It seems a common problem for Android users is that it might get stuck in Safe Mode. While in Safe Mode, you might not be able to do much on the device since much of the software required for normal functionality isn’t loaded. Your device might say “No Service” or have problems running apps. App icons may also appear grayed out.
Don’t worry though. We’ve got some things you can try to get your Android out of Safe Mode. The methods to get out of Safe Mode can vary on each device. Here are some ways that generally work with most devices.
1. Power Completely Off
Power completely down by pressing and holding the “Power” button, then select “Power off“. Do NOT select “Restart” or “Reboot”. Many Android devices will stay in Safe Mode if you select “Restart” or “Reboot”.
Once the device is powered off, wait about 2 minutes, then turn the device back on.
2. Check for Stuck Buttons
This is the most common cause for being stuck in Safe Mode. Safe Mode is usually enabled by pressing and holding a button while the device is starting. Common buttons you would hold are the volume up, volume down, or menu buttons. If one of these buttons are stuck or the device is defective and registers a button is being pressed, it will continue to start in Safe Mode.
Ensure none of the buttons are held down by a foreign object or an accessory. Remove the device out of its case to be sure that’s not the cause. Give each button on the device a push to test out if they stick in any way. You may need to clean the buttons with a damp cloth in some cases.
3. Force Reset
Try to force reset the device by holding down the Power and Volume Down buttons until the device restarts.
4. Battery Pull (If Possible)
If a simple power down doesn’t do the trick, pull the battery if you own an Android device with a removable battery. Wait about a minute or two before inserting the battery back into the compartment and powering the device back on.
If you can’t remove the battery, you may consider letting the device run out of power intentionally before charging the device and powering it on again.
5. Uninstall Recently Installed Apps
If the above options didn’t work, a recently installed app may be causing the device to start in Safe Mode. Open “Settings” > “Apps” and uninstall any recently updated or installed apps, then power the device off and restart.
6. Wipe Cache Partition (Dalvik Cache)
The Android OS stores data in a cache partition. That data can sometimes cause your Android to endlessly be in Safe Mode. Steps for clearing the cache partition can vary with each device. Consult the documentation provided with your device about how to enter Recovery Mode.
7. Factory Reset
If you have tried and tried again to get your phone out of Safe Mode using the steps above, you may want to factory reset your Android. This can be done by going to “Settings” > “Backup & reset”. This will clear all data off of the device and set it back to its factory default state. This is an unfortunate last resort if your problem cannot be solved otherwise.
8. Hardware Issue
If you have tried all of the above attempts to fix your Android, you are most likely looking at a hardware issue with your device. It’s possible the mechanism that controls one of the buttons is broken. It could also be some other internal hardware issue. At this point, your best bet is to contact your carrier or the device manufacturer for a replacement.
Did this post help you get your Android out of Safe Mode? Let us know what worked for you in the Comments section below.
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