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How to factory reset the Galaxy Note 5 for better performance

samsung galaxy note 5 s pen 2
© nextpit

The Galaxy Note 5 probably still has the new phone smell to it, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't already know how to factory reset the Galaxy Note 5 for improved performance. You don't need to do it every week, but whenever your phone feels sluggish, a new Android update is causing problems or you just want to give it a spring clean, a factory reset is the way to go.

Note: A factory reset wipes all data from a device. It keeps the same Android version you last installed, but the phone will otherwise be returned to its factory default state. That means all your accounts, photos, music, files and settings will be removed. You can back up everything on Android and restore that data after a reset, but make sure you make the backup before resetting your phone or all your data will be lost.

samsung galaxy note 5 front
A factory reset will return your Note 5 to factory fresh condition. / © ANDROIDPIT

There are two methods for factory resetting the Galaxy Note 5. One uses the settings menu and the other uses hardware buttons. The settings menu way is perfectly fine, but if your Note 5 won't boot up then you'll have to use the hardware buttons method.

How to factory reset the Galaxy Note 5 (settings menu)

1. Note that you can use both your Samsung account and your Google account as backup options.

2. Go to Settings > Backup and reset > Factory data reset > Reset device > Delete all.

3. Your Galaxy Note 5 will reboot and restart with factory default settings.

AndroidPIT Galaxy Note 5 settings reset
 
AndroidPIT Galaxy Note 5 factory reset
Back up your data before performing a factory reset. © ANDROIDPIT

How to factory reset the Galaxy Note 5 (hardware buttons)

1. Turn off your Galaxy Note 5.

2. Press and hold Volume Up, Power and the Home button until you see the Android recovery screen.

3. Use the volume buttons to highlight Wipe data/factory reset and press the Power button to select it.

4. On the next screen, use the volume buttons to highlight Yes – delete all user data and press the Power button to confirm.

5. Your Galaxy Note 5 will factory reset and reboot with factory default settings.

How often do you reset your phone? Why do you usually reset? Share your experiences in the comments. 

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Kris Carlon

Kris Carlon
Senior Editor

Kris is a former AndroidPIT Editor who came to the team via a lengthy period spent traveling and relying on technology to keep him in touch with the outside world. He can usually be found juggling three phones at once and poring over G+ posts, Reddit and RSS feeds.

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8 comments
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  • 1
    TechGuy29 Mar 15, 2018 Link to comment

    I tried option 2 mentioned in this article, and it did not work because it has some protection against "An unauthorised attempt to factory default..."

    So i stumbled upon this YouTube tutorial: youtube-dot-com-here/watch?v=DJ8_qbj1DPQ&app=desktop
    (due to spam, links are not allowed to be posted here so where you see "youtube-dot-com-here" is YouTube's URL and then the rest of the link. Hope this makes sense)

    Thanks to the chap for this, give him a thumbs up, why not :)

    It uses an OTG flash drive with an APP to bypass the whole "An unauthorised attempt to factory default..." thing. And allows to continue with the setup of the phone.


  • 1
    Charity Harper Aug 20, 2017 Link to comment

    How do I do it without the Google account


  • Asethulla kiyas 1
    Asethulla kiyas Feb 17, 2017 Link to comment

    how many hours will take to reboot note 5. I did hardware reboot. but it took 20 hours now but still its not working. can anyone tell a solution for me?


  • 2
    Tom Olsen Dec 27, 2016 Link to comment

    This saved my buns. The phone went suddenly and completely dead. I was in the process of sending it in for warranty repair when I found this and it came back to life without a hitch. This has been a great phone so far and now it is again. Thanks for the simple and effective fix.

    Jaskulski


    • 6
      Jaskulski Feb 14, 2017 Link to comment

      I had the exact same experience. I was considering a change, until I ran on this article. I even plan to upgrade it and use it until the Note 8 goes out. I even ordered an I-blades modular case. I just don't know if it's going to fit the Note 8. Has anyone got to leaked dimensions? Are they going to differ from the Note 5?


  • 1
    Edrhea Atienza Jun 18, 2016 Link to comment

    i need your help right now... i followed the methods using the hardware buttons but what pops out didn't match from what it should be... what should I do?


  • 1
    David Watson Feb 26, 2016 Link to comment

    Will this also remove the email account synced to the phone?


  • 1
    Jason Burns Feb 21, 2016 Link to comment

    No problems here the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 is the best phone I have ever had. I got my son the Note 6 because this is such a great phone. I did not understand the phone when I first began using it and want to start over with a clean phone. I normally get a new phone by now so I will just reset this one like it is new. Thanks for sharing!

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