According to one embodiment, a magnetic recording and reproduction device includes a head; a heater configured to heat the head by electric power supplied; a detector provided with a resistive element and configured to detect a contact between the head and a magnetic recording medium by detecting a change in resistance of the resistive element associated with the contact between the head and the magnetic recording medium; and a flying height controller configured to control a flying height of the head from the magnetic recording medium by supplying electric power to the heater to thermally deform the head and to bring the deformed head into contact with the magnetic recording medium so as to determine reference power supplied when the head is in contact with the magnetic recording medium and by supplying electric power to the heater based on the reference power.