Before you sell a Samsung, back it up, remove your Google and Samsung accounts, remove the screen lock and then factory reset it. The order matters: if the phone is reset while your Google account is still on it, Factory Reset Protection (FRP) can ask for that account at setup, which locks out the next owner.
Key Takeaways
- Remove your Google account and Samsung account before the factory reset, or the phone stays FRP-locked.
- Reset with Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset.
- You can sell without the box or charger; Galaxy S phones from the S21 never came with a charger in the box.
1. Back Up Your Phone
Back up apps and settings with Samsung Cloud or Google One (Settings > Accounts and backup), photos with Google Photos, and WhatsApp chats with WhatsApp's own chat backup. Smart Switch can also copy everything straight to your new phone.
2. Remove Your Google and Samsung Accounts
Go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Manage accounts. Tap your Google account and choose Remove account, then do the same for your Samsung account. Removing the Samsung account also turns off Find My Mobile's reactivation lock. Remove any cards from Samsung Wallet and unpair your Galaxy Watch or Buds.
3. Reset Now or After the Check
If you would rather keep using the phone until pickup, skip the reset for now but remove the screen lock (Settings > Lock screen, or Lock screen and AOD on newer versions > Screen lock type > None or Swipe) so the phone can be tested.
4. Factory Reset
Go to Settings > General management > Reset > Factory data reset. The phone restarts to the welcome screen with none of your data or accounts. Remove your SIM and, if your phone has one, the microSD card.
What Is an FRP Lock?
Factory Reset Protection links the phone to your Google account. If a Samsung is reset with the account still on it, setup asks for that account's password. An FRP-locked phone cannot be set up by the next owner, so it cannot be bought until the lock is cleared. If your phone is already locked, sign in with your own Google account at setup, then remove the account and reset again.
Do You Need the Box or Charger?
No. You can sell a Samsung without its box, bill, charger or cable. Galaxy S phones from the S21, and the Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 onwards, ship without a charger, so a missing charger is expected. The box and bill help a little and prove the phone's origin, but they are not required. On the S22 Ultra and later, keep the built-in S Pen in the phone.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What if I forgot my Google account password?
Recover it at accounts.google.com before you reset the phone. Without it, an FRP-locked phone cannot be set up.
Should I remove my SIM and memory card?
Yes. Take out your SIM and, if your phone has one, the microSD card — a factory reset does not erase a memory card.
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