How to Reset Samsung Galaxy S4 When You Forgot the Password
Forgetting your password on a Samsung Galaxy S4 can be resolved by performing a factory reset through the phone's recovery mode, which will erase all data but unlock the device.
Factory Reset Your Samsung Galaxy S4 via Recovery Mode
This is the most common and effective method when you've forgotten your password and cannot access your phone. Be aware that this process will delete all data from your device, including apps, photos, and contacts, restoring it to its original factory settings.
Prerequisites and Important Considerations
Before proceeding with a factory reset, keep the following in mind:
- Battery: Ensure your phone has at least 50% battery life to prevent power loss during the reset.
- Data Loss: Understand that this process is irreversible and will wipe all personal data. Since your phone is locked, a backup is likely not possible.
- Google Account: After the reset, you will need to sign in with the Google Account previously synced on the phone (due to Factory Reset Protection or FRP).
Step-by-Step Guide to Factory Reset
- Power Off Your Device: First, completely turn off your Samsung Galaxy S4. If the screen is locked, you might need to hold the Power button down for an extended period (10-15 seconds) until it shuts down.
- Enter Recovery Mode: Simultaneously press and hold the following three buttons:
- Volume Up
- Home Button (the physical button below the screen)
- Power Button
- Keep holding them until you see the Samsung Galaxy S4 logo appear on the screen, then release all buttons.
- Navigate Recovery Mode: The phone should now boot into recovery mode. This particular mode offers a couple of options. Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate through the menu.
- Select "Wipe data/factory reset": Scroll down to highlight the option labeled "wipe data/factory reset".
- Confirm Selection: Press the Power Button to select this option.
- Confirm Data Deletion: On the next screen, you will likely be asked to confirm. Scroll down to highlight "Yes -- delete all user data" and press the Power Button to confirm.
- Reboot System Now: Once the factory reset is complete, you will see the recovery mode menu again. Highlight "Reboot system now" and press the Power Button.
- Setup Your Phone: Your phone will now restart, which may take longer than usual as it's setting up as a new device. You will then be guided through the initial setup process, similar to when you first bought the phone.
Alternative Method: Samsung Find My Mobile (If Previously Enabled)
If you had previously set up a Samsung account on your Galaxy S4 and enabled the "Find My Mobile" feature, you might be able to unlock it remotely without data loss.
How to Use Samsung Find My Mobile
- Go to the official Samsung Find My Mobile website on a computer or another device: Find My Mobile
- Sign in with your Samsung account credentials that were linked to your Galaxy S4.
- Once logged in, select your Galaxy S4 from the list of registered devices.
- Look for an option like "Unlock" or "Erase data" (if unlocking fails or you prefer a clean slate).
- Unlock: This option will attempt to remove the screen lock without erasing your data.
- Erase data: This performs a remote factory reset, similar to the recovery mode method, and will delete all data.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the action.
Important Security Note: Google Factory Reset Protection (FRP)
After a factory reset, your Samsung Galaxy S4 will likely activate Factory Reset Protection (FRP). This security feature requires you to sign in with the Google Account that was previously synced on the device before the reset. This prevents unauthorized users from easily accessing a stolen phone. Ensure you remember your Google account credentials.
Comparison of Methods
| Method | Data Loss | Requirements | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recovery Mode Factory Reset | Yes | Physical access to phone | When no other options are available |
| Samsung Find My Mobile | No (Unlock) / Yes (Erase) | Samsung account, Find My Mobile enabled, internet | Remote unlock without data loss (if enabled) |
