How to reboot Android through phone settings: 5 proven methods

Rebooting your smartphone through the settings is the safest way to return the device to functionality when it starts to slow down, overheat or behaves unstable. Unlike forcefully turning off the power (which can lead to loss of unsaved data or damage to the file system), soft reboot through the Android menu guarantees the correct completion of all processes. However, not all users know where exactly this option is hidden - especially if the device interface is modified by the manufacturer (like Samsung One UI, Xiaomi MIUI or Huawei EMUI).

In this article we will look at not only the standard method of rebooting through the settings, but also alternative methods for cases when the phone freezes or does not respond to touches. You will learn how it differs process on different versions of Android (from Android 10 to Android 14), what are the pitfalls when using the function Safe. mode, and why sometimes rebooting does not help solve the problem. And if your device does not turn on at all, there is a checklist at the end of the article for diagnosing the problem.

Where is the reboot button in Android settings?

In most smartphones, the reboot option is hidden in the power menu, but the path to it may differ depending on the OS version and the manufacturer's shell. Here is a universal algorithm for pure Android (for example, on Google Pixel, Motorola or Nokia):

1. Open the application Settings (gear icon on the main screen or in the application menu).

2. Scroll down and select the section System.

3. Tap on the item Restart or Reboot and recovery mode.

4. Confirm the action by clicking Reboot in the window that appears.

On smartphones with customized shells, the path may be different, for example, on Samsung Galaxy s One UI need to go to Settings → Device maintenance → Reboot, and to Xiaomi to Settings → About phone → Reboot. If you don’t find the option, use the search in settings (magnifying glass icon in the upper right corner).

Step-by-step guide for different versions of Android

The settings interface has changed with the release of new versions of Android. Below are the current paths for popular OS:

If your Android version is not listed in the table, try using voice assistant. Say: “Okay, Google, restart your phone” - the system itself will find the required section. This method works on devices with Google Assistant (most smartphones, except some models Huawei).

Save all open documents and files

Close background applications (especially instant messengers and games)

Connect charger if the battery charge is below 20%

Turn off Bluetooth headphones or speakers (they may interfere with the process)

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What to do if the phone is frozen and does not respond to touches?

If the smartphone is completely frozen (the screen does not respond to touches and the buttons do not work), soft reboot through settings is not available. In this case, try the following methods:

• 🔄 Forced reboot: press the button Power for 10-15 seconds until the screen goes dark and the device starts to reboot. On some models (for example, Samsung Galaxy S23) must be held Power + Volume Down.
• 🔋 Removing the battery (only for smartphones with a removable battery, for example, old ones Samsung Galaxy J or LG). Turn off the device, remove the back cover, remove the battery for 30 seconds, then insert it back.
• 🖥️ Reboot via ADB (for advanced users). Connect your phone to the PC, open the command line and enter:

  adb reboot

  This method only works if you had previously enabled Developer mode and USB debugging.

⚠️ Attention: Frequent forced reboots can damage the file system, especially if the OS was being updated or data was being written to disk at the time of the freeze. If your phone freezes regularly, check it for viruses or contact a service center.

Rebooting into safe mode: when is it necessary?

Safe Mode (Safe Mode) is an Android diagnostic mode in which all third-party applications are disabled. It is useful if:

• 📱 The phone slows down due to a app conflict.
• 🔄 You need to remove a virus or problematic application that prevents you from doing this in normal mode.
• 🛠️ You need to check whether the problem is caused by a hardware or software error.

To reboot into safe mode:

1. Hold the button Poweruntil the shutdown menu appears.

2. Tap and hold the option Turn off (or Restart on some devices).

3. In the window that appears, select Safe Mode and confirm the action.

In safe mode, the message will be displayed at the bottom of the screen Safe Mode. To exit it, simply restart your phone as usual. If the problem disappears, one of the installed applications is to blame. Uninstall suspicious apps or perform a factory reset.

Why rebooting does not help: possible reasons

If after rebooting the problems persist (the phone still slows down, overheats or turns off), the reasons may be as follows:

• 📉 Low memory: Full storage (especially if less than 1 GB is free) leads to crashes. Check in Settings → Storage.
• 🦠 Viruses or malware: some Trojans block the normal operation of the system. Scan your device with Malwarebytes or Dr.Web.
• 🔋 Battery wear: if the battery drains within a few hours or the phone turns off at 30-40% charge, the battery needs to be replaced.
• 🛠️ Damage to system files: This can happen after an unsuccessful update or rooting. The solution is a factory reset or flashing.

Critical information: If after rebooting the phone freezes at the manufacturer's logo (bootloop), under no circumstances try to reboot it again - this may worsen the problem. In this case, firmware is required via Fastboot or Recovery Mode.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Samsung s Knox), resetting to factory settings or flashing the firmware may void the warranty. Before performing service manipulations, check the status Knox in the menu Settings → About phone → Device status.

Alternative reboot methods

If the standard method through the settings is not available (for example, due to a damaged screen), use one of these ways:

• 📱 Voice assistant: activate Google Assistant or Bixby (on Samsung) with the voice command “Restart the phone.”
• 🖱️ Connecting a mouse via OTG: if the sensor is not works, but the USB port is working, connect a USB mouse via an OTG adapter and control the menu using it.
• 💻 Remote reboot via Find My Device:
  1. Go to the site Find My Device from another device.
  2. Select your smartphone in the list.
  3. Click Lock device, then Erase data (this will reboot).

⚠️ Attention: This method erases all data on the phone! Use it only as a last resort.

Checklist: what to do if the phone does not turn on after a reboot

If after a reboot the screen remains black and the device shows no signs of life, follow these steps:

Check the battery charge (connect to charger for 30 minutes)

Make sure that the cable and charger are working properly

Try a forced reboot (power button + volume up for 15 seconds)

Connect to the PC - is the device detected as Unknown Device?

Shine a flashlight on the screen - is the dim image visible? (there may be a problem with the backlight)

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If none of the points helped, the problem may be hardware:

• 🔌 Faulty battery (swelling, short circuit).
• 💾 Damaged motherboard (for example, after a fall or moisture).
• 🖥️ Firmware failure (if a reboot occurred during an OS update).

In such cases, self-repair is not recommended - contact a service center. If the phone is under warranty, do not open it or try to flash it yourself, otherwise the warranty will be void.

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Rebooting through settings is the safest method, but if the phone is frozen or does not turn on, first try a forced reboot (power button + volume).

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about rebooting Android

Is it possible to restart the phone every day? Does this harm the battery?

Regular reboots (for example, once every 1-2 days) do not harm the battery, but they also do not bring much benefit. Modern smartphones are optimized for long-term operation without reboots. However, if you notice that the phone has started to slow down, rebooting can help free up RAM.

What really harms the battery is full discharge (up to 0%) and overheating (for example, during games with charging on).

The phone reboots on its own. What is the reason?

Causes of spontaneous reboots:

• 🔋 Faulty battery (wear, swelling).
• 📱 Overheating processor (often happens when playing or charging).
• 🦠 Virus software (some Trojans cause a system reboot).
• 🛠️ Firmware failure (for example, after an unsuccessful update).

For diagnostics, check the battery temperature in Settings → Battery and scan your device for viruses.

How to reboot the phone if the screen does not work?
Methods to reboot when the screen does not work:
1. Power button: hold it for 10-15 seconds to force a reboot.
2. ADB: if USB debugging was previously enabled, connect the phone to the PC and enter the command adb reboot.
3. Voice assistant: if enabled Google Assistant, say “Okay, Google, restart your phone.”
4. Mouse via OTG: connect a USB mouse via the adapter and control the menu with it.

adb devices

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