If your Android phone keeps restarting by itself, the cause is usually a software problem such as a faulty app, outdated software, low storage, or a system issue. Start with the safe checks below, then move to Safe Mode and advanced troubleshooting if the restarts continue.
Quick Answer
When an Android phone keeps restarting randomly:
- Remove the case and disconnect accessories.
- Check whether an automatic restart schedule is enabled.
- Make sure Android and your apps are updated.
- Check that the phone has enough free storage.
- Test the phone in Safe Mode.
- Remove recently installed or updated apps if Safe Mode stops the restarts.
- If the phone still restarts in Safe Mode, back up your data and consider a factory reset.
- If it continues restarting after a factory reset, hardware may be responsible.
Google’s official troubleshooting guidance recommends checking Android updates, available storage, app updates, and Safe Mode before moving to a factory reset.
Table of Contents
First: Identify What Kind of Restart Problem You Have
The symptom matters because different restart patterns point toward different causes.
| What happens | More likely cause | Start here |
|---|---|---|
| Phone restarts at random times | App, software, settings | Safe Mode |
| Phone restarts at the same time every day | Scheduled Auto Restart | Check restart settings |
| Phone started restarting after an app was installed | Problematic app | Remove the app / Safe Mode |
| Phone started restarting after an Android update | Software compatibility or update problem | Install pending updates |
| Phone restarts when storage is almost full | Insufficient free storage | Free up storage |
| Phone restarts while charging | Charger, cable, battery, temperature, or software | Test without accessories |
| Phone restarts during gaming | Heat, demanding workload, app/software problem | Check temperature and updates |
| Phone restarts even in Safe Mode | System or hardware problem | Advanced troubleshooting |
| Phone restarts immediately after turning on | Startup/system problem | Safe Mode or recovery troubleshooting |
| Phone restarts after a drop or liquid exposure | Possible hardware damage | Stop DIY troubleshooting |
1-Minute Fix
Before performing a factory reset or entering Recovery Mode, try these non-destructive checks.
1. Remove the case temporarily
A poorly fitting or damaged case can press against physical buttons.
Remove the case and check whether the random restarts stop.
2. Disconnect accessories
Disconnect:
- USB devices
- OTG adapters
- headphones
- external battery packs
- USB hubs
- other accessories connected to the phone
Google specifically recommends removing cases, external battery packs, and accessories while troubleshooting unexpected restarts.
3. Check for a scheduled restart
Some Android phones can automatically restart according to a schedule.
This is particularly important on Samsung Galaxy devices.
On supported Samsung phones, check settings related to:
Settings → Device care / Battery and device care → Auto optimisation / Automation → Auto restart
The exact menu depends on the One UI version and device model.
If automatic restarting is enabled, disable the scheduled restart temporarily and monitor the phone.
Samsung currently identifies Auto Restart as one possible explanation when a Galaxy phone repeatedly restarts at predictable times.
4. Check available storage
Very low free storage can cause Android problems.
Google recommends checking available storage because phones can begin experiencing issues when free storage becomes very low; Google specifically flags less than about 10% free storage as a point where problems can occur.
Go to:
Settings → Storage
If storage is nearly full:
- Delete unnecessary videos.
- Remove unused apps.
- Delete large downloads.
- Move important photos and videos to another location.
- Empty unnecessary files from storage-management tools.
Then restart the phone and test it again.
Why Does My Android Phone Keep Restarting?
Random restarts can have several causes. The most common possibilities include:
Software or app problems
A third-party application can conflict with Android or repeatedly crash system-related processes. This is one reason Safe Mode is such an important diagnostic test.
Outdated Android software
An Android update may contain stability fixes, and an outdated operating system can also create compatibility problems with newer applications.
Buggy or recently updated apps
If the problem began shortly after installing or updating an app, that app becomes a strong suspect.
Very low storage
Android needs available storage for normal system operation. Extremely low free space can cause instability.
Scheduled automatic restart
Some manufacturers provide automatic restart features. If the phone restarts at predictable times, check this before assuming the phone is defective.
Overheating
If the phone becomes unusually hot before restarting, temperature may be contributing to the problem.
