The quickest way to turn off your Samsung phone

Press and hold the Power button (usually on the right side of your phone) for about three seconds. A menu will appear with options including "Power off" or "Shut down." Tap that option and your phone will turn off completely within a few seconds.

On some newer Samsung models, you may also see "Emergency SOS" or "Restart" in this menu. Make sure you tap "Power off" specifically—not "Restart," which will turn the phone back on when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • Press and hold the Power button for three seconds to bring up the power menu on any Samsung phone.
  • Tap "Power off" from the menu that appears; do not tap "Restart" unless you want the phone to turn back on right away.
  • The phone will take a few seconds to shut down completely after you tap the option.
  • If your phone is frozen and the Power button does not work, you can force it off by holding Power and Volume Down together for 10 to 20 seconds.
  • You can turn your phone back on by pressing the Power button once and holding it until the Samsung logo appears.

Where the Power button is located

On most Samsung phones, the Power button sits on the right edge of the device, roughly halfway down. It is usually a slightly raised button that feels different from the volume buttons next to it. The volume buttons are typically above or below the Power button on the same edge.

On some older Samsung models or tablets, the Power button may be on the top edge instead. If you are not sure which button is the Power button, look for the one that is a different shape or texture from the volume controls, or check your phone's manual.

What happens when you power off your phone

When you turn off your Samsung phone, all apps close, the screen goes dark, and the phone stops using battery power. Any calls or messages that come in will not ring or notify you while the phone is off. The phone will not respond to touch or button presses until you turn it back on.

Turning off your phone does not delete any of your photos, messages, contacts, or other data. Everything stays saved on your phone and will be there when you turn it back on. Powering off is safe to do at any time.

Turning your phone back on

To turn your Samsung phone back on, press and hold the Power button until you see the Samsung logo appear on the screen. This usually takes about five to ten seconds. Keep holding the button until the lock screen shows up, then you can release it.

Your phone will take a moment to fully start up and load all your apps. During this time, you may see a loading animation or a spinning circle. Wait until you see your home screen or lock screen before trying to use the phone.

If the Power button is not working

If pressing the Power button does not turn off your phone, try holding the Power button and the Volume Down button together for 10 to 20 seconds. This forces your phone to shut down even if the normal power menu does not appear. Your phone may vibrate or show a message before it turns off.

If neither method works, your phone may be frozen or have a hardware problem. Let the battery drain completely (which can take several hours), then plug it in and try turning it on again. If the phone still does not respond, contact Samsung support or visit a service center.

Powering off before traveling or storage

Turning off your phone before a long flight, road trip, or period of storage is a good idea. It saves battery power and prevents accidental calls or messages. If you plan to store your phone for more than a few weeks, power it off and store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Before turning off your phone for storage, make sure your important data is backed up to Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or another backup service. This protects your photos, contacts, and messages in case something goes wrong with the phone later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will turning off my phone delete my data?

No. Powering off your phone does not delete anything. All your photos, messages, contacts, apps, and settings stay on your phone and will be there when you turn it back on. Turning off is completely safe.

How long does it take for my phone to turn off?

After you tap "Power off" from the menu, your phone usually shuts down within a few seconds. Occasionally it may take up to 10 seconds if the phone is running many apps in the background. You will know it is off when the screen goes completely dark and does not respond to touch.

What is the difference between powering off and restarting?

"Power off" turns your phone completely off and it stays off until you press the Power button again. "Restart" turns the phone off and when ready turns it back on. Use restart when your phone is slow or frozen; use power off when you want the phone to stay off.

Can I turn off my phone while it is charging?

Yes, you can turn off your phone while it is plugged in. The phone will stay off and continue to charge. When you turn it back on, the battery will be at whatever level it reached while charging.

What should I do if my phone will not turn back on after I power it off?

First, plug your phone into a charger and wait 15 to 20 minutes—the battery may have been completely drained. Then press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds. If the Samsung logo does not appear, try holding Power and Volume Up together for 10 seconds. If the phone still does not respond, contact Samsung support.