Galaxy Tab A: Turn Safe Mode On or Off

Mitch Bartlett Comments (50)

Use the Safe Mode feature on the Samsung Galaxy Tab A to start the Android OS with the system default software. Safe Mode provides access if you modify your device with software that causes an issue and prevents the device from starting properly.

To turn on Safe Mode, follow these steps:

  1. Power the tablet completely off, ensuring that there are no lights lit.
  2. Press and hold the “Power” button to turn the Tab A back on.
  3. When the Samsung logo appears on the screen, press and hold the “Volume Down” button.
  4. Continue to hold the “Volume Down” button until the tablet completely starts. You’ll know you’ve done everything properly if you see the words “Safe Mode” appear in the lower-left corner of the screen.

Safe Mode on Galaxy Tab 3

While you are in Safe Mode, normal use of the device may be prohibited since not all software is loaded. It just loads the bare minimum software necessary to access the device. This will allow you to access the tablet so that you can undo whatever is causing your problems starting the device.

To turn off Safe Mode, follow these steps:

  1. Simply press and hold the “Power” button to bring up the “Device options” screen. From there, select “Restart“
  2. Tap “OK” to confirm the shut down.
  3. Once the device has completely powered off, you can press the “Power” button again to turn the Galaxy Tab A back on. It should then disable Safe Mode, and start in a normal mode.

FAQ

Why can’t I get my device out of Safe Mode?

If your device seems stuck in Safe Mode, your “Volume Down” button may be broken or stuck. Try tapping it a few times and remove any cases from the device to ensure the “Volume Down” button is not pressed.

This didn’t work for me. Instead, I get a “Warning” screen that prompts me to install a custom OS. Why do I get this?

Cancel out of that screen. You held down the “Power” button a little too long. Only hold the “Power” button down for 2 to 3 seconds then release it, but continue holding “Volume Down“, and it should work properly.

Author Mitch Bartlett

My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

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Comments

  2. This was successful for me, it appears the volume down button got stuck every time I pressed it so it would restart in safe mode each time. I held down the volume up button while I restarted the tablet and this worked but I think I’ll have to clean my button because I don’t want to have to hold it every time I restart it.

  3. Safe mode is a special boot option that disables ALL custom applications. It is there in case strange things are happening while using your tablet to quickly switch to as close to a factory system as possible. That lets you see if it is an app issue or not.

    You enter it by powering off the phone, then booting holding the volume down key and the power button at hte same time until the device boots. You leave it by powering the device off, then booting WITHOUT pressing either of the volume keys.

    Unfortunately, the volume keys can become “stuck”. If the volume down key is stuck, you will always enter Safe Mode. While this might be a hardware issue requiring opening your device up, most likely it is stuck due to an issue with your case (try removing the case and rebooting) or grime getting stuck between the side of the button and the case (a little WD40 or special electronic cleaner spray, followed by pushing the button a few times). On some models, if just the volume down button is stuck and there is a “HOME” button, pressing volume up while booting may bypass safe mode since the bootloader will see a different key combination – but the volume down button will still be stuck which will affect use of the device.

    Note: Pressing HOME+VOLUME UP+POWER, HOME+VOLUME DOWN+POWER, or on phones without a HOME button, VOLUME UP+POWER / VOLUME DOWN+POWER will put your phone in one of 2 special modes called RECOVERY or DOWNLOAD. You will see scary messages. You can reboot by holding VOLUME DOWN+POWER for 15 or 20 seconds until the screen goes blank.

  4. Hi?help me to remove safe mode correctly in my Samsung galaxy tab A.I tried to remove it then not get off.please help me?

  5. Hi! My Samsung Galaxy Tab A won’t turn on at all. I’ve tried power+ volume down, power +volume up, tapping the back, recharging, using different chargers, Advice, please.

  6. My tablet is stuck on safe mode for days now. And I dont even k ow why it turned i to safe mode on the first place. I tried everything, the restart button, the volume button, nothing.
    Its really frustrating

  7. This is obviously a problem that Samsung needs to fix. The workarounds aren’t fixing the core problem.

    This pandemic has forced more into this digital world. We have several older ones that use tablets to connect with the families or the place of worship. It aches my heart that limited interactions with humans and this safe mode issue is impacting their worship.

