How to factory reset Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus

The Galaxy S8 with its Snapdragon 835 processor and 4GB of RAM definitely gives off the impression that it will never have any performance issues. But all devices out there are susceptible to getting stuck even if it has top grade specifications. There’s also the possibility for your smartphone to become laggy, which could be due to corrupt software or even a virus.

If such an event happens on your Galaxy S8 or Galaxy S8 Plus, the most straight forward step to take is to do a complete factory reset of your smartphone. A factory reset will erase ALL of your personal data and your preferred settings. Also ensure that your device has at least 30% of charge before proceeding.

In other words, it will bring your device to the state it was in when you first switched it on. So, backup all of your data elsewhere before trying this.

How to factory reset your Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus

You can perform a factory reset on your Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus using either two methods: software and hardware. Let’s check them out both.

Galaxy S8 Factory Reset: Software trick

The easiest method to factory reset your device is to do the standard master reset from within the settings.

But make sure you have made appropriate backup of all your contacts, data, files, music, videos, etc. before doing a factory reset.

  1. Go to your home screen first.
  2. Swipe down from the status bar up top.
  3. Tap on the gear icon (Settings icon).
  4. Scroll down and select General management.
  5. Then tap on Reset and then Factory data reset.
  6. Scroll to the bottom and tap on the Reset button.
  7. Then tap on the Delete all button.
  8. The phone will restart to a brand new state.

If you are unable to try the above mentioned method, then you could try the hardware method which is guaranteed to work without a hitch.

Galaxy S8 Factory Reset: Hardware trick

Factory reset the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus using Recovery mode.

  1. Power off your Galaxy S8.
  2. Press and hold the Bixby, Volume up and Power buttons together until you see anything on screen. Once you see the blue screen, let go of the buttons, as you will soon enter ‘Android recovery‘ screen now.
  3. Use the Volume down button to navigate to the Wipe data/Factory reset option, and then use the Power button to select the option.
  4. Then select the Yes option on next screen. The Factory reset process will begin and progress will be shown at the bottom of the screen.
  5. When the Recovery screen appears again, select the Reboot system now option. to restart the device.

That’s all there is to it.


In case you need any help, sure ask us in the comments section below.

8 Comments

  1. Thanks! this will be useful if I get the S8, fingers crossed!

  2. I’ll sure to try it if I get the S8!!

  3. Missy Colunga-Adams

    I can’t shut my phone off because I can’t remember the code. Help! Please.

    1. Hi – I have the same problem – any help?

      1. any help???

  4. My phone turn green the screen and says Downloading… since 45 minutes ago.. how long should I wait?

    1. Your device is in Odin mode (because it says downloading..).
      Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons together until to restart it and get it out of download mode.
      Then power it off. And then press and hold Volume up, Bixby and Power button to reach recovery mode.

  5. didnt work. still can’t use camera

Comments are closed.