Help Galaxy S4 won't factory reset

[jsunter]

Hello.

I decided to factory reset my Samsung Galaxy S4 so I backed up all the things I wanted like pictures and contacts and looked up how to do it. First I tried the method of just going into settings then accounts then factory reset it that way but then I get a box that says "Shutting Down..." after I have clicked on 'erase everything'. The box saying that never seems to actual shut down, as I'm typing this, it still says it now. I thought it may take some time but its been nearly an hour now of it saying shutting down. As well as trying that method, I also tried the method of pressing the volume key, power and home key at the same time but that doesn't seem to be working either. I get the tiny blue (or green, I cant remember) text at the top left saying something about booting but then the phone starts up normally just like I was pressing the power key. Really need some help here I want to reset my phone! Thanks alot

 

[ceepluspus]

Have you tried using ODIN to get back to complete stock?

 

[nu2andy]

When you do the Factory Reset - are the keys working freely? If the Volume key sticks, it will negate the operation.
Master Reset with hardware keys:
1. Turn off the device.
2. Press and hold the following three buttons at the same time. When the phone vibrates, release the POWER button but continue to press and hold the VOLUME UP button and the HOME button.
* VOLUME UP Button
* HOME Button
* POWER Button.
3. When the Android System Recovery screen appears, release the Volume Up and Home Buttons.
4. Press the VOLUME DOWN button to move and highlight 'wipe data/factory reset'.
5. Press POWER button to select.
6. Press the VOLUME DOWN button until 'delete all user data' is highlighted.
7. Press POWER button to select and start the master reset.
8. When the master reset is complete, 'Reboot system now' is highlighted.
9. Press the POWER button to restart the device.

Hope this helps. If the phone doesn't go into Reset mode - (it will start as normal) - Switch off the phone and just repeat the button press sequence again. Remember, when the phone vibrates - release the Power button ONLY. This procedure has worked OK for me. Best of Luck Neil.

 

[StraightJacket]

After it vibrates and the blue text comes up let go of the power.

I've never had to hold the home button but noticed on some S4s I had to let go of the Power Button

 

[nu2andy]

StraightJacket, the Recovery Mode as I described in my earlier Post is recommended by Ironass in his Rooting process (instruction #2.5) and in nearly all other recommendations I've seen. I've used the protocol myself - non-use of Home button can activate another process.
jsunter, all info I've read has recommended doing the Factory Reset as I described and has worked for me - Twice! Neil.

 

[StraightJacket]

Are you going to try it or just knock it..

I've never had it start another process.. and ironass is good not god.

 

[nu2andy]

Yes, you are right - it does work to go to Recovery Mode. 2 ways to enter it.

 

[Reagan]

Where does one find StaightJacket.. I see nothing on GooglePlay or in searching google.

 

[lunatic59]

Where does one find StaightJacket.. I see nothing on GooglePlay or in searching google.

@StraightJacket is the name of the member who posted right before @nu2andy.