Battery or power problems
A deteriorating battery or unstable power delivery can cause shutdowns or restarts, particularly when the phone is under heavy load.
Hardware failure
If the phone continues restarting after software troubleshooting and a factory reset, hardware becomes increasingly likely.
Fix 1: Update Android
An outdated Android version can contain bugs that have already been corrected by a later update.
Steps
- Open Settings.
- Look for System, Software update, or System update.
- Check for available updates.
- Install the update if one is available.
- Restart the phone.
- Test the phone normally.
The exact menu varies by manufacturer and Android version. Google recommends checking for Android updates when troubleshooting random restarts.
Important
If the phone repeatedly restarts before you can complete an update, do not repeatedly interrupt the update process.
If the device cannot stay on long enough to update, continue with Safe Mode.
Fix 2: Update All Your Apps
A third-party app may be incompatible with your current Android version.
Steps
- Open Google Play Store.
- Tap your profile picture.
- Select Manage apps & device.
- Install available app updates.
- Restart the phone.
- Check whether the random restarts continue.
Google specifically recommends checking for app updates when troubleshooting Android crashes and restarts.
Fix 3: Check Safe Mode
This is one of the most useful tests in this entire guide.
Safe Mode temporarily disables downloaded apps.
That makes it useful for determining whether a third-party application is responsible for the restarts. Google and Samsung both recommend Safe Mode as a way to identify app-related restart problems.
How to Use Safe Mode
The exact procedure varies by manufacturer.
On many Android phones:
- Open the power menu.
- Touch and hold Power Off.
- Look for the Safe Mode option.
- Confirm the restart.
- Wait for the phone to boot.
- Look for Safe Mode displayed on the screen.
If this method does not work, search the manufacturer’s official support instructions for your exact model.
Do not assume that the same button combination works on every Android phone.
Test the Phone in Safe Mode
Once Safe Mode is active, use the phone normally.
Try the activities that normally trigger the restart.
For example:
- Browse the web.
- Open Settings.
- Use messaging.
- Watch videos.
- Make calls.
- Leave the phone idle.
- Use it for several hours if possible.
If the phone stops restarting in Safe Mode
This strongly suggests that a downloaded app is involved.
Start removing recently installed or recently updated apps.
Prioritize:
- Apps installed immediately before the problem began.
- Apps updated around the time the problem started.
- Apps installed from outside Google Play.
- System-cleaning or optimization apps.
- Battery-management apps.
- Apps that modify system behavior.
Remove suspected apps one at a time, then restart normally and test the phone.
Google recommends removing recently downloaded apps one by one after Safe Mode identifies an app-related problem.
If the phone still restarts in Safe Mode
A downloaded app becomes less likely to be the cause.
Continue with the system-level checks below.
Fix 4: Free Up Storage
If your storage is almost completely full, free space before attempting more aggressive repairs.
Go to:
Settings → Storage
Try to maintain a reasonable amount of free space.
Delete or move:
- Large videos
- Duplicate photos
- Old downloads
- Unused applications
- Offline media
- Unnecessary files
Google notes that Android phones can start having problems when available storage becomes very low.
After freeing space:
- Restart the phone.
- Use it normally.
- Check whether the random restarts continue.
Fix 5: Check Whether the Phone Is Overheating
Pay attention to the phone’s temperature immediately before a restart.
Possible warning signs
- Phone becomes unusually hot during normal use.
- Restart happens during gaming.
- Restart happens while recording video.
- Restart occurs while charging.
- Phone becomes hot while sitting idle.
- Performance becomes noticeably slower before the restart.
If the phone is very hot:
- Stop demanding applications.
- Disconnect the charger.
- Remove the case temporarily.
- Move the phone to a normal room-temperature environment.
- Let it cool naturally.
- Test it again.
Do not put a hot phone in a refrigerator or freezer.
If overheating happens repeatedly during light use, hardware or battery problems should be considered.
Fix 6: Check Whether Charging Triggers the Restart
If the phone only restarts while charging, investigate the charging path separately.
Test:
- Another known-good compatible cable.
- Another compatible charger.
- Another wall outlet.
