Learn how to wipe or master reset the Samsung Galaxy S 4  through the menu or hardware keys. Find out more on this page:

Cache partition

Master reset

Safe mode

Wipe cache partition

If the phone is not working correctly, you may need to master reset it and also clear the cache partition. These two resets clear different parts of the phone storage. Unlike a master reset, wiping the cache partition does not delete your personal data.

To wipe the cache partition, follow these steps:

1. Turn off the device.
2. Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time: 
   
   
   • Volume Up key
   • Home key
   • Power key
     
     
3. When the phone vibrates, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and theHome key.
4. When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
5. Press the Volume Down key to highlight 'wipe cache partition.'
6. Press the Power key to select. The phone will automatically restart after the cache is wiped.

Back to top

Master reset from settings menu

A master reset restores the original factory settings and may delete your personal data on the internal storage, such as downloaded content, ringtones, images, apps, and contacts. It does not delete data stored on the SIM card or SD card.

To perform a master reset, follow these steps:

1. Back up all data on the internal memory.
2. From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap the Accounts tab.
5. Under 'Backup options,' tap Backup and reset.
6. If desired, tap Automatic restore to clear the check box.
7. If desired, tap Back up my data to clear the check box.
8. Tap Factory data reset.
9. Tap Reset device.
10. If you have screen lock turned on, enter your PIN or password. Tap Continue.
11. Tap Delete all. 

Master reset with hardware keys

A master reset restores the original factory settings and may delete your personal data on the internal storage, such as downloaded content, ringtones, images, apps, and contacts. It does not delete data stored on the SIM card or SD card.

If the device menus are frozen or unresponsive, you can master reset using hardware keys. To perform a master reset, follow these steps:

1. Back up all data on the internal memory.
2. Turn off the device.
3. Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time:
   • Volume Up key
   • Home key
   • Power key.
4. When the phone vibrates, release the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and theHome key.
5. When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home keys.
6. Press the Volume down key several times key to highlight 'wipe data / factory reset.'
7. Press Power button to select.
8. Press the Volume down key until 'delete all user data' is highlighted.
9. Press Power button to select and start the master reset. 
   When the master reset is complete, 'Reboot system now' is highlighted.
10. Press the Power key to restart the device. 

Back to top

Turn on and use safe mode

Safe mode allows you to turn on the device with third-party apps disabled. Then you can easily remove all apps that may be causing a conflict or software problem.

To turn on safe mode and use it to fix app problems, follow these steps:

Turn on safe mode

1. Turn the device off.
2. Press and hold the Power key.
3. When 'Samsung Galaxy S4' appears on the screen, release the Power key.
4. Immediately after releasing the Power key, press and hold the Volume down key.
5. Continue to hold the Volume down key until the device finishes restarting.
6. Safe mode will display in the bottom left corner of the screen.
7. Release the Volume down key when you see Safe Mode.

Uninstall third party applications

1. From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
2. Tap Settings.
3. Tap the More tab.
4. Tap Application manager.
5. If necessary, swipe right to the Downloaded screen.
6. Tap the desired application.
7. Tap Uninstall.
8. Tap OK.

Turn off safe mode

To turn off safe mode, follow these steps:

1. Press and hold the Power key.
2. Tap Restart.