reset with no screen?

[Anonymous]

Hello, I need some advice before tomorrow please!  My SGS3 screen went blank yesterday, phone still works but can see nothing. O2 are kindly replacing it hopefully in the morning but I have just realised that someone, with the right know how could potentially access the various apps/financial data before I get chance to change every sodding password. I'm sure this is unlikely but would rather be safe than sorry, so is there anyway I can reset/clear down the phone before I hand it over to the courier??? Thanks in advance.... 

[Anonymous]

Hi and welcome.

I think Only if a hard reset could be carried out.

http://www.hard-reset.com/samsung-galaxy-s3-uhard-reset.html

http://thedroidguy.com/2014/03/fix-galaxy-s3-wont-turn-troubleshooting-guide/

They typically wipe and use any internal parts they can on returned faulty handsets I believe.

Edit : Remember to remove your SIM card, battery and any SD CARD before handing your faulty phone over.

[jonsie]

Have you done a backup recently?

You could try a factory reset on the phone if the display will allow it.

A full factory reset will erase all data so do a back up first:
Turn off the phone and remove the battery. Wait 2 minutes and put it back
Press and hold down Volume Up + Home + Power buttons at the same time.
Release all buttons when you see the Samsung logo.
Android system recovery will be loaded now
Select wipe data/factory reset. (Volume buttons to go up or down, select with Home button)

[Anonymous]

I've tried the hard reset a couple of times with no luck, but whether it's doing it and I can't tell or if it's just not working at all I don't know. 

Thanks for the reminder regarding the sim and but do I really take the battery out as well?? 

[Anonymous]

Is there anyway to reset the device through connecting it to a laptop?? 

As I say I very much doubt there will be a problem between me handing it over and it getting wiped but it would put my mind at ease....! 

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

If O2 are replacing it anyway the people won't be going out of their way to nosey around the phone. Theyll wipe it and then try a few things to see if a) it can be reused as a refurb, or b) it is only worth the parts in the phone. I imagine even the engineers are compliant with Data Protection.

[MI5]

Try this (only chance) https://www.google.com/android/devicemanager

[Anonymous]

I can ring the device but need to have previously set up the erase function, which due to the screen I can't do now. Great suggestion though and guess what I'll be doing first with the new device!

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for trying though, I'll just have to get them passwords updated asap.

[Anonymous]

Yes at least you know now mate