Master Reset; Master Reset Using Hardware Keys; Soft Reset; Wipe Cache Partition To Clear System Memory - Samsung Galaxy S III User Manual

1. Connect the USB cord to the phone, then to the computer.
2. When the Portable Device window appears on your computer, double-click Open folder to view files using Windows
Explorer.
3. Double-click to open the folder on the computer containing the file(s) you want to move.
Note: This is not a complete list of files and folders and some of the items listed may not appear on every phone. Be sure
to locate and back up any content you want to save.
4. Copy and paste or drag and drop the files into the desired location on your memory card.
Caution: Do not disconnect the USB cable during file transfer.
5. When you are finished, disconnect the USB cable from your phone.

Master reset

A master reset restores the original factory settings and may erase all downloaded content, including ringtones, images, programs,
and contacts stored in the internal memory. It does not erase data stored on the SIM card or memory card (if available).
Note: A master reset is unnecessary for removing the primary Google account. To remove this account, see the procedure "Delete
Gmail Account" under the Account—Delete procedure.
To perform a hard reset, follow these steps.
1. Back up all necessary data that is on the internal memory.
2. From any Home screen, tap the Menu key.
3. Tap Settings.
4. Tap Back up and reset.
5. Tap Automatic restore to clear the check box and disable.
6. Tap Back up my data to clear the check box and disable.
7. Tap Factory data reset.
8. Tap Reset device.
9. Tap Delete all.

Master reset using hardware keys

A master reset (factory reset) restores the original factory settings and erases all user data (including settings and downloaded
content) stored in the phone's internal memory. It does not erase data stored on the SIM card or memory card (if available).
Note: If the handset is locked, frozen, or unresponsive, you can perform a master reset using the hardware keys instead of the
menu.
To perform a master reset using hardware keys, follow these steps:
1. Back up all necessary data that is on the internal memory.
2. Turn off the device.
3. Press and hold these three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, and Power key.
4. When the phone vibrates, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
5. When the Android System Recovery screen appears, let go of the Volume Up and Home keys.
6. Press the Volume Down key to highlight wipe data / factory reset.
7. Press the Power key to select.
8. Press the Volume Down key to highlight delete all user data.
9. Press the Power key to select.
10. The master reset is enacted.
11. When the master reset is finished, with reboot system now highlighted, press the Power key to restart the phone.

Soft reset

A soft reset clears and shuts down all active programs. This can help when the device is running slower than normal or not
performing properly.
To perform a soft reset, follow these steps:
1. Press and hold the Power key on the right side of the phone.
2. Tap Restart.
3. Tap OK.

Wipe cache partition to clear system memory

If the phone is not working correctly, you may need to reset it. Whereas a hard reset deletes all your information, clearing the
system cache does not erase any personal data or settings.
To wipe the cache partition, follow these steps:
1. Turn off the device.
2. Press and hold these three buttons at the same time: Volume Up key, Home key, and Power key.
3. When the phone vibrates, let go of the Power key but continue to press and hold the Volume Up key and the Home key.
4. When the Android System Recovery screen appears, let go of the Volume Up and Home keys.