How to Restart, Force Restart and Factory Reset a Samsung Galaxy

How to Restart, Force Restart and Factory Reset a Samsung Galaxy

Galaxy frozen, slow, or restarting on its own? Work down this page. Restart, force restart and Safe mode never delete your data.

1. Restart your Galaxy (normal)

  • Swipe down twice from the top of the screen, tap the Power icon, then tap Restart.
  • Or press and hold the Side key + Volume Down briefly to open the power menu, then tap Restart.

2. Force restart (frozen or black screen)

Press and hold Volume Down + Side key together for about 7–10 seconds, until the screen goes black and the Samsung logo appears. Then let go. This does not delete anything.

If your phone opens a “Maintenance Boot Mode” screen instead, use the volume keys to choose Normal Boot and press the Side key.

3. Safe mode (is an app causing it?)

  1. Open the power menu (Side key + Volume Down, or the Power icon in quick settings).
  2. Touch and hold Power off until Safe mode appears, then tap it.
  3. “Safe mode” shows at the bottom of the screen. If the problem is gone, a downloaded app is the cause; uninstall recent apps one at a time.
  4. Restart normally to leave Safe mode.

4. Factory reset (erase everything)

Before you start: back up (Samsung Cloud, Google or Smart Switch). Know your Google account password: after a reset, the phone may ask for it (Factory Reset Protection). A reset won’t fix screen lines, a swollen battery or water damage.

If your phone works normally: Settings → General management → Reset → Factory data reset. Use this method if you’re selling or trading in.

If it won’t start: turn the phone off, then press and hold Volume Up + Side key to open recovery mode. Newer Galaxy models may need to be connected to a computer with a USB-C cable first. Use the volume keys to highlight Wipe data/factory reset, press the Side key to confirm, then choose Reboot system now.

Menu names can differ slightly by model and One UI version.

When to stop and come in

  • It won’t turn on after a force restart and 30 minutes on the charger.
  • It vibrates but the screen stays black, or you see green or pink lines.
  • It keeps restarting, gets hot, or the back or screen is lifting (stop charging it).
  • It says “moisture detected” or got wet.

Diagnosis is free and most Samsung repairs are done the same day.

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Other guides: All restart & reset guides · iPhone · iPad · Google Pixel · Motorola · OnePlus

Source: Samsung Support: Different ways to restart your Galaxy · Samsung Support: Factory reset

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