To reset a Samsung Galaxy S10, S10e, or S10 Plus, the primary method is a factory reset from the device Settings, which erases all data and restores the phone to its original state. This is the most common way to reset a Samsung Galaxy S10 when you need to fix persistent software issues or prepare the phone for a new owner.
How to reset a Samsung Galaxy S10, S10e, or S10 Plus from Settings
This is the official, Samsung-documented method for performing a factory reset directly from the phone’s on-screen menu. Use this approach when your device is responsive and you can access the Settings app.
- Open the Settings app on your phone.
- Scroll down and tap General management.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Factory data reset.
- Review the information on the screen, then tap Reset.
- If prompted, enter your phone’s PIN, password, or pattern.
- Tap Delete all to confirm and begin the reset. The device will restart automatically once the process is complete.
Smart Switch reset method: Connect phone to computer via USB, open Smart Switch, click 'More' > 'Emergency software recovery and initialization', enter model and serial number, follow on-screen instructions.
How to remotely erase your Samsung Galaxy S10 with SmartThings Find
If your Galaxy S10 is lost, stolen, or otherwise inaccessible, you can erase its data remotely using Samsung’s official lost-device service. This method requires that you have previously signed into a Samsung account on the phone and that the device is connected to the internet.
- On a computer or another phone, open the SmartThings Find or Samsung Find website.
- Sign in with the same Samsung account that was on your Galaxy S10.
- Select your Galaxy S10 from the list of devices.
- Choose Erase data.
- Confirm by tapping Erase. You may be asked to verify your Samsung account password again before the erase begins.
What to do before you reset your Galaxy S10
Taking a few minutes to prepare can prevent permanent data loss and avoid getting locked out of your accounts. A factory reset deletes everything on the phone, including photos, contacts, apps, and account settings.
- Back up your data: Use Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or a computer to save photos, contacts, and other important files.
- Sign out of your Google and Samsung accounts: This prevents Factory Reset Protection (FRP) from activating. If FRP is triggered, you will need the original account credentials to set up the phone again after the reset.
- Remove your SIM and SD card: While the reset does not affect these cards, removing them protects any data stored on them and prevents accidental formatting.
Alternatives to a factory reset for a frozen Galaxy S10
If your Galaxy S10 is frozen, unresponsive, or you cannot access the Settings menu, a full factory reset may not be your first step. A soft restart (also called a reboot) can often resolve temporary glitches without erasing any data. This is the simplest way to fix a frozen screen or an app that has stopped responding. For a complete guide on restarting and rebooting phones, including the specific button combinations for your model, see the dedicated article on restarting and rebooting phones.
If a soft restart does not work and you still cannot access Settings, a hardware-button reset is an option for the Galaxy S10, S10+, and S10e.
Hard reset button sequence: Turn off phone, press and hold Volume Up and Power simultaneously, release at Samsung logo, use Volume Down to navigate to 'Wipe data/factory reset', press Power to select, use Volume Down to highlight 'Yes', press Power to confirm, then select 'Reboot system now'.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Samsung document a reset path for the S10 series from Settings?
Yes. Samsung’s official support documentation confirms the path: Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset > Reset > Delete all.
Does Samsung document a remote erase option?
Yes. Samsung documents a remote erase through the SmartThings Find or Samsung Find website. After selecting your device, you choose Erase data and confirm Erase.
Are exact hardware-button steps documented in the retrieved pages?
No.
Is a Smart Switch reset workflow documented in the retrieved pages?
No.
Will a reset improve the performance of my Samsung Galaxy S10?
Yes, a factory reset can improve performance by clearing accumulated cache, removing unused apps, and eliminating software conflicts that may slow down the device over time.
Do I need to remove my SIM card before resetting my Samsung Galaxy S10?
It is not required, but it is recommended to remove your SIM card before a reset to protect any data stored on it and prevent accidental formatting.
My Samsung Galaxy S10 is frozen. Can a reset fix this issue?
Yes, a reset can fix a frozen Galaxy S10. First try a soft restart by holding Power and Volume Down for about 10 seconds. If that fails, a hard reset using the button sequence or a factory reset from Settings will resolve the issue but will erase all data.
