Rebooting an Android device is a basic procedure that solves up to 70% of software failures. But even in such a simple operation there are nuances: the wrong choice of method can aggravate the problem if the device freezes or does not respond to touch. This article covers all scenarios - from a standard restart to emergency measures in case of critical errors.

We will analyze not only the classic methods (using the power button or through the menu), but also alternative options for cases when the sensor does not work, the device is locked or a reboot is required. safe mode. We will pay special attention Samsung, Xiaomi, Google Pixel to other brands, where key combinations may differ. And for advanced users, we present commands ADBthat will be useful when debugging via a PC.

Important: if your smartphone is does not turn on after several reboot attempts, the problem may lie in a hardware failure (dead battery, damaged motherboard). In this case, it is better to contact a service center.

1. Standard reboot: when the smartphone responds to commands

This is the safest and recommended method if the device is stable, but a system restart is required (for example, after installing updates or clearing the cache). Suitable for all versions of Android - from Android 5.0 Lollipop to Android 14.

The instructions are universal for most brands, but may differ slightly on devices with custom shells (for example, MIUI on Xiaomi or One UI on Samsung). If you have a non-standard interface, look for similar menu items.

  • 📱 Through the menu: Open Settings → System → Restart (or Power → Reboot). On some devices the path may be different, for example: Settings → Device Maintenance → Reboot.
  • 🔄 Power button: Press the on/off button for 2-3 seconds. In the menu that appears, select “Restart” (or “Restart”). Samsung Galaxy may require additional confirmation.
  • 🔧 Through the notification panel: Swipe down from the top edge of the screen, find the power icon (⚡) and hold it. In some firmware, a reboot button is also available here.

If after a reboot the device hangs on the manufacturer's logo for a long time (more than 5 minutes), this may indicate damage to the system files. In this case, try reboot via recovery.

Close all applications

Save open files

Connect to charger if battery level is below 20%

Make sure there are no active updates systems-->

2. Forced reboot: if the smartphone is frozen

When the device does not respond to touches, buttons or is stuck on a black screen, it is required hard restart (hard reset). This method simulates removing the battery, but does not erase the data. Important: not to be confused with reset to factory settings (factory reset), which deletes all files!

Key combinations depend on the manufacturer. Below are current schemes for popular brands (2020–2026). If your model is older, check the instructions on the official website - the location of the buttons may have changed.

Brand Model (example) Key combination Hold time
Samsung Galaxy S23, A54 Power button + Volume down 10–15 seconds
Xiaomi Redmi Note 12, POCO X5 Power button + Volume up 7–10 seconds
Google Pixel Pixel 7, Pixel 6a Power button + Volume up 12–15 seconds
OnePlus OnePlus 11, Nord 3 Power button + Both volume buttons 10 seconds
Realme/Oppo Realme 10 Pro, Oppo Reno8 Power button + increase volume 8–12 seconds

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Sony Xperia), holding the power button for a long time can cause vibration - this is a signal to start a forced reboot. Do not release the buttons until the screen goes dark and loading begins.

Once a week

Once a month

Only after critical failures

Never used -->

3. Reboot into Safe Mode

Safe Mode loads Android with a minimal set of drivers and disables all third-party applications. This helps diagnose problems caused by:

  • 🐞 Viruses or malware;
  • 📱 Application conflict (for example, after an update);
  • 🔧 Incorrectly installed APK files.

If the device works stably in safe mode, the problem lies in one of the installed applications. To exit Safe Mode, simply restart your smartphone in the usual way.

How to distinguish safe mode?

In the lower left corner of the screen there will be the inscription "Safe Mode" (or "Safe mode" in English).

There are no third-party application widgets on the main screen.

Some features (for example, Face Unlock) may be disabled.

Ways to activate Safe Mode:

  1. Hold the power button until the shutdown menu appears. Press and hold “Turn off power" (or "Turn off) until you are prompted to enter Safe Mode. Confirm the action.

  2. For devices without a touch menu (for example, frozen screen): turn off the smartphone forcibly (see Section 2), then hold the button when turning it on Volume down, until the Android logo appears.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Huawei s EMUI), entering safe mode may be blocked by the manufacturer. In this case, use ADB-command: 
adb shell am start -a android.intent.action.MAIN -n com.android.settings/com.android.settings.SafeModeUI

4. Rebooting via Recovery Mode: for advanced users

Recovery Mode is a separate section of the device’s memory that allows you to perform service operations: resetting settings, installing updates or clearing the cache. Rebooting via recovery is useful if:

  • 🔄 Android does not load beyond the logo;
  • 📵 The device reboots cyclically (bootloop);
  • 🛠️ You need to flash custom software (for example, LineageOS).

⚠️ Attention: Incorrect actions in recovery can lead to data loss or “bricking” the device. If you are not sure of your actions, contact a specialist.

How to enter Recovery Mode:

  1. Turn off the device (forcibly if it is frozen).

  2. Hold down the key combination (depending on models):

    • Samsung: Power + Volume up + Bixby (if available);
    • Xiaomi/Redmi/POCO: Power + Volume up;
    • Google Pixel: Power + Volume down;
    • OnePlus: Power + Both volume buttons.

  • Hold the buttons until the recovery logo appears (usually an Android robot with a red exclamation mark or a menu with a blue background).

    • In the recovery menu, control is carried out using the volume (move) and power (select) buttons. To reboot the system, select the item Reboot system now.

