Objective:
This guide provides instructions on how to perform a hard reset (force restart) on Android phones from various manufacturers, including Samsung, Google Pixel, and other common brands. A hard reset can help resolve issues such as frozen screens, unresponsive apps, or software glitches.
Steps to Perform a Hard Reset on Android Phones
Samsung Galaxy Phones (S Series, A Series, Note Series, and Other Models)
Press and Hold the Volume Down Button and the Power Button
- Simultaneously press and hold the Volume Down button (on the left side) and the Power Button (on the right side) at the same time.
Wait for the Screen to Turn Off
- Continue holding both buttons until the screen turns off. This may take 7-10 seconds.
Wait for the Device to Restart
- Once the screen turns off, release both buttons. The phone will automatically restart. If the phone does not restart immediately, press the Power Button again to turn it back on.
Google Pixel Phones (Pixel 6, Pixel 5, Pixel 4, and Earlier Models)
Press and Hold the Volume Down Button and the Power Button
- Press and hold both the Volume Down button (on the left side) and the Power Button (on the right side) at the same time.
Wait for the Phone to Restart
- Keep holding both buttons until the screen goes black and the Google logo appears (this should take around 10 seconds).
- Release both buttons when the Google logo appears.
Wait for the Device to Restart
- The phone will automatically restart. If it does not, press the Power Button to turn it on.
OnePlus Phones (OnePlus 9, OnePlus 8, OnePlus Nord, and Other Models)
Press and Hold the Volume Down Button and the Power Button
- Hold the Volume Down button and the Power Button simultaneously.
Wait for the Phone to Restart
- Continue holding both buttons until the OnePlus logo appears on the screen, then release the buttons.
Wait for the Device to Restart
- The phone will restart. If the phone does not restart automatically, press the Power Button to turn it on manually.
Other Android Phones (Motorola, LG, Xiaomi, etc.)
Press and Hold the Volume Down Button and the Power Button
- Hold down the Volume Down button and the Power Button at the same time.
Wait for the Screen to Turn Off and the Logo to Appear
- Continue holding the buttons for about 10 seconds or until the manufacturer’s logo appears.
Wait for the Phone to Restart
- Once the logo appears, release both buttons. The phone will restart. If it doesn't restart, press the Power Button to turn it back on.
When to Use a Hard Reset
A hard reset (force restart) is useful when:
- The screen is frozen or unresponsive.
- The phone is stuck in an app or on a blank screen.
- Standard restarts (through the power menu) are not working.
A hard reset does not erase any data or settings from your Android phone. If the device continues to have issues after a hard reset, further troubleshooting, including a factory reset or contacting IT support, may be necessary.