Safe mode turns off third-party apps to help you troubleshoot
Safe mode is a diagnostic state your tablet enters to help you find problems. When safe mode is on, your tablet runs only the built-in system apps — all apps you downloaded are hidden. This lets you test whether a crash or freeze is caused by something you installed, or by the tablet itself.
To exit safe mode, you restart your tablet normally instead of holding the button combination that enters safe mode. The method depends on whether you have an iPad or an Android tablet, and which version you're running.
Key Takeaways
- Safe mode hides all downloaded apps so you can tell whether a problem comes from an app or from the tablet itself.
- On most iPads, you force restart by holding the top button and volume button together until the power-off slider appears, then drag it to power off.
- On most Android tablets, you hold the power button until a menu appears, then tap "Power off" or "Restart" — not "Safe mode" or "Restart in safe mode".
- If your tablet won't exit safe mode after a normal restart, a forced restart (holding buttons longer) usually works.
- Safe mode is not a permanent state — it clears when you restart, so you do not need to "turn it off" separately.
How to exit safe mode on an iPad
On an iPad with a home button (iPad Air 2 and earlier, iPad mini 4 and earlier, iPad 5th generation and earlier), press and hold the top button until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to the right to power off. Wait a few seconds, then press the top button again to turn it back on.
On an iPad without a home button (iPad Pro all sizes, iPad Air 3 and later, iPad mini 5 and later, iPad 6th generation and later), press and hold the top button and either volume button at the same time. Hold both until the power-off slider appears. Drag the slider to the right. Wait a few seconds, then press the top button to turn it back on.
If the slider does not appear, or if the iPad does not restart, perform a forced restart instead: press and release the volume-up button quickly, press and release the volume-down button quickly, then press and hold the top button until you see the Apple logo (about 10 seconds). Do not let go when you see the power-off slider — keep holding until the screen goes black and the Apple logo appears again.
How to exit safe mode on an Android tablet
On most Android tablets, press and hold the power button until a menu appears on the screen. You will see options like "Power off", "Restart", or "Emergency mode". Tap "Power off" or "Restart" — whichever appears. Do not tap "Safe mode" or "Restart in safe mode", as that will keep you in safe mode.
Wait for the tablet to shut down completely (the screen goes black), then press the power button to turn it back on. The tablet will restart in normal mode.
If the menu does not appear after holding the power button for several seconds, try holding it for longer — some Android tablets require 10 to 15 seconds. If the tablet is frozen and will not respond to the power button, try a forced restart: hold the power button and volume-down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until the screen goes black or you see a boot menu.
What to do if safe mode won't turn off
Safe mode should clear automatically when you restart. If your tablet still shows "Safe mode" in the bottom corner or status bar after a normal restart, perform a forced restart using the button combination for your device (described above). A forced restart is more thorough and usually clears safe mode when a normal restart does not.
If safe mode persists after a forced restart, one of your downloaded apps may be stuck in a loop that re-enters safe mode. Restart in safe mode intentionally, then uninstall the app you most recently downloaded or updated. Restart normally afterward. If you are not sure which app is the problem, uninstall apps one at a time and restart between each one until safe mode stops returning.
How safe mode got turned on in the first place
Safe mode usually activates when you hold down a specific button combination by accident — often while the tablet is starting up or shutting down. On iPads, holding the volume button while the device powers on can trigger safe mode. On Android tablets, holding the power button and volume-down button together, or holding the power button while the device is already on, can enter safe mode depending on the manufacturer.
If safe mode keeps turning on without you triggering it, the power button or volume button may be stuck or damaged. Try cleaning around the button edges with a dry cloth. If the button feels physically stuck or does not click normally, the button hardware may need repair.
How to tell if your tablet is actually in safe mode
On an iPad, safe mode does not display a visible indicator. The only way to know for certain is to check whether your downloaded apps appear on the home screen — if they are all gone, you are in safe mode.
On an Android tablet, look at the bottom-left or bottom-right corner of the screen, or check the status bar at the top. You will see the words "Safe mode" or a "Safe mode" label. Some Android tablets also display it in the settings menu under "About tablet" or "System".
Frequently Asked Questions
Will exiting safe mode delete my apps or data?
No. Safe mode only hides your downloaded apps temporarily — it does not delete them. When you restart normally, all your apps and data return exactly as they were. Nothing is lost or changed by entering or exiting safe mode.
Can I use my tablet normally while it is in safe mode?
You can use built-in apps like email, calendar, and the web browser, but you cannot use any apps you downloaded from the app store. Safe mode is meant for troubleshooting, not daily use. Exit safe mode by restarting to get back to normal.
What if I need to stay in safe mode to test whether an app is causing problems?
Use your tablet in safe mode for as long as you need to. When you are ready to test a specific app, restart normally and use only that app. If the problem goes away in safe mode but returns when you use that app, you have found the culprit. Uninstall it and restart.
Does safe mode slow down my tablet?
Safe mode may run slightly faster because fewer apps are loaded, but the difference is usually not noticeable. Safe mode is a diagnostic tool, not a performance mode. For everyday use, run your tablet in normal mode.
Can I exit safe mode without restarting?
No. Safe mode is a startup state, so the only way to exit it is to restart your tablet. A normal restart will clear safe mode automatically — you do not need to do anything special.