Samsung Galaxy S2 — Performing a hard reset

  • Replies:22
Steven Blum 23
Steven Blum
  • Forum posts: 882

Jul 4, 2011, 10:46:50 AM via Website

This are the step by step procedures on how to factory reset or hard reset the Samsung Galaxy S II, to return the phone to its original factory fresh default settings.

This may help and only advisable if experiencing frozen or hang up problems when using or opening some applications you previously installed on it.
Take note this will delete all data from the Samsung l9100 Galaxy S II as a result of this procedure. This process may or may not delete the data stored on the microSD memory card. Ensure to make a back up a copy of all important data before proceeding.


First do try to factory data reset the phone through the main menu settings.

1. On the main home screen, just select MENU
2. Select SETTINGS, then select PRIVACY
3. Select FACTORY DATA RESET
4. Select RESET PHONE
5. If the password is required,enter it. Then confirm by selecting ERASE EVERYTHING

IF the phone is hang up or frozen, Try to turn it off first and do a hard reset through key combinations.

1. If your Samsung Galaxy S II is frozen, Shut the POWER OFF, take the battery out and put it back again.
2. Hold the Volume Down button
3. Briefly Press and release the Power button
4. A menu will then appears that let you allows for Fastbook, Recovery, Clear Storage, and Simlock
5. Select Clear Storage by pressing the Volume Down button
6. Quickly Press and release the Power button
7. Select Volume Up for YES and Volume Down for NO

If the above procedures doesn't work. try this another method:

1. Turn the POWER OFF, pull the battery out and put it back again.
2. Simultaneously press the Volume Up, Home and Power button
3. If the Samsung Symbol appears, release the Power button
4. A Boot Menu will then show, Use the volume up/down to choose and home to select.

Wait 'till the process completes, Once the wipe is completed, the Samsung Galaxy S II l9100 will then reboot. All the data you previously installed already been deleted and then the phone will then return to its original factory fresh default settings.

— modified on Jul 4, 2011, 10:47:49 AM

Android News I Android Apps I App Center

Soren Cicchini

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1
Sourabh Agarwal Agarwal
  • Forum posts: 1

Dec 10, 2011, 11:21:17 AM via Website

I try to factory reset my phone it tells me that my Samsung Account Password is incorrect. The same happens when I try to access SIM Change Alert on my Samsung Galaxy s2. How can I access/change my Samsung Account Password. Thanks man.. Pleeeasee help

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Aaron Tilton 19
Aaron Tilton
  • Forum posts: 838

Dec 12, 2011, 12:42:10 PM via Website

My web connection is being funky right now so I can't post the link here right now. Try going to the Samsung site and loging in there. They have password reset options that should let you reset your accont password for your phone. If you don't know the password at all they also have recovery options that let you reset your password via email.

Hope that helps.

Android News I Android Apps I > App Center

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2
joe tuck
  • Forum posts: 2

Feb 19, 2012, 3:58:07 PM via Website

Hi im a newbee but has any one got a video of a hard reset for a galaxy s2 i need to do one but i have a broken screen so i need to do it blind before i can send it away for repair but need to delete all data so if any one can help need video from start to finish as i cant see my sceen



thanks joe

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1
Adaro Erd
  • Forum posts: 1

May 13, 2012, 2:14:20 AM via Website

Hi,

I did do a hard reset, basically lost a lot.. did a partial back-up but still a hard feeling.. anyway, my SGS2 CONTINUEs NOT to RECOGNISE SIM CARDS.. It's been just over a year.. almost no problem at all and THIS HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN, actually after a battery change. Stuck on flight mode.. AND after the hard reset, IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME.. I do all that I do over wireless network.. but basically, IT'S NOT A PHONE FOR ME ANYMORE.

Please HELP!

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31
Eric McBride
  • Forum posts: 1,790

May 14, 2012, 5:01:29 PM via Website

Adaro Erd
Hi,

I did do a hard reset, basically lost a lot.. did a partial back-up but still a hard feeling.. anyway, my SGS2 CONTINUEs NOT to RECOGNISE SIM CARDS.. It's been just over a year.. almost no problem at all and THIS HAPPENED ALL OF A SUDDEN, actually after a battery change. Stuck on flight mode.. AND after the hard reset, IT'S EXACTLY THE SAME.. I do all that I do over wireless network.. but basically, IT'S NOT A PHONE FOR ME ANYMORE.

Please HELP!

That sounds like a hardware issue. Have you considered taking it back to the store to see what your warranty options are?

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1
beau stewart
  • Forum posts: 1

Jun 13, 2012, 2:45:19 AM via Website

what do you do if you want to reset it or wipe it without any bugs or glitches or having to pay to get it fixed

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1
Rachel s
  • Forum posts: 1

Jul 23, 2012, 4:35:50 PM via Website

Hi there,

I have tried to do the hard reset but it has been 'Donwloading....do not turn off target!' for about an hour or 2 now...is that right or is my mobile stuck? If so, what can I do...repeat the process?

My phone got pattern locked and wouldn't work using my googlemail login in various forms and nothing else worked! This was the only thing I could do so I am hoping that it does work!

Thanks a lot.

Rachel

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1
Suyoz Tuladhar
  • Forum posts: 1

Sep 17, 2012, 5:20:33 AM via Website

After hard reset my phone's memory has reduced to 4.11 gb instead to standard 16 gb. Please help needed to get my original 16 gb back in my S2.

