To factory reset your locked Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, you'll need to perform a hardware button reset to access the Android Recovery Menu. This process will erase all data on the device and restore it to its original factory settings.
Understanding the Factory Reset Process
A factory reset, also known as a hard reset, returns your device to the state it was in when it left the factory. This means all your personal data, installed apps, settings, photos, videos, and other files will be permanently deleted. This method is crucial when you cannot access your phone due to a forgotten password, pattern, or PIN.
Step-by-Step Guide: Hardware Button Factory Reset
This method uses the physical buttons on your Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge to initiate the reset process.
- Power Off Your Device: Ensure your Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is completely powered off. If your screen is locked and you can't power it off normally, hold down the Power/Lock button and Volume Down button simultaneously for about 10-20 seconds until the device forces a shutdown.
- Enter Android Recovery Mode: Once the device is off, press and hold the Power/Lock button, Home button, and Volume Up button simultaneously. Keep holding them until the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge logo appears, and then release the buttons when the Android Recovery screen appears. This screen will show various options.
- Navigate to Wipe Data/Factory Reset: Use the Volume Down button to scroll through the options until "Wipe data/factory reset" is highlighted.
- Select Wipe Data/Factory Reset: Press the Power/Lock button to select the highlighted option.
- Confirm Factory Reset: You will likely be asked to confirm your choice. Use the Volume Down button to highlight "Yes" or "Yes -- delete all user data" and then press the Power/Lock button to confirm.
- Reboot System: Once the reset process is complete (it might take a few moments), the Android Recovery screen will reappear. "Reboot system now" should be highlighted. Press the Power/Lock button to select it.
Your phone will now restart, and the initial setup screen will appear, just like when it was new.
Important Considerations After Resetting
Before attempting a factory reset, and for what to expect afterward, consider these crucial points:
| Key Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Data Loss | All personal data stored on the device's internal memory will be permanently erased. This includes photos, videos, contacts, apps, and settings. Data on your SIM card or external SD card (if any) will generally not be affected, but it's recommended to remove them beforehand if you wish to keep them. |
| Google Account (FRP) | Your Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge is equipped with Factory Reset Protection (FRP). After the reset, you will be required to enter the Google Account credentials that were previously synced with the device. If you don't know this information, you will not be able to set up and use the phone. |
| Battery Level | Ensure your device has at least 50% battery charge before starting the process to prevent any interruptions during the reset, which could potentially cause issues. |
Alternative Methods for a Locked Phone
If you have enabled certain features on your Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge before it got locked, you might have alternative options:
- Samsung's Find My Mobile: If you had a Samsung account linked to your device and enabled the "Find My Mobile" feature, you might be able to remotely unlock or wipe your device from the Samsung Find My Mobile website.
- Visit the official Samsung Find My Mobile website.
- Log in with your Samsung account.
- Select your device and choose the "Erase data" or "Unlock" option.
- Google's Find My Device: Similarly, if your device was connected to a Google account and had the "Find My Device" feature enabled, you can remotely erase your phone.
- Go to the official Google Find My Device website.
- Log in with the Google account associated with your phone.
- Select your device and choose the "Erase device" option.
These remote options also perform a factory reset, effectively bypassing the lock screen and wiping all data.
Device Reset
