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.
Johanna Freeman says
Thanks heaps and yes something was pushing on the volume button
Roy Hinkley says
Advice worked! My case was barely pushing the lower sound button down. Thank you!
Kelly Rogers says
I’m not sure how but it had to have been one of the buttons stuck. I followed all of the suggestions and nothing worked until I pressed all of the buttons.. and then TaDah!!
Miigwech!
Antwain says
My android went into safe mode by itself when I restarted it. Doesn’t have volume buttons and I have tried everything except factory reset, don’t wanna have to do it and it don’t do the trick. I hate this darn phone.
Antwain says
My android went into safe mode by utself when i restarted it and no matter what is staying in safe mode. My android also doesn’t have volume buttons. I have tried everything except factory reset which I don’t wanna have to do and it might not do the trick either.
Damianoh Kamasula says
I just believe that it would work well, though my android treated by restor factory, am sad.
But stil say Thanks! For guidace
pat says
worked !! power off completely for two minutes. ta da !
Chris Heller says
Nothing worked. At this point I’m ready to throw the damn phone away.
Abigail says
Thank you! Tried the second option and now it worked! Yo the best!
Huu Vu says
It worked like a charm… Thanks for the advise… Happy New Year…
Udokyo says
This was very helpful. Turns out my new phone pouch was pressing against the volume down button. I removed it, turned off the phone for 2 minutes and turned it back on and safe mode now turned off
Sonja says
THANK YOU! Just accepted a system update and was stuck in Safe Mode for the past hour in restart purgatory. I didn’t even have to have it off two minutes (I read that instruction after I started turning it back on).
Jossy says
Hi… Thanks it worked. I turned it off and back on.