The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is a remarkable smartphone known for its sleek design, powerful capabilities, and vibrant display. However, as with all technology, issues may arise over time that can affect performance, speed, and functionality. If you find yourself in a situation where your device is acting sluggish, experiencing software glitches, or you plan to sell or give it away, performing a hard reset (or factory reset) may be the best solution.
In this detailed guide, we will explore how to hard reset your Galaxy S7 Edge, discussing the importance of this process, the differences between a soft reset and a hard reset, and providing you with a step-by-step walkthrough to ensure you can effectively reset your device.
Understanding Device Resets
Before diving into the hard reset process, let’s clarify the differences between a soft reset and a hard reset.
What is a Soft Reset?
A soft reset is simply a restart of your device. This process does not delete any data; it merely refreshes the system to fix minor glitches or performance issues. If your phone becomes unresponsive, a soft reset is your first line of defense.
What is a Hard Reset?
On the other hand, a hard reset, also known as a factory reset, is much more thorough. It restores the device to its original factory settings by erasing all data, including apps, contacts, messages, and media. This is essential if you’re experiencing more serious performance issues or if you intend to sell or donate your phone.
Important Note: Always back up your personal data before performing a hard reset, as this process is irreversible and everything on your device will be lost.
When to Consider a Hard Reset?
There are various scenarios when a hard reset could be beneficial:
Persistent Performance Issues
If your Galaxy S7 Edge frequently crashes, freezes, or experiences lagging issues, a hard reset can resolve these problems by clearing out old data.
Software Upgrades Gone Wrong
If you encounter issues after a software update, performing a hard reset can fix conflicts that may have occurred during installation.
Preparing for New Ownership
If you plan to sell or give away your device, performing a hard reset ensures that your personal information is erased and the phone is returned to its factory state.
Preparing for the Hard Reset
Before proceeding, make sure to take the following precautions:
Back Up Your Data
You can back up your data using Samsung Cloud or Google Backup. This process will ensure that your photos, contacts, and other vital information are not lost.
Charge Your Device
Make sure your Galaxy S7 Edge is charged to at least 50% before you perform a hard reset. This ensures that your device will not shut down during the process, which could lead to complications.
Remove Your Google Account
To avoid any issues with the FRP (Factory Reset Protection), it’s a good idea to remove your Google account beforehand. This step will save you from unnecessary headaches later on.
How to Hard Reset Your Galaxy S7 Edge
Now that you’ve prepared your device, let’s go through the hard reset process step-by-step. There are two primary methods to perform a hard reset: through the Settings menu and via Hardware buttons.
Method 1: Using the Settings Menu
Follow these steps to perform a factory reset through the Settings menu:
- Open the Settings app on your Galaxy S7 Edge.
- Scroll down and select Backup and reset.
- Select Factory data reset.
- You will see a summary of what will be deleted. Tap on Reset Device.
- If prompted, enter your PIN, password, or pattern.
- Tap Delete all to confirm the hard reset.
Your device will begin the reset process, which may take several minutes. Once completed, your Galaxy S7 Edge will reboot and will be as good as new.
Method 2: Using Hardware Buttons
If your device is unresponsive or you can’t access the settings, you can perform a hard reset using the hardware buttons.
Follow these steps:
- Turn off your Galaxy S7 Edge completely.
- Press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously.
- When the Samsung logo appears, release the Power button while continuing to hold the other two buttons.
- Once the Android Recovery screen appears, release the remaining buttons.
- Use the Volume Down button to navigate to wipe data/factory reset. Press the Power button to select it.
- Scroll down to Yes — delete all user data using the Volume Down button and confirm with the Power button.
- Finally, select Reboot system now after the reset is complete.
Your Galaxy S7 Edge will restart, and you’ll be greeted with the initial setup screen.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While performing a hard reset is typically straightforward, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here’s how to troubleshoot some common problems:
The Device Doesn’t Respond
If your Galaxy S7 Edge doesn’t respond during the reset process, ensure that the button combinations were pressed correctly. If the device won’t turn off, try holding the Power button until it powers down.
Resetting Takes Too Long
If the reset appears to be stuck, patience is key. However, if it takes longer than 30 minutes, you may need to perform a forced restart by holding the Power button until the device shuts down, then restart the reset process.
Device Fails to Boot After Reset
In rare cases, your device may fail to boot after a hard reset. If this happens, you can attempt to boot it into safe mode or factory mode, and then try the hard reset again.
Post-Reset Setup
Once the hard reset is complete, your Galaxy S7 Edge will prompt you for initial setup. Here are key aspects to consider:
Set Up Your Device
Follow the on-screen instructions to select your language, connect to Wi-Fi, and sign in to your Google account.
Restore Your Data
If you backed up your data, you can now restore it to have everything back in order. Use Samsung Cloud or Google Drive to retrieve your backed-up data.
Install Updates
It’s possible that updates were released after you last set up your phone. Go to Settings > Software update to ensure your device is up to date.