    Samsung here’s a suggestion: Safe Mode should be a message box that needs a confirmation before proceeding. Too many people are frustrated any this interference is not on other devices.

  8. Please let my Samsung get back to normal it’s stuck in safe mode I tried everything as I can do but I can’t still remove it my class starts tomorrow morning help me that’s the only way I can answer my emodules

  9. No my samsung galaxy A12 tab keeps rebooting with error message asking there’s something wrong with device and needs to be factory reset but it doesn’t allow me on settings because it keeps trningvn land off ever 5 seconds and doesn’t allow me to fix the issue

  10. No it’s still not working and it’s asking the password for it is a Samsung Galaxy Tab A6

  12. I have bought samsung tablet on beg of 2021 now it is freezed completely it shows message “draw unlock pattern to open ” I tried all you tube nothing , even I reached to have on left bottom corner ” safe mode ” still the same message and could not see any way to access to any icon please avise

  13. I have a Samsung Galaxy Tab A7 that I just was given as a gift in March 2021. When I turned it on tonight it was in “safe mode” and I do not know why. I’ve read all the various comments here, tried them all & still stuck in safe mode. And to the person who said the volume down button is the one closest to the power button, that is incorrect. I am more frustrated that I can possibly put into words.

  14. Tank u so much that was helpful .. I tapped the volume down key few times coz I found out that it was stuck untill it get released .. thanx bro

  15. It fid not work I put app front on my tablet n I cant find the sent keyboard

  16. For those holding the volume up, the volume button closet to the power button is volume down. Just fyi

  17. I’ve had the same problem with my kids tablet. It goes on safe mode and it takes me forever to get it off. Finally last week I could not take it off and it’s extremely frustrating. This tablet was trash from the start.

  18. Thank you! You are awesome! This worked beautifully! Keep doing what you do! You guys are the best! Hugs!

  19. I have a Samsung 5SE tablet. Ran into trouble with not being able to unlock, shut down or even ability to do anything in Safe Mode. What was over-riding all this was a pesky ‘Talk Back’ that somehow got turn on and probably from have laid my computer/book bag on top case that holds the tablet. Was able to access the ‘P’ icon for Accessibility which allowed me to turn the thing off at 5am.
    Hoping this helps someone else ;)

  22. Judging by the amount of complaints, it seems to me that it is a common fault in the unit .And when is Samsung coming to the rescue.? This crap about pressing power and volume button down it dose not work.
    I bought my tablet S5e five months ago and I had the same ( PROBLEM) went on line to see how to fix it and quess what?( PRESS POWER AND VOLUME) that should fix it. It did not,!!!!!
    Took the Tab back to where I bought from their tech man said did you press BLAH, BLAH and I said yes ,then he pressed BLAH BLAH .Guess What? So he said to me go home let the battery run flat then fully charge it and again
    Press BLAH, BLAH and you will have no Problems. (XXX SSS,****)MY tablet is now at the Samsung service Department
    waiting to come back with the possibility that all the data will be lost. I am very impressed with Samsung Products and I will broadcast it to all my friends.

  23. I followed the instructions while holding the volume button UP just like.someone else here and it worked!

  24. I have a Samsung galaxy elite 4 and have the same issues with safe mode. Restarting over n over at no avail. Tried volume down, no luck. Read one of 26 comments and it suggested after logo hold volume up and it worked the first time. Thanks.

  25. I jad the same problem with safe mode. Discovered my case was interfering with the volume button. Restarted holding the case bar away grom the button and got rid of the safe mode.

  26. Me too tried everthing , and this web site has questions but no answers . Why would you be stuck in safe mode for months didnt anyone here take it back to get real answers ? I came here for answers sheesh.

  27. I had Safe Mode on my Galaxy A6 tablet for days.
    The young lady with Galaxy stayed on the phone assisting me for a hour and more.
    Then I took my tablet to Best Buy in Oxford Geek Squad remove it only to come back on in 10mins ..
    I ask God how to remove this safe mode.
    Turn the tablet Off..
    Turn it back on HOLDING THE VOLUME UP BUTTON!! DONE!!
    Safe Mode has disappeared..
    God told me what to do..Listen

  28. My Samsung tablet A. went into safe mode after I did a software update.. Nothing I do makes it return to normal mode. Have followed advice given on this blog and it doesn’t want to know.
    Help someone please.

