To factory reset Galaxy S21 Ultra, open Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset > Reset > Delete all. This is the standard, documented path for erasing your device and restoring it to its original state, which is the most common way people search for factory resetting phones to fix software issues or wipe personal data before handing the device off.
Back Up Your Data First
Samsung states that a factory reset removes all data and restores the device to its original settings, so you must back up first. Before starting, go to Settings > Accounts and backup and select Backup and restore to sync your contacts, photos, videos, and documents to your Samsung account, Google Drive, or another cloud service. You can also transfer files to a computer or external storage for an extra layer of safety. Samsung’s reset screen also offers an Optional: Choose Account and backup for more options prompt, so you can confirm your backup is current before erasing anything.
Factory Reset Galaxy S21 Ultra from Settings
If your phone is responsive and you can open the Settings app, use the primary menu path. On the Galaxy S21 Ultra, navigate to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. You will see a summary of what will be erased, and you may be prompted to enter your current PIN, password, or pattern to continue. There is also an optional eSIMs checkbox on some carrier versions, which you should leave unchecked unless you also want to remove your eSIM profiles. Tap Reset, then Delete all to confirm. The phone will restart and take several minutes to complete the wipe, after which you will see the initial setup screen as if the device were new.
Factory Reset Using Recovery Mode Buttons
When the phone is unresponsive, frozen, or will not boot into the operating system, the Settings path is unavailable. In that case, use the hardware-button recovery mode method, which Google confirms is for when you cannot open the Settings app.
Turn Off Your Galaxy S21 Ultra
Start by powering the device off. Press and hold Power and Volume Down together until the screen goes dark and the phone shuts down. AT&T says to hold Power and Volume Down until the phone powers off. AT&T also requires the battery to be charged to at least 30% before attempting a reset through this method, so plug the phone in if needed.
Access the Recovery Mode
Once the phone is off, press and hold Volume Up and Power simultaneously. Keep holding both buttons until the screen turns on and the Samsung logo appears, then release. The device will enter recovery mode, a text-based menu with several options.
Perform the Factory Reset
Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the recovery menu. Samsung UK instructions say to use Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to select Delete all user data or Wipe data/factory reset, then press Power to select. Highlight Wipe data/factory reset (on some versions, this appears as Delete all user data) and press the Power or Side button to select it. Next, highlight Factory data reset and press the Side button again to confirm. AT&T alternate method uses Side button to select Wipe data/factory reset, then Factory data reset, then Reboot system now. When the process finishes, highlight Reboot system now and press the Side button. The phone will restart and boot to the fresh setup screen.
Documented Limits and Variations
Carrier and Samsung support pages differ slightly on the exact recovery-mode key combo. Samsung’s UK page lists Volume Up + Home + Side for some S21-family devices, while AT&T’s S21 Ultra page specifies Volume Up + Power/Side. Samsung UK page says S21 devices without a Home button use Volume Up + Home + Side for recovery mode. Samsung UK support page explicitly groups the no-Home-button recovery method with S20, S21, Note20, Note10, Fold, and Z Flip families. If the first combination does not work, try the other. The reset may also prompt for your current PIN, password, or pattern before allowing the wipe, depending on your carrier firmware. The recovery-mode method is the only option when the phone will not boot or Settings is inaccessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact Settings menu path on Galaxy S21 Ultra?
This is the same on all carrier versions of the S21 Ultra.
What if the phone will not boot or Settings is unavailable?
Use the recovery-mode method with the power and volume buttons, then choose Wipe data/factory reset and Factory data reset. This works even when the operating system will not load.
Will a factory reset delete all my data on the Galaxy S21 Ultra?
Yes, a factory reset erases all apps, photos, videos, contacts, and settings from the internal storage. It is irreversible, so back up anything you want to keep before starting.
How long does it take to complete a factory reset on the Galaxy S21 Ultra?
The process typically takes several minutes, depending on how much data is stored on the device. The phone will restart automatically when it is done.
Can a factory reset resolve performance issues on the Galaxy S21 Ultra?
Yes, a factory reset clears software glitches, crashes, and freezes by restoring the device to its original state. Try other troubleshooting steps first, since the reset erases everything on the phone.
Related reading: How To Factory Reset My Galaxy S21 and How To Factory Reset A Samsung Galaxy A Tablet.