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1
Eilispidh
  • Forum posts: 2

Sep 17, 2012, 7:22:00 AM via Website

As much as I would really like to believe that this is somehow a deep-but-witty statement about the absurdity of SOPA, it’s obviously a type page that got sent out before anyone took so much as a half-second look at the unique query’s material. That being said, Sega of The united states has at least launched videos clip confessing that their reaction was non-applicable and a car incident. Not only that, but they do a excellent job of creating fun of themselves while they are at it.

(Admin Edit: Promotional Links allowed)

— modified on Jun 30, 2014, 7:19:05 AM by moderator

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1
Amin Ibrahim
  • Forum posts: 1

Sep 26, 2012, 8:52:37 PM via Website

Guys I upgraded my Samsung Galaxy S2(2.3.5) through the mobile option (sofware update) and it advised me not to interrupt the installation which could cause data loss. So I downloaded the file on the mobile and directly started the firmware update process. The screen was giving a percentage installation screen after just 53% the mobile died. I couldn't turn it on at all. I wonder what could be the problem. Could any one advice on this matter. I really need help. I just want to bring the mobile working again.note that the batter was like 30% left and I tested another batter on my mobile but no use. COuld this last update be the main cause and if so can I delete it after turning it on which I cant.

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1
Nguyen Quyen
  • Forum posts: 1

Oct 4, 2012, 6:57:51 PM via Website

I have successfully reset my Samsung S2 to factory settings by number code. I have found this tutorial here, hope useful
Admin edit: **links are forbidden**

— modified on Jul 2, 2013, 11:52:10 AM by moderator

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1
Oana Bozdog
  • Forum posts: 1

Oct 31, 2013, 10:15:15 AM via Website

Rachel s
Hi there,

I have tried to do the hard reset but it has been 'Donwloading....do not turn off target!' for about an hour or 2 now...is that right or is my mobile stuck? If so, what can I do...repeat the process?

My phone got pattern locked and wouldn't work using my googlemail login in various forms and nothing else worked! This was the only thing I could do so I am hoping that it does work!

Thanks a lot.

Rachel

i have the some problem ... should i turn off my phone?

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1
Tomas Vakili
  • Forum posts: 1

Jan 5, 2014, 3:10:00 AM via Website

Hi there,

Thank you for investing your time to help others.

My cell phone is not performing Factory Reset( Galaxy SII SGT-T989). I hold HOME-Volume?-On key but nothing happens.

It was distracted when one of this factory reset was in progress, ( I was charging my cell with my laptop,and unfortunately my laptop died as well)

Now just a day after, my cell phone does turn on, it shows Samsung name on the screen and then dies.

It was time to change my phone anyway,but I need to use this old phone at least for another month to buy another one.

Please give me some tips, should I open inside of the phone..I do repair computer and laptop but never done repair on phone.

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1
Katie
  • Forum posts: 1

Jan 26, 2014, 10:44:24 AM via Website

ive tried all of these processes but my phone either comes on normally or comes on in safe mode? i really need to wipe my s2 as i'm giving it to my mum because i've upgraded

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1
Steve W
  • Forum posts: 1

Mar 26, 2014, 9:42:20 AM via Website

My Galaxy S2 has died, it started with the screen losing the picture, just the pixels were left. When connected to my PC I could see what was in the mobile memory but not now, though it does still connect. The only thing I can see now is the illuminated 'back' and 'settings' at the bottom of the device either side of the Home button. I have tried a hard reset but that doesn't seem to work, anyone any ideas?

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1
Kathy
  • Forum posts: 1

Apr 11, 2014, 3:57:30 PM via Website

[b[b]]Good Morning, I am a greenhorn here, and this is my first attempt at trying to solve the problem of updating my android Galaxy S2 I really love my phone, and it is an old ATT phone that was converted to straight talk phone. I am really happy with it but need to know how to up grade my software or firm ware, to enhance my phone and make it more compatable with today's technology. I can't afford expensive upgrades and nothing is wrong with my current phone. Only issue I have is the battery does not hold a charge long, and the battery heats up at times, I have to cool it down. So my question is what do I do about the firmware, how to install and what battery can I replace the old one with to make it more compatable with my current app programs?[/b][/b]:bashful:

— modified on Apr 11, 2014, 4:08:25 PM

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1
Brandon li,
  • Forum posts: 1

May 26, 2014, 4:15:53 AM via Website

I have try the last method, but require the key in the password, what is this password??

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Jim Robson 5
Jim Robson
  • Forum posts: 15

Jun 27, 2014, 12:06:10 PM via Website

When I go to the Android system recovery menu, it tells me in red letters "E:failed to mount /efs (Invalid argument)" Is that a hardware error? If so what can I do about it?

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1
Nadine Brown
  • Forum posts: 1

Feb 26, 2015, 5:10:17 AM via Website

I have tried the hard reset, but require the key in the password, what is this password?? I do not remember the password hence the hard reset!!! Help!!!

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1
Leicyl Entes
  • Forum posts: 1

Feb 17, 2016, 3:47:00 AM via Website

NEVER ever use passwords for your phone or personal computer. Bill gates started that complicated password crap to protect us from our crimminal family members. Passwords are meant for banks etc. Not for our computers in our homes! Stay off the porn sites and you won't have to worry about someone turning on your phone or puter. WTF. Most people make u swipe the screen as protection...haha..what a foolproof system!

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811 Madman (Madman811) 1
811 Madman (Madman811)
  • Forum posts: 1

May 10, 2016, 10:23:38 AM via Website

How long it take to reset the device?
PLZ REPLY PLZ I NEED TO KNOW
Thank You

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