if I erase the data on the phone will I then be able to use it?

[AC Question]

My Galaxy S3 phone was locked in error. Cannot get it to unlock.
If I erase the data will I then be able to use my phone?

 

[belodion]

It depends on the history of it. Has it had a previous owner? In what way is it locked?

 

[Rukbat]

If you erase ALL data on the phone, it's like a computer with a blank hard drive (no system). It'll consume power but it won't do anything.

If you do a factory reset, deleting all data except the system and system apps, you'll just have to set the phone up again - your email account, your Google account, your wifi password, etc - like when it was new.