The Three Ways to Restart a Samsung Device

A restart clears your device's temporary memory and stops all running apps, which fixes most freezing, lag, and connection problems. Samsung devices offer three restart methods: a soft restart (power off and back on), a forced restart (when the device is frozen), and a factory reset (which erases everything). Most of the time, a soft restart solves the problem and takes less than two minutes.

Which method you use depends on whether your device is responding. If your Samsung is working normally but slow or buggy, use the soft restart. If it is frozen and will not respond to touches, use the forced restart. A factory reset is a last resort that wipes all your data, so only do this if you have backed up your photos, contacts, and files first.

Key Takeaways

  • A soft restart (turning the device off and back on) fixes most Samsung problems and takes about two minutes.
  • A forced restart works when your Samsung is completely frozen and will not respond to button presses or touches.
  • The button combination for a forced restart varies by model — check your device's model number before you start.
  • A factory reset erases all data on your device, so back up your photos and files before you begin.
  • After any restart, wait 30 seconds before opening apps so the device has time to fully load.

How to Do a Soft Restart

A soft restart is the safest and simplest method. Press and hold the power button on the right side of your device (or the side, depending on your model) until the power menu appears on the screen. This usually takes 3 to 5 seconds. You will see options like "Power off," "Restart," and "Emergency mode."

Tap "Restart" if that option appears. If you only see "Power off," tap that instead, wait for the device to turn completely off (the screen will go black), then press the power button again to turn it back on. Wait 30 seconds after the Samsung logo appears for the device to fully load before you open any apps.

How to Do a Forced Restart When Your Device Is Frozen

A forced restart works even when your Samsung will not respond to touches or button presses. The button combination depends on your model. For most recent Samsung phones (Galaxy S20 and newer), press and hold the volume down button and the power button together for 10 seconds. Do not release them, even if you see the power menu — keep holding until the device vibrates and the Samsung logo appears.

For older Samsung models (Galaxy S10 and earlier), the combination is usually volume up and power, or volume down and power. Check your device's model number in Settings > About Phone, then search online for "[your model number] forced restart" to confirm the exact buttons. After the device restarts, wait 30 seconds before using it.

How to Do a Factory Reset

A factory reset erases all photos, messages, apps, and files on your device and returns it to the state it was in when you first bought it. Do this only if you have backed up your data. Back up your photos and files to Google Drive, Samsung Cloud, or your computer before you start.

Go to Settings > General Management > Reset > Factory Data Reset. You will see a warning that all data will be deleted. Tap "Reset" or "Delete All," then enter your PIN or password if prompted. The device will restart and show a setup screen, just like when it was new. This process takes 5 to 10 minutes.

If your device is frozen and you cannot reach Settings, you can force a factory reset using buttons. Power off the device completely, then press and hold volume up and power together until the recovery menu appears (this takes 10 to 15 seconds). Use the volume buttons to highlight "Wipe data / factory reset," then press power to select it. Press power again to confirm. The device will restart.

What to Do After a Restart

After any restart, your device may take 1 to 2 minutes to fully load, especially if you have many apps installed. Do not force it off or unplug it during this time. Wait until all icons appear on the home screen and the device stops vibrating before you open apps.

If you did a soft restart and the problem returns within a few hours, try restarting again. If the problem persists after two restarts, the issue may be a specific app or a hardware problem. If you did a factory reset and the problem still happens on the fresh device, contact Samsung support or visit a repair shop, because the issue is likely hardware-related.

Common Restart Mistakes to Avoid

Do not hold the power button for longer than 10 seconds during a forced restart — this can damage the battery or cause other problems. If you are not sure which buttons to press, look up your exact model number first instead of guessing. Pressing the wrong combination might do something you did not intend.

Do not do a factory reset unless you have actually backed up your data. Many people think they have backed up their photos when they have not, and lose everything. Before you factory reset, open Google Photos or Samsung Cloud and confirm that your recent photos are there. Also, write down any passwords you use for email or apps, because you will need to sign back in after the reset.

When to Restart vs. When to Seek Help

Try a soft restart first for any problem: freezing, slow performance, apps crashing, or connection issues. If that does not work, try a forced restart. If the problem comes back within a day or two, or if the device will not turn back on after a restart, the issue is likely hardware-related and you should contact Samsung or visit a repair shop.

Do not do a factory reset unless you have tried soft and forced restarts first and the problem still happens. A factory reset is a last resort because it erases everything. If a factory reset does not fix the problem, the device has a hardware issue and needs professional repair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will restarting my Samsung delete my photos or messages?

A soft restart or forced restart will not delete anything — your photos, messages, and apps stay on the device. Only a factory reset erases data, and that is intentional. If you are worried about losing data, do a soft restart first.

How long does a restart take?

A soft restart takes about 2 minutes from the moment you tap "Restart" until the device is ready to use. A forced restart takes about 1 to 2 minutes. A factory reset takes 5 to 10 minutes and requires you to set up the device again afterward.

What if my Samsung will not turn back on after a restart?

Plug it into a charger and wait 10 minutes — the battery may be completely drained. If it still will not turn on, try a forced restart by holding the power and volume buttons. If nothing works, contact Samsung support or visit a repair shop, because the device may have a hardware problem.

Can I restart my Samsung while it is charging?

Yes, restarting while plugged in is safe and sometimes helpful if the device is slow or frozen. You do not need to unplug it first. Just press the power button as usual.

Should I restart my Samsung regularly to keep it running well?

Restarting once a week or whenever you notice slowness is a good habit. You do not need to restart every day unless the device is having problems. A weekly restart clears temporary files and can prevent lag from building up over time.