your important files to Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or an external device before proceeding.
- Charge Your Battery: Ensure your phone has at least 50% charge to prevent interruptions during the reset.
- Know Your Account Details: After a reset, you’ll need to log into the Samsung account or Google account previously linked to the phone, thanks to Factory Reset Protection (FRP).
Method 1: Factory Reset via Settings (Phone Is Working)
This is the easiest and most common method if your phone is still operational.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Open the Settings App
From your home screen or app drawer, locate and tap the Settings icon. - Go to General Management
Scroll down and tap General Management. - Select Reset
Inside the General Management menu, tap on Reset. - Tap Factory Data Reset
You will see a few reset options — choose Factory Data Reset. - Review Information
The next screen will show what will be deleted. Scroll down and tap Reset. - Confirm and Delete
Tap Delete All to confirm. You may be asked to enter your PIN, password, or pattern. - Phone Will Restart
The phone will now erase all data and restart as if it were brand new.
This process is simple, takes a few minutes, and is perfect for users who still have full access to their phones.
Method 2: Hard Reset Using Hardware Buttons (Phone is Frozen or Locked)
If your phone is frozen, stuck on a boot screen, or if you forgot your screen lock, you’ll need to use hardware keys to perform a hard reset.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Turn Off Your Device
- If possible, press and hold the Power button + Volume Down together until the screen turns off.
- If it’s completely unresponsive, just keep holding until it forces a shutdown (around 10 seconds).
2. Boot into Recovery Mode
- Once the phone is off, press and hold Volume Up + Power Button (also called the Side Key) simultaneously.
- Release both buttons as soon as the Samsung logo appears.
3. Navigate the Recovery Menu
- Use the Volume buttons to scroll up and down.
- Use the Power button to make a selection.
4. Choose Wipe Data/Factory Reset
- Scroll down to Wipe data/factory reset.
- Press the Power button to select it.
5. Confirm the Reset
- On the next screen, highlight Factory data reset and press the Power button again to confirm.
6. Wait for the Process to Finish
- The phone will begin wiping all data. This might take a few minutes.
7. Reboot the Device
- Once finished, you’ll return to the recovery menu.
- Highlight and select Reboot system now.
Your Samsung Galaxy S25 FE will restart and boot up as if it just came out of the box!
Common Questions About Hard Resetting the Galaxy S25 FE
1. Will a hard reset remove Samsung or Google account locks?
No. Even after a factory reset, your Galaxy S25 FE will require the previously used Samsung or Google account to activate the device. This security feature is called Factory Reset Protection (FRP) and helps protect against theft.
2. How long does a factory reset take?
Typically, the entire process — including reboot time — takes about 5 to 15 minutes depending on how much data was stored.
3. Will a hard reset fix battery drain or overheating?
Sometimes! If the issues are caused by rogue apps, corrupted settings, or software bugs, a reset can solve battery or heating problems. However, if the problem is hardware-related (like a failing battery), a reset won’t fix it.
4. Can I undo a factory reset?
No. Once you reset the phone, all deleted data is gone and cannot be recovered unless previously backed up.
Quick Tips After Resetting
Once your phone has been reset, here are a few tips to get started smoothly:
- Set Up Wi-Fi: Connect to a stable network during initial setup.
- Restore Your Backup: If you created a backup (via Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, etc.), you’ll be able to restore it during setup.
- Install Essential Apps: Download apps you frequently use from the Play Store or Galaxy Store.
- Update Software: Check for the latest software updates to ensure your system is running the latest security patches and improvements.
- Log Into Accounts: Reconnect to your Samsung, Google, and other important accounts.
Final Thoughts
Performing a hard reset on your Samsung Galaxy S25 FE is a powerful solution to fix major issues, improve performance, and prepare a device for resale.
Whether you use the settings menu or hardware buttons, both methods are straightforward if you follow the steps carefully.
Always remember to back up your important data and ensure you have access to your Google or Samsung account before initiating the process.
By following the guide above, you’ll be able to reset your Galaxy S25 FE with confidence and breathe new life into your device.