Conclusion
A hard reset can breathe new life into your Galaxy S7 Edge and resolve persistent problems that may be affecting performance. By understanding the differences between soft resets and hard resets, choosing the right time for a reset, preparing adequately, and knowing the step-by-step process to follow, you can effectively restore your device to its factory settings.
Remember to always back up important data before you perform a hard reset to avoid losing anything crucial. If you follow these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth hard reset experience, leading to a rejuvenated smartphone that runs efficiently and effectively.
With this guide, you are now equipped with all the knowledge needed to hard reset your Galaxy S7 Edge with confidence. Enjoy your enhanced smartphone experience!
What is a hard reset, and why would I need to do it on my Galaxy S7 Edge?
A hard reset, also known as a factory reset, restores your Galaxy S7 Edge to its original factory settings. This process is useful when you are experiencing persistent software issues, such as lag, crashes, or unresponsive applications. It can also help to clear out personal data when preparing to sell or give away your device.
Additionally, a hard reset can be a solution when you have forgotten your lock screen password or PIN. By performing this reset, you will remove all personal data, allowing you to set up your device as new. It’s crucial to back up any important information before proceeding, as this process is irreversible.
How do I perform a hard reset using the settings menu?
To perform a hard reset via the settings menu, start by unlocking your Galaxy S7 Edge and navigating to the ‘Settings’ app. From here, scroll down and select ‘Backup and reset’. You will find the ‘Factory data reset’ option, which will provide an overview of what will be erased during the process.
After reviewing the information, tap on ‘Reset device’ and then ‘Erase everything’ to initiate the hard reset. Your device will reboot, and it may take a few minutes for it to return to factory settings. Once completed, you can set up your phone as fresh.
Can I perform a hard reset if my Galaxy S7 Edge is unresponsive?
Yes, you can perform a hard reset on an unresponsive Galaxy S7 Edge using hardware buttons. First, ensure that your device is powered off. If it isn’t responsive, you can force it to turn off by holding the Power button down for about 10 seconds.
Once the device is off, press and hold the Volume Up, Home, and Power buttons simultaneously until you see the Android logo. Release the buttons, and you’ll be taken to the Recovery Menu. From there, navigate to ‘Wipe data/factory reset’ using the Volume buttons and confirm your selection with the Power button. Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Will a hard reset delete all my data, and how can I back it up?
Yes, a hard reset will delete all your data, including apps, settings, and personal files, restoring the device to its factory state. Therefore, it is essential to back up your data before performing the reset. You can back up your information using Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or other third-party backup tools.
To back up data using Samsung Cloud, go to ‘Settings’, tap ‘Accounts and Backup’, and select ‘Backup data’. Ensure you choose the items you wish to back up and follow the prompts. For Google Drive backups, you can enable backup under ‘Settings’ > ‘Accounts and Backup’ > ‘Google account’, ensuring your essential data is safe before the reset.
How long does it take for the Galaxy S7 Edge to reset?
The time it takes for a Galaxy S7 Edge to perform a hard reset can vary, usually lasting between a few minutes to around 15 minutes. The length depends on various factors, including the amount of data on the device and the performance capabilities of the hardware. In either case, it should not take excessively long.
Once the hard reset is initiated, your device will automatically reboot and begin the process. It’s important to allow the device to complete the reset without interruption to avoid any potential issues with the software.
Can I restore my data after a hard reset?
Restoring your data after a hard reset is possible if you have previously backed it up. If you used Samsung Cloud or Google Drive to save your information, you can easily log into the respective services after completing the reset and restore your files and settings with just a few taps.
To restore your data using Samsung Cloud, go to ‘Settings’ after the reset, tap ‘Accounts and Backup’, and then select ‘Restore data’. For Google Drive, you can follow the prompts during the setup process to recover your backed-up content, ensuring you don’t lose any vital information accumulated prior to the reset.
Will a hard reset fix software problems on my Galaxy S7 Edge?
A hard reset can often resolve various software problems on your Galaxy S7 Edge, such as application crashes, slow performance, and glitches. By restoring the phone to its factory settings, you eliminate potential conflicts that could be causing these issues, providing a clean slate for the device to operate effectively.
However, if the software problems persist even after the hard reset, it may indicate a deeper issue, such as hardware malfunctions or the need for a software update. In such cases, it is advisable to seek assistance from a professional technician or contact Samsung customer support for further diagnosis and solutions.
Is a hard reset the same as a soft reset?
No, a hard reset is not the same as a soft reset. A hard reset, or factory reset, wipes all user data and restores the device to its original settings. This action is usually taken when severe issues occur, or you want to clear all personal information before selling the device.
On the other hand, a soft reset simply involves restarting your device and does not affect personal data, apps, or settings. It is a useful method for troubleshooting minor issues or unresponsiveness without the need for a complete wipe of your device. If you are facing minor glitches, a soft reset is often the first recommended step before considering a hard reset.