Unable to open Settings App

[Maldonboy1977]

I am unable to open the Settings App on a Samsung A14

I can not open setting by the app icon or the star in the top left pull down corner when I pull down the screen.

I keep getting the message -

Settings not responding

Close app

I have not performed or been asked to update software, I can not even perform a Factory Reset - contacts and data are backed up - as all the advice (including Samsung) require opening the Settings App to perform a Reset.

My phone was purchased new from Amazon in February 2025, it was network unlocked and delivered sealed. I have not been able to download my banks App, as it responds with a message informing me that security is at risk as they recognise the device as having been Rooted. Any Apps that I added were from Google Play Store.

When I was able to open the Settings App, the status showed that it had not been Rooted and that the Android version was up to date - as of the end of June 2025.

The phone was working as well as could be expected, until last week when I found difficulty in connecting Galaxy Sound Buds via the Settings *, normally they would connect automatically. I turn off the phones Bluetooth indoors as I use them with my Chromebook for TV and Films.

Any advice on what to do would be handy?

[sj7230]

Have you recently updated? If so, try clearing the cache partition Turn off your phone, then press and hold the Volume up button and Power button until the Samsung logo appears. Then you are in Android recovery . Use the Volume down key to get to Wipe cache partition. Then go to Yes. after it is cleared. Press the power button to reboot. Now, the cache partition is cleared.

[Maldonboy1977]

I have not updated at all since I bought the phone new from Amazon end of February 2025.

I am now trying your advice, as it is the only one so far that does not require the Settings App.

I am suspicious as to how Amazon obtain Samsung for sale, as my banks App suggests that the phone is Rooted, I have checked my purchase and the only thing is it was unlocked for any network.

Cache partition clear did not work.

The Wipe data/factory reset just brought up an option menu? in Asian text - I do not read mandarin or Cantonese.

Would a Factory Reset revert to the Asian text/options if I was to do that and restart it?

[sj7230]

Try using a different phone to translate it using Google translate or some translator. If it's in A different language, it suggests your phone may be from another country.

[sj7230]

I would try a Factory reset, you can change the language back to English at the welcome screen.

[Mujibar]

You can also factory reset by going into recovery. Same procedure as @sj7230 posted, except select "wipe data/factory reset" instead of "wipe cache partition."

[sj7230]

That's also what I was thinking, just didn't want to make my comment long

[LongHiker]

@Maldonboy1977 If your device is rooted, it could be compromised in many different ways. I would return it if possible. 

[sj7230]

Also, you have said your banking apps said your phone is rooted, it could be that.

[Mujibar]

What does it say under settings, about phone, status information? If it says anything other than "official," your phone has been somehow modified.