    💡

    If you have custom recovery installed (for example, TWRP), the interface will be graphical, and the capabilities will be wider (for example, backing up data before resetting).

    5. Reboot via ADB: for developers and enthusiasts

    Android Debug Bridge (ADB) - a tool for debugging devices via PC. It allows you to reboot your smartphone remotely, even if the screen is not responding (but USB debugging must be enabled in advance!). This method is useful if:

    • 🖥️ You need to reboot the device on a schedule (for example, for testing);
    • 🔧 You need access to hidden functions (for example, fastboot);
    • 📡 The device is connected to the PC, but the screen does not work.

    Step-by-step guide:

    1. Install ADB and Fastboot on PC (Windows, macOS or Linux).

    2. Enable USB debugging on a smartphone: Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times to unlock developer mode), then return to Settings → System → For developers → USB debugging.

    3. Connect the device to the PC via a USB cable (preferably original).

    4. Open the command line (or Terminal) and run:

      adb devices

      If the device is displayed in the list, enter:

      adb reboot

      To reboot in recovery:

      adb reboot recovery

      To reboot in fastboot:

      adb reboot bootloader
    ⚠️ Attention: If after the command adb reboot bootloader the device does not boot, do not disconnect it from the PC! Use the command fastboot rebootto return the smartphone to normal mode.

    6. Automatic reboot: scheduled setting

    Some manufacturers (for example, Samsung and Xiaomi) add a function automatic rebootto the firmware. It is useful for:

    • 📅 Regular cleaning of RAM;
    • 🔄 Application of delayed updates;
    • 🛡️ Preventing freezes during long periods of time work.

    How to set up:

    On Samsung (One UI 5.0+):

    1. Settings → Device maintenance → Automatic reboot;
    2. Turn on the slider and select days/times (for example, daily at 3:00).

    On Xiaomi (MIUI 14+):

    1. Settings → Advanced settings → Automatic reboot;
    2. Set frequency (weekly/daily) and time.

    On stock Android (for example, Google Pixel):

    The function is not available out of the box, but it can be added through applications like MacroDroid or Tasker (requires superuser rights for reliable operation).

    💡

    Automatic reboot does not replace a manual restart in case of critical failures, but helps maintain system stability in the background.

    7. Common errors and how to avoid them

    Even when rebooting, users encounter typical problems. Let's look at the most common ones:

    Problem Possible cause Solution
    The device does not respond to the power button Hardware failure of the button or the button is discharged battery Connect to charger for 10-15 minutes, then try a forced reboot
    After reboot, data was lost Random reset to factory settings Check backups in Google Drive or Mi Cloud (for Xiaomi)
    Cyclic reboot (bootloop) Damage to system files after updating Reflash the device via fastboot or contact service
    The sensor does not work after reboot Driver conflict or physical damage to the display Reboot into safe mode or connect the mouse via OTG

    ⚠️ Attention: If after reboot the device requires entering a password Google (for example, after resetting the settings), and you do not remember it, restore access via account recovery page. Using bypass methods (for example, via FRP bypass) may violate the security policy. Google.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

    🔹 Why does the smartphone itself reboot several times a day?

    The reasons can be software or hardware:

    • 🔋 Dead battery: If the charge level drops below 5%, the device may reboot cyclically. Try replacing the battery.
    • 📱 Overheating: Check the processor temperature using the application AIDA64. If the CPU heats up above 70°C, clean the device from dust or replace the thermal paste.
    • 🛠️ Damaged software: Update the firmware or reset the settings (after saving the data).
    🔹 Is it possible to reboot an Android device without the power button?

    Yes, there are several ways:

    1. Via ADB (if USB debugging is enabled):

      adb shell reboot

    2. Connect the charger - some models (for example, Samsung) automatically reboot when connected to the network.

    3. Use applications for remote control (for example, TeamViewer QuickSupport), if they were installed in advance.

    🔹 What to do if it disappears after a reboot sound?

    Probable causes and solutions:

    • 🔊 Audio driver failure: Reboot the device again or clear the cache in recovery (Wipe cache partition).
    • 🎧 Incorrect settings: Check whether the "Silent" or "Do Not Disturb" mode is activated in the panel notifications.
    • 🔧 Damaged connector: Connect headphones - if there is sound in them, the problem is in the dynamics (repair required).
    🔹 How to restart Android TV or tablet?

    The procedure is similar to smartphones, but there are nuances:

    • 📺 Android TV: Hold the power button on the remote control for 5-7 seconds. If the remote control does not work, use the button on the device body.
    • 📱 Tablets: The key combinations are the same as for smartphones (for example, for Samsung Tab — Power + Volume Up).

    On some tablets (for example, Lenovo Tab) the power button can be touch sensitive - in this case, to force a reboot, connect the device to the charger and hold the button for 15-20 seconds.

    🔹 Why does the device not reboot after updating Android?

    This is a typical problem with:

    • 📥 Interrupted update installation: Connect the device to charging and wait for the process to complete (may take up to 30 minutes).
    • 🔧 Firmware incompatibilities: If the update is "left" (not official), return to the factory version via recovery.
    • 🛠️ Low memory: Clear space in the partition Settings → Memory and repeat the update.

    If the screen shows an error Error 7 or Error 6, this indicates the firmware is incompatible with your model. Download the correct software version from the manufacturer's official website.