What a Force Restart Does and When You Need One
A force restart stops everything running on your Samsung device and boots it back up from scratch — without erasing your files or settings. It is different from a normal restart because it forces the system to shut down even if apps are frozen or the screen is unresponsive. Use a force restart when your phone or tablet is stuck, apps keep crashing, the screen does not respond to touch, or the device is running so slowly that normal buttons do not work.
A force restart does not delete photos, messages, contacts, or any data stored on your device. It only clears temporary memory and stops misbehaving processes. This makes it the first troubleshooting step to try before considering a factory reset or taking the device to a repair shop.
Key Takeaways
- The button combination for a force restart varies by Samsung model — older phones use Power + Volume Down, while newer models use Bixby + Volume Down + Power.
- You must hold the buttons for 10 to 20 seconds until the device vibrates or the Samsung logo appears, then release all buttons at once.
- A force restart clears temporary memory and stops frozen apps but does not erase your photos, messages, or personal files.
- If your device does not respond to any button combination, it may need to charge for 15 to 30 minutes before the force restart will work.
Force Restart on Samsung Galaxy S Series (S20 and Newer)
On newer Galaxy S models, the button combination changed. Press and hold the Bixby button (on the left side of the phone), the Volume Down button, and the Power button at the same time. Keep holding all three for 10 to 15 seconds. You will feel the phone vibrate once or twice, and the Samsung logo will appear on the screen. Release all the buttons when you see the logo.
If your phone does not have a Bixby button (some regional models do not), use the Power button and Volume Down button instead. Hold both for 10 to 15 seconds until the vibration and logo appear. The phone will restart automatically — you do not need to do anything else after releasing the buttons.
Force Restart on Older Samsung Galaxy Models (S10 and Earlier)
On older Galaxy phones and tablets, hold the Power button and Volume Down button together for 10 to 20 seconds. The device will vibrate, the screen may go black, and then the Samsung logo will appear. Release both buttons when you see the logo. The phone will complete the restart on its own.
Some older models may show a recovery menu instead of restarting directly. If that happens, use the Volume buttons to highlight "Reboot system now" and press the Power button to select it. The device will then restart normally.
Force Restart on Samsung Galaxy A, M, and J Series
Mid-range Samsung models like the Galaxy A51, A71, M31, and J series use the same method as older flagship phones. Hold the Power button and Volume Down button together for 10 to 15 seconds until you feel a vibration and see the Samsung logo. Release both buttons and let the phone restart.
If the device does not respond, make sure the battery has at least 10 percent charge. If the battery is critically low, plug the phone into a charger and wait 15 to 30 minutes before trying the force restart again. A completely drained battery may prevent the buttons from working.
Force Restart on Samsung Tablets
Samsung tablets use the same button combinations as phones, but the button locations differ depending on the model. On most Galaxy Tab models, the Power button is on the right edge and the Volume Down button is below it. Hold both buttons together for 10 to 15 seconds until the device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears, then release.
If your tablet has a Bixby button, use the same three-button combination as newer Galaxy S phones. Check your tablet's manual or the Samsung support website for your specific model number if you are unsure which buttons to use.
What to Do If the Force Restart Does Not Work
If the device does not respond to button presses, the battery may be too low. Connect the phone or tablet to a charger using the original cable and let it charge for at least 30 minutes without touching it. Then try the force restart again. A device with a completely dead battery will not respond to any button input.
If the device still does not restart after charging, try a different button combination. Some Samsung models respond to Power + Volume Up instead of Power + Volume Down. Hold the buttons for a full 20 seconds — longer than you think necessary — because some devices require a longer press. If none of the button combinations work after multiple attempts, the device may have a hardware issue and should be taken to a Samsung service center.
What Happens After a Force Restart
After the restart completes, your phone or tablet will boot up normally. All your apps, photos, messages, and settings will be exactly as they were before. The restart only clears temporary files and stops frozen processes — it does not change anything permanent on your device.
If the problem that caused the freeze returns when ready, the issue may be caused by a specific app or a software update. Try opening Settings, going to Apps, and checking for recently installed or updated apps that might be causing the problem. You can also check for a system update by going to Settings > About Phone > Software Update.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will a force restart delete my photos and messages?
No. A force restart only clears temporary memory and stops running processes. All your photos, messages, contacts, and files remain on your device. If you want to erase everything, you would need to do a factory reset, which is a separate process.
How long does a force restart take?
The restart usually takes 30 seconds to 2 minutes from the moment you release the buttons. The screen will go black, the Samsung logo will appear, and then your home screen will load. Do not press any buttons during this time — let the device complete the restart on its own.
Can I force restart my Samsung phone if the screen is completely black?
Yes. Even if the screen is black and unresponsive, you can still perform a force restart using the button combination. The device does not need to show anything on the screen for the buttons to work. Hold the buttons for the full 10 to 20 seconds even if nothing appears to happen.
What is the difference between a force restart and a factory reset?
A force restart stops all running processes and reboots the system but keeps all your data. A factory reset erases everything on the device and returns it to its original state. Only do a factory reset if a force restart does not solve the problem and you have backed up your important files.
My Samsung phone is stuck in a boot loop after a force restart. What should I do?
A boot loop means the phone keeps restarting repeatedly. Try charging the device for 30 minutes, then attempt the force restart again. If the loop continues, the device may have a software issue that requires a factory reset or professional repair. Contact Samsung support or visit a service center.