We’ve all done so much with our phones, and maybe it’s time to clear everything and get a fresh new device. Using this guide, you’ll learn how to reset Samsung Galaxy S2. Also, resetting can be a life saver if you’re facing some major software issues on your phone.
Steps Before Resetting
If you’ve decided that you want to reset your Galaxy S2, then there are certain things that you should keep in mind before proceeding with any of the methods. All the methods mentioned below will delete everything from your device and while your phone should be faster and free from software glitches, things like your contacts and settings will also be deleted. Therefore, you should create a backup of all your important files using the default backup feature on the Galaxy S2 or through a third-party backup app from the Google Play Store. Make sure that you transfer the backup file to your PC. It is also a good idea to sync your device with your Google account so that you can retrieve some of the data as soon as you sign in with your Google ID after resetting your phone.
Method 1: Reset Through The Settings Menu
This is the easiest and most effective way to reset the Galaxy S2 since it comes pre-loaded on most Android devices. You just need to go through a couple of menus in your Settings app and your phone will reset in just a couple of minutes. This is the perfect option if your phone is usable since you’ll need to access the settings app. If, however, your phone isn’t booting or it’s not usable, then you’ll need to use the Hardware Reset method.
Step 1
Open your Settings app and tap on Privacy.
Step 2
Tap on Factory data reset below the Personal data tab. You can also create a backup at this screen by enabling the Back up my data option.
Step 3
Tap on Reset Phone.
Step 4
Press the Erase everything button. The resetting process should now start. Once the reset process is complete, your phone will automatically reboot. That’s it! You have successfully performed a reset on your Galaxy S2.
Step 5
Restore your files from the backup that you created earlier and sign in with your Google account to get back data, such as your contacts.
Method 2: Hardware Reset
This is another method for resetting the Galaxy S2, and like Method 1, it will delete everything from your device. This works in almost the same way as Method 1, however, it uses the hardware keys and the phone’s recovery menu to reset the device instead of using the settings app. This method is usually the last resort for most users since there is nothing more that you can do if your device isn’t even switching on or is bricked. If your device isn’t usable, then this is the ideal option.
Step 1
Switch off your Galaxy S2.
Step 2
Hold down your Volume Up and Volume Down keys simultaneously. Without releasing these buttons, hold down your Power key until your phone vibrates and you see a menu on the screen.
Step 3
Scroll down to the option called Wipe data/factory reset using the Volume Down button and select it using your Power button.
Step 4
Using the Volume Down keys, scan to the Yes – delete all user data and select it using the Power key.
Step 5
Wait for the resetting process to complete and click your Power key to select the Reboot system now option. That’s it! Your Galaxy S2 will now reboot and you’ll have a fresh device.
Step 6
Restore your data through the backup you created earlier.
Conclusion
Samsung has released several premium phones over the past couple of years and the Galaxy S2 was one of the most popular Android smartphones of its time. While the phone is relatively old, it is still a decent Android device for installing apps from the Google Play store and for flashing custom ROMs and mods from the XDA Forums. However, the longer you use the phone, the more it becomes prone to glitches and software issues. Therefore, you should consider resetting your device if you’re having a lot of issues or even if you just want a clean start. Whether you’re looking to sell your Galaxy S2, and want to clean everything, or you need to fix the software problems, you can use any of the methods mentioned above for resetting your device. If your device is functioning normally, then Method 1 is the best option, and if you can’t even boot, then Method 2 is the perfect option. If both these methods aren’t working with your device, then Method 3 is the next best alternative. Whichever method you choose, make sure that you follow all the instructions on how to reset Samsung Galaxy S2, and feel free to shoot any questions below!