- The phone without the case.
- The phone without USB accessories.
Also inspect the charging port for visible debris or damage.
Google recommends checking the charger, cable, outlet, and charging port when diagnosing power-related Android problems.
Important
If the phone becomes extremely hot, smells unusual, has a swollen battery, or shows physical damage, stop charging it and seek professional inspection.
Fix 7: Remove the Most Recently Installed Apps
If Safe Mode indicates an app problem, don’t randomly uninstall dozens of applications.
Work backward from when the problem started.
For example:
Problem started Monday → identify apps installed or updated around Monday → remove the most suspicious one → restart → test.
This is much more efficient than deleting everything.
If the problem disappears after removing one app, that app is the strongest suspect.
Fix 8: Check for a Recent Android Update
If the problem started immediately after a system update, don’t automatically assume the phone’s hardware has failed.
Check:
- Whether another system update is available.
- Whether important apps have updates.
- Whether the manufacturer has published a known software fix.
- Whether the restart problem occurs in Safe Mode.
Samsung’s current troubleshooting guidance similarly recommends checking software updates, available storage, and Safe Mode when Galaxy devices repeatedly restart.
Fix 9: Factory Reset – Only as a Last Software Step
A factory reset can fix persistent software problems, but do not start here.
A factory reset removes locally stored data, apps, settings, and other information from the phone.
Google explicitly recommends backing up your phone before performing a factory reset.
Before Resetting
Make sure you have access to:
- Your Google Account
- Your Google Account password
- Your screen-lock credentials
- Important photos
- Contacts
- Documents
- Messages or other important backups
- Authentication or recovery information you may need after the reset
Factory Reset
The exact procedure varies by manufacturer.
Generally:
- Back up your important data.
- Open Settings.
- Search for Factory reset.
- Select the appropriate reset option.
- Review what will be erased.
- Confirm the reset.
- Allow the phone to complete the process.
- Set up Android again.
Important Test After the Reset
Do not immediately reinstall every application.
Instead:
- Complete the basic Android setup.
- Install only essential updates.
- Use the phone for a while.
- Check whether it restarts.
- Reinstall applications gradually.
If the phone remains stable until a particular application is installed, that application becomes a strong suspect.
What If My Android Phone Keeps Restarting After a Factory Reset?
This is an important diagnostic point.
If the phone:
- Restarts in Safe Mode
- Has current software
- Has adequate storage
- Has no problematic accessories
- Still restarts after a factory reset
then a third-party app is no longer the most obvious explanation.
Possible causes include:
- Battery degradation
- Charging/power problems
- Overheating
- Internal storage failure
- Motherboard faults
- Physical damage
- Liquid damage
- Firmware problems
At this stage, professional diagnosis becomes more appropriate than repeatedly factory-resetting the phone.
Signs the Problem May Be Hardware
Hardware becomes more suspicious when:
- The phone restarts after a factory reset.
- It restarts in Safe Mode.
- It becomes unusually hot.
- The battery drains extremely quickly.
- The phone shuts down at unpredictable battery percentages.
- The phone restarts when moved or bumped.
- The device recently suffered a drop.
- The phone was exposed to liquid.
- The back cover or screen is lifting.
- The battery appears swollen.
- Recovery or diagnostic environments are also unstable.
A factory reset cannot repair a physically failing battery, motherboard, charging circuit, or internal storage component.
Important Safety Warning
Stop troubleshooting and stop charging the phone if you notice:
- A swollen battery
- A lifting back cover or screen
- Smoke
- Sparks
- Burning or chemical smell
- Extreme heat
- Liquid inside the device
- A damaged or melted charging connector
Do not continue repeatedly powering or charging a physically damaged phone.
Android Keeps Restarting Randomly: Best Troubleshooting Order
Use this order instead of jumping straight to a factory reset:
Step 1 — Remove external causes
Remove the case and disconnect accessories.
Step 2 — Check automatic restart
Especially important if the restart happens at predictable times.
Step 3 — Check storage
Free space if the phone is nearly full.
Step 4 — Update Android
Install available system updates.
Step 5 — Update apps
Update applications through Google Play.