  29. I commented earlier on how I tried everything and my tablet will not get out of safe mode. When I do hold down the volume button lake was suggested, it comes back on saying I need to factory reset. I have done that in the same thing keeps happening. I don’t understand how could if I did a factory reset? Thanks for your help

  30. I tried reset to factory, volume key every other suggestion I got. Nothing worked. If still warrantied should I return? If not should I throw it out? Thanks

  31. I could not get tablet out of SAFE mode, but using your instructions: Tap/press Volume down – thank you very much! Seems that this non-Samsung case/cover was preventing this. BTW, seems that Samsung do not make an authentic case for Galaxy Tab A?

  32. Thank you!!! My case was also pressing on the vol down button and didn’t think of it until I read this!!!

  33. I just bought a new samsung galaxy A10..It is stuck on safe mode cant download /open my apps..I have tried pressing on the volume down button…Cant turn off safe mode! First of all,I didn’t ask for safe mode..and why is it so hard to do away with safe mode?Where can I disactivate it in settings?
    If I don’t find a solution within 3 days ..I will have to return the phone for a refund and I’l be done with Samsung!

  34. Simply press and hold the “Power” button to bring up the “Device options” screen. From there, select resart Tap “OK” to confirm the shut down.Once the device has completely powered off, you can press the “Power” button again to turn the Galaxy Tab A back on. It should then disable Safe Mode, and start in a normal mode.

    This was the answer given which seems wrong
    There is no “OK” once i tap resart it resarts and it does not require pressing the power button to turn it back on…WTF?
    There is power off, airplane mode, restart, and mute/sound
    is there anyone that can help. I mean really help. I have been stuck in safe mode for months. Can a hard restart with a paperclip work or something?

  36. I have a Samsung Galaxy tab A. I have tried everything that I have researched and nothing is working I have a blue outline around apps and widgets it moves to different icons; using two fingers does not work. I’m really frustrated. Can’t unlock, I think I disabled Google TalkBack but need help ASAP.

  37. Holding the volume down button once the samsung logo appeared brought up “safe mode” as you said and I continued as instructed and finally got my tablet to start up in normal mode. Thanks so much

  38. I have the same problem it just keeps restarting in safe mode help please

  39. I have tried the down button reboot 10 times I

    it does not leave safe mode. It is like a virus is holding my computer host!

  41. I don’t think safe mode is my issue. I wonder if it has anything to do with power saving mode? When I turn my tablet on, the screen keeps turning off even if I am trying to type on the screen. The tablet doesn’t turn off, just the screen. The only things I can do are to either keep trying to enter my password on the touchscreen until it works or to type with my bluetooth keyboard. Another thing that has worked in the past is to keep my tablet turned on when not in use but then the battery dies after several days and it takes a while to charge (which is normal because I don’t have a rapid charger).

  42. Firstly why is the only option to press down button to take off safe mode? Why can’t I find it in settings to simply turn off? This seems like a flaw. Down button dosent seem to be working. This is a Samsung flaw.

  44. No my Samsung tab 4 won’t let me in it keeps coming back to same screen saying ” because of an abnormal factory reset I need to enter original email for device” I camy remember what address I set it up with and cannot access my device info to lockbunder my accounts and I can’t get it in to save mode by using power hold and down bol hold it just keeps restarting

  45. Our new case was causing the volume button to be held down, but we trimmed the rubber button down to about half it’s depth and now the case works fine.

  46. Thanks!! It was my volume-down button that was stuck. I have this cheap rugged case bought from Amazon that is not really fitting…

  47. My Samsung tab a is on safe mood asking me to login with email address an I tried to do it but it won’t work …now I hold the power botton an the volume ..an now it’s saying downloading do not turn off target

  48. Thank you. Could not get out of safe mode. Problem was a stuck Volume Down button held in by the case that had shifted.Your notes provided me with the solution. I wouldn’t have figured that one out unless by chance. Thanks too much.

  49. Why is my samsung tablet going to safe mode? Is something wrong with it? Can anyone let me know

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