How to reboot a frozen Galaxy device

Last Update date : 2024-02-08

If your screen freezes or your device becomes unresponsive during use, you can force reboot by holding both the Side key and Volume down key simultaneously. If the issue persists after restarting the device, try following the steps below.

Reboot samsung phone

Note: Before you try the recommendations below, be sure to check if your device's software and related apps are updated to the latest version.

Free up Memory and Storage space

Your device may freeze or become unresponsive due to insufficient Memory and Storage space. If this is the case, try the following steps.

First, check your device's Memory and Storage space.

   Step 1. Go to Settings, then select Device care.
   Step 2.
Check the remaining storage space by selecting Storage and memory space by selecting Memory.

Check remaining storage and memory space

If there is insufficient space on your device, you can clear the cache by optimizing your device. Optimization closes apps running in the background, manages abnormal battery usage, and scans for crashed apps and malware. Follow the steps below to optimize your device.

Settings

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Device care.

Step 2. Tap Optimize now.

Step 3. Once optimized, tap Done to finish

Third-party apps may be the cause of your device becoming unresponsive. Since all third-party apps are disabled in Safe mode, you can check if a third-party app is the reason why your device keeps freezing. First, enable Safe mode to see if your phone becomes unresponsive. If your device does not freeze in Safe mode, it means a third-party app is the cause of the issues you are experiencing.

 Press and hold Volume down and Side key  Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key.

 Select Power off  Select Power off

Step 2. Select Power off.

 Press and hold Volume down and Side key  Press and hold Volume down and Side key

Step 3. After the screen turns off, press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key at the same time.

 Release Side key while holding Volume down key  Release Side key while holding Volume down key

Step 4. Once the Samsung logo appears on screen, release the Side key, while holding the Volume down key.

 Update in Safe mode  Update in Safe mode

Step 5. When Safe mode appears on the lower left corner of the screen, release the key.

If your device has started becoming unresponsive recently, identify apps that you have downloaded lately and remove them in Safe mode. Follow the steps below.

Apps Apps

Step 1. Go to Settings and select Apps.

 Identify recent or unknown apps  Identify recent or unknown apps

Step 2. Identify any apps that you recently downloaded or don’t recognize.

 Uninstall app  Uninstall app

Step 3. Select Uninstall.

 Tap OK to uninstall  Tap OK to uninstall

Step 4. Tap OK.

You can switch from Safe mode to normal mode by following the steps below :

Step 1. Press and hold the Volume down key and the Side key simultaneously.

Step 2.  Select Power off.

 

Switch from Safe mode to normal mode

If your screen keeps freezing or you continue to experience issues with your device, you can try performing a Factory data reset. A Factory data reset will restore your device to its original settings and will completely erase all of your data.

Factory settings

Step 1. Go to Settings and select General Management.

Step 2. Select Reset.

Step 3. Select Factory data reset.

Factory settings

Step 4. Tap Reset.

Step 5. Tap Delete all 

Step 6. Enter your password and follow the on-screen instructions.

Note: Before performing a Factory data reset, make sure you have your device's data backed up. Data deleted during a Factory data reset cannot be restored.

Note:

  • If you followed the steps listed above but the issue persists, your device may be physically damaged. Please check the Support Center for relevant information.
  • Device screenshots and menus may vary depending on the device model and software version.
  • Volume and Side key locations may vary depending on the device model.

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If you are experiencing difficulties with your Samsung mobile, tablet, or wearables, you can send us a question in the Samsung Members app. Find out more about sending an error report.

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