Step 6 — Safe Mode
Determine whether downloaded apps are involved.
Step 7 — Remove suspicious apps
Start with recently installed or updated apps.
Step 8 — Check heat and charging
Especially if the restart occurs during gaming or charging.
Step 9 — Back up your data
Do this before destructive troubleshooting.
Step 10 — Factory reset
Use this only when the non-destructive steps have failed.
Step 11 — Professional diagnosis
If the phone still restarts after a clean reset, investigate hardware or manufacturer-specific firmware problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my Android phone keep restarting randomly?
Common causes include problematic apps, outdated software, very low storage, automatic restart settings, overheating, and hardware or power problems. Safe Mode is one of the most useful ways to determine whether a downloaded app is involved.
Why does my phone restart by itself at the same time every day?
Check whether an automatic restart schedule is enabled. Some Android manufacturers provide automatic restart features. Samsung, for example, has Auto Restart settings on supported Galaxy devices.
Can an app cause my Android phone to restart?
Yes. Third-party apps can cause instability and repeated restarts. If the phone becomes stable in Safe Mode, a downloaded app is a strong suspect.
How do I know if an app is causing the restarts?
Start the phone in Safe Mode. If the random restarts stop, remove recently installed or updated apps one at a time and test the phone after each removal.
Can low storage cause random restarts?
Very low storage can cause Android problems. Google specifically recommends checking available storage when troubleshooting restarting or crashing devices.
Why does my Android phone restart while charging?
Possible causes include a faulty cable or charger, charging-port problems, battery issues, excessive heat, or software instability. Test with a known-good compatible charger and cable and inspect the charging port.
Will a factory reset stop random restarts?
A factory reset can resolve software problems, but it cannot repair physical hardware failures. Back up your data before resetting because the process erases locally stored information.
Should I factory reset my phone immediately?
No. Try Safe Mode, software updates, app updates, storage checks, accessory removal, and other non-destructive troubleshooting first.
What if my phone keeps restarting in Safe Mode?
If it continues restarting in Safe Mode, downloaded apps are less likely to be responsible. Continue with system-level troubleshooting and consider professional diagnosis if the problem persists.
What if my phone keeps restarting after a factory reset?
If the phone still restarts after a clean factory reset, hardware, firmware, battery, overheating, or other device-specific problems become more likely. At that point, contact the phone manufacturer or an authorized repair provider.
Can a bad battery cause random restarts?
Yes. An unstable or deteriorating battery can cause unexpected shutdowns or restarts. However, random restarting alone does not prove that the battery is defective.
Can overheating cause an Android phone to restart?
Excessive heat can contribute to shutdowns and instability. If the phone repeatedly becomes unusually hot before restarting, stop demanding tasks and investigate the cause.
Does Safe Mode delete my data?
No. Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that temporarily disables downloaded apps. It is not a factory reset.
Does factory reset delete everything?
A factory reset removes locally stored user data, apps, settings, and other information from the device. Back up important information first.
When Should You Get the Phone Repaired?
Get professional help if:
- The phone continues restarting in Safe Mode.
- The phone continues restarting after a factory reset.
- The battery is swollen.
- The phone has liquid damage.
- The phone suffered a serious drop.
- The device becomes dangerously hot.
- The phone restarts even when performing very light tasks.
- Recovery or diagnostic modes are also unstable.
- You suspect internal storage or motherboard failure.
Do not keep performing factory resets if the problem clearly persists after a clean reset.
Related Topics:
- Boot / Startup Issues
- Android Boot Loop
- Android Won’t Turn On
- Android Stuck on Logo
- Android Stuck on Boot Screen
- Android Phone Stuck in Recovery Mode
- Android Phone Overheating
Official Sources
Official sources checked: July 25, 2026
Google Android Help
Page: Fix an Android device that’s restarting or crashing
Direct verified URL: https://support.google.com/android/answer/7664448?hl=en
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Troubleshooting random restarts, shutdowns, and constant restarting
- Checking Android updates
- Checking available storage
- The warning that problems may begin when less than 10% of storage remains free
- Updating installed apps
- Safe Mode temporarily disabling downloaded apps
- Removing recently downloaded apps one at a time
- Removing cases, external battery packs, and accessories
- Factory-reset data-loss warnings
Scope limitation:
Settings, Safe Mode entry methods, and available options vary by phone and Android version.
