Force restart works when your Samsung is frozen or unresponsive

A force restart (also called a hard reset or force reboot) shuts down your Samsung phone completely and turns it back on, even if the screen is frozen or the buttons do not respond. It is different from a normal restart — you do not need the phone to be working to do it. A force restart clears temporary memory and often fixes freezing, app crashes, and slow performance without erasing your photos, messages, or files.

The steps depend on which Samsung model you have. Newer Samsung phones (Galaxy S10 and later) use a different button combination than older models. The process takes about 30 seconds total.

Key Takeaways

  • On Galaxy S10 and newer models, hold the Volume Down button and Power button together for 10 seconds until the Samsung logo appears.
  • On Galaxy S9 and older models, hold the Volume Up button and Power button together for 10 seconds until the Samsung logo appears.
  • A force restart erases nothing — your photos, contacts, and apps stay on the phone.
  • If your phone still will not turn on after a force restart, it may need a battery charge or professional service.

Force restart on Galaxy S10, S20, S21, S22, and newer models

Hold down the Volume Down button and the Power button at the same time. Keep both buttons pressed for about 10 seconds. You will see the Samsung logo appear on the screen — this means the restart is working. Release both buttons once the logo shows.

The phone will take 30 to 60 seconds to fully restart. You will see the Samsung logo again, then the lock screen. Do not press any buttons while it is restarting.

Force restart on Galaxy S9, S8, S7, and older models

Hold down the Volume Up button and the Power button at the same time. Keep both buttons pressed for about 10 seconds until you see the Samsung logo on the screen. Release both buttons.

Wait 30 to 60 seconds for the phone to fully restart. The lock screen will appear when it is ready to use.

How to identify which Samsung model you have

If you are not sure which button combination to use, check your phone's model number. Go to Settings, then About phone, and look for the model name at the top. It will say Galaxy S followed by a number (like S21) or a letter (like A12 or Z Fold).

If your phone is a Galaxy A series, Galaxy M series, Galaxy Z Fold, or Galaxy Z Flip, use the Volume Down and Power button combination (the same as S10 and newer). These newer budget and specialty models follow the same restart method as recent flagship phones.

What to do if the force restart does not work

If the Samsung logo does not appear after 10 seconds, your phone's battery may be completely drained. Plug it into a charger and wait 15 to 20 minutes, then try the force restart again. Some phones need a minimum battery level before they will respond to button presses.

If the phone still does not restart after charging, or if it restarts but when ready freezes again, the problem may be a software issue or hardware damage. At that point, contact Samsung support or visit a carrier store (Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, etc.) for diagnosis. Do not attempt further restarts — you risk making the problem worse.

When a force restart is the right move

A force restart is the first thing to try when your Samsung freezes during an app, becomes unresponsive to touch, or gets stuck on a loading screen. It is also worth trying if the phone is running slowly or an app keeps crashing. Because it does not erase anything, there is no risk in attempting it.

A force restart is not the same as a factory reset. A factory reset erases everything on your phone and should only be done if you have backed up your data and are trying to solve a serious software problem. A force restart just turns the phone off and back on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a force restart erase my photos and messages?

No. A force restart only clears temporary memory and restarts the operating system. All your photos, messages, contacts, apps, and files remain on the phone exactly as they were.

How often can I force restart my Samsung?

You can force restart as often as you need to. It does not damage the phone or wear out the battery. If you find yourself force restarting more than once a week, the phone may have a deeper software or hardware problem worth investigating with Samsung support.

What is the difference between a force restart and a normal restart?

A normal restart uses the Power menu to shut down and turn the phone back on. A force restart uses button combinations and works even when the screen is frozen or unresponsive. Both accomplish similar results, but a force restart is the only option when the phone will not respond to touch.

My phone is still frozen after a force restart. What should I do?

If freezing continues after a force restart, try restarting again to rule out a one-time glitch. If it freezes a second time, one app may be causing the problem. Try starting the phone in Safe Mode (hold Volume Down while powering on) to see if the freezing stops — if it does, an app you installed is the culprit.

Can I force restart a Samsung tablet the same way?

Yes. Samsung tablets use the same button combinations as phones. Galaxy Tab models from S10 era onward use Volume Down and Power; older tablets use Volume Up and Power. Check your tablet's model in Settings to be certain.