How to Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra/ S23/ S23 Plus and Erase All Data

Thinking about starting fresh with your Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23, or S23 Plus? Maybe it's acting up, running slow, or you’re handing it over to someone else. A factory reset can be your best move. It wipes everything and puts your phone back to its original out-of-the-box state.

But hey, before you hit that reset button, let’s walk you through everything you need to know and do to safely and effectively factory reset your device without causing yourself a major headache.

Important Precautions Before Factory Reset

Backup Your Data First

Let’s be real: a factory reset erases everything. So if you don’t want to lose those adorable pet photos or your saved game progress, make sure you back up:

Use Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
Copy files to your PC or an external drive.
Use apps like Smart Switch for a full phone backup.

Sign Out of Samsung and Google Accounts

Factory Reset Protection (FRP) can lock your device after a reset if you forget to remove accounts. So always:

Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Manage Accounts.
Remove all Google and Samsung accounts.

Ensure Your Phone is Charged

Nobody wants a dead phone halfway through a reset. Make sure you’ve got at least 50% battery, or better yet, keep it plugged in.

Different Types of Reset

Soft Reset vs. Hard Reset vs. Factory Reset

Soft Reset: Just restarts the phone, like turning it off and back on.
Hard Reset: Also called a factory reset, it wipes all data and settings.
Factory Reset: Usually means resetting through settings or recovery.

When to Use Each Type

Use a soft reset for minor glitches.
Use a factory reset for major issues, selling, or starting fresh.
Use recovery mode when the device won't boot properly.

Method 1 – Factory Reset via Settings Menu

Step-by-Step Instructions for Galaxy S23 Ultra/S23/S23 Plus

Accessing General Management

Go to Settings from your home screen.
Scroll down and tap General Management.

Navigating to Reset Options

Tap Reset.
Select Factory Data Reset.

Final Confirmation

Scroll down and tap Reset.
Confirm with your PIN/password.
Tap Delete all to begin the reset process.

Easy peasy.

Method 2 – Factory Reset via Recovery Mode

Using Hardware Buttons

This method’s perfect if your screen is unresponsive or you're locked out.

Powering Off the Device

Hold the Power and Volume Down buttons.
Select Power Off.

Booting into Recovery Mode

Press and hold Volume Up + Power buttons simultaneously.
Release both when the Samsung logo appears.

Navigating with Volume and Power Buttons

Use Volume Down to highlight “Wipe data/factory reset.”
Press Power to select.

Confirming the Reset

Highlight “Factory data reset” and press Power.
Once done, select “Reboot system now.”

Method 3 – Using Samsung Find My Mobile

Requirements for Using This Method

You need:

Samsung account is logged in.
Find My Mobile is enabled.
Wi-Fi or mobile data connected.

How to Perform a Remote Reset

Visit findmymobile.samsung.com.
Log in with your Samsung account.
Select your Galaxy S23 device.
Click Erase Data.
Follow the on-screen prompts.

Boom—wiped remotely!

What Happens After a Factory Reset?

Device State After Reset

Once it’s done, your phone is like new—no apps, no personal data, and all default settings.

Reinitializing Setup

You’ll go through:

Choosing language.
Connecting to Wi-Fi.
Signing in to Google/Samsung accounts.
Restoring backups (if you made one).

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

Device Stuck During Reset

Try holding Power + Volume Down for 10 seconds to force a restart.

Can't Access Recovery Mode

Ensure your button combo is correct and the device is fully powered off first.

FRP (Factory Reset Protection) Lock Issues

Didn’t remove the Google account before the reset? You’ll need your old Google login to proceed. Otherwise, you're locked out.

Reinstalling Apps and Restoring Data

Using Samsung Cloud

Go to Settings > Accounts and Backup > Samsung Cloud.

Using Google Backup

During setup, choose to restore from a previous Google backup.

Manual Reinstall Tips

Re-download apps from the Play Store.
Transfer files from your computer or SD card.

Tips to Avoid Needing Frequent Factory Resets

Maintain Storage Health

Delete unused apps and files.
Use the Device Care tool in settings.

Regular Backups

Always have a backup plan. Literally.

Malware Protection

Install a trusted antivirus and avoid sketchy downloads.

Is Factory Reset Safe for Your Phone?

Impact on Performance and Battery

Factory resetting can often improve performance and fix software bugs. No harm to the hardware.

Will It Void Warranty?

Nope, it won’t void your warranty. You’re good!

Alternatives to Factory Reset

Clearing Cache Partition

Boot into recovery mode.
Select “Wipe cache partition”.

Good for performance issues without data loss.

Resetting Specific Settings Only

You can reset:

Network settings.
App preferences.
Accessibility options.

Go to Settings > General Management > Reset.

Final Thoughts on Factory Resetting Your Galaxy S23 Series

Factory resetting your Galaxy S23 Ultra, S23, or S23 Plus doesn’t have to be scary. As long as you back up your stuff and follow the right steps, it’s a safe and super helpful way to clean up your phone or fix nagging issues.

Whether you're selling it, fixing bugs, or just want a fresh start, a proper factory reset gives your phone a brand-new vibe.