Google Android Help
Page: Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode on Android
Direct verified URL: https://support.google.com/android/answer/7665064?hl=en
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Safe Mode testing for phones that restart themselves
- Safe Mode temporarily disabling downloaded apps
- Manufacturer-specific Safe Mode entry
- A disappearing problem making a downloaded app more likely
- Removing recent apps one at a time
Scope limitation:
Safe Mode entry and exit methods vary by manufacturer. Some Home-screen widgets may be temporarily removed.
Google Android Help
Page: Reset your Android device to factory settings
Direct verified URL: https://support.google.com/android/answer/6088915?hl=en
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Trying other troubleshooting before resetting
- Factory reset erasing local data
- Backing up data
- Knowing the Google Account and screen-lock credentials
- Waiting after a recent Google Account password change
- Charging and network requirements
- Manufacturer-specific reset instructions
Scope limitation:
Reset menus and button procedures vary by manufacturer and Android version.
Samsung Philippines Support
Page: How to troubleshoot when your phone reboots repeatedly
Direct verified URL: https://www.samsung.com/ph/support/mobile-devices/how-to-troubleshoot-when-your-phone-reboots-repeatedly
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Installing Samsung software updates
- Testing a Galaxy phone in Safe Mode
- Downloaded apps as a possible restart cause
- Removing recently installed apps
- Factory reset as a later troubleshooting procedure
Scope limitation:
Applies to supported Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets. Menu paths and screenshots vary by model and software version.
Samsung Philippines Support
Page: What to do if your Samsung Galaxy device turns off unexpectedly
Direct verified URL: https://www.samsung.com/ph/support/mobile-devices/what-to-do-if-your-samsung-galaxy-device-turns-off-unexpectedly
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Removing cases that may cover hardware buttons
- Checking that the Power or Side button moves normally
- Checking the automatic restart feature
- Testing the device in Safe Mode
- Removing recently installed apps when Safe Mode resolves the problem
Scope limitation:
Applies only to supported Samsung Galaxy devices. Auto-restart menus and conditions vary by model and software version.
Samsung Philippines Support
Page: How to use Samsung Members Diagnostics
Direct verified URL: https://www.samsung.com/ph/support/mobile-devices/how-to-use-samsung-members-diagnostics
URL status: Verified accessible on July 25, 2026
Supports:
- Running official phone diagnostic tests
- Testing individual device functions
- Submitting error reports
- Including recent system-log data with an error report
Scope limitation:
Requires a supported Samsung Galaxy device, Samsung Members availability, and Samsung Account verification. Menus vary by device and app version.
How This Guide Was Verified
Last technically checked: July 25, 2026
Research method:
The live 1MinuteTechFix article and related published guides were reviewed. Current Google Android Help and Samsung Philippines Support pages were opened, and their restart, Safe Mode, update, storage, automatic-restart, battery-diagnostic, and factory-reset guidance was checked. Clean direct URLs and scope limitations were reviewed before output.
Physically tested:
No official documentation reviewed.
Applies to:
Android phones that successfully reach the lock screen or Home screen and later restart unexpectedly.
Important limitation:
Safe Mode entry, automatic restart settings, update menus, battery diagnostics, reset controls, and service tools vary by manufacturer, model, region, carrier, and software version.
Data-loss risk:
None for accessory removal, scheduled-restart checks, updates, storage cleanup, Safe Mode, and official diagnostics. A factory reset erases locally stored data.
Final Answer: What Should You Try First?
If your Android phone keeps restarting randomly, don’t factory reset it immediately.
Start here:
Remove accessories → check automatic restart → check storage → update Android → update apps → Safe Mode → remove suspicious apps → check heat/charging → back up your data → factory reset only if necessary.
If the phone still restarts in Safe Mode and after a factory reset, the problem is no longer most likely to be a simple third-party app issue. At that point, hardware or device-specific software problems should be investigated.