Why your phone randomly restarts, and how to stop it
Quick answer: Random restarts on Android are usually caused by out-of-date software, nearly full storage, or a misbehaving app. Update Android and your apps, keep at least 10% of storage free, then restart in Safe mode: if the restarts stop, remove recently installed apps one at a time.
Video not loading? Open the video on YouTube. It may not match your exact model; check the written guidance and device scope before following it.
The fixes, in order
These follow Google's own steps for an Android phone that keeps restarting or crashing. Menu names vary a little between phone makers.
1Update Android
Open Settings, then System, then Software update (on Samsung: Settings, then Software update). Install anything waiting. Restart bugs are often fixed in updates.
2Free up storage
Google says a phone can start having problems when less than 10% of its storage is free. Check storage in Settings and delete large videos, downloads or apps you don't use.
3Update your apps
Open the Play Store, tap your profile icon, tap Manage apps & device, and update everything under Updates available.
4Force stop apps you aren't using
In Settings, then Apps, open apps you don't need running and tap Force stop. Keep a list of what you stopped.
5Restart in Safe mode
Safe mode temporarily turns off downloaded apps. The button combination varies by phone; on many phones you press and hold Power, then touch and hold Power off until Safe mode appears. Use the phone normally for a while.
- If the restarts stop, an app you installed is the cause. Go to the next step.
- If they carry on, skip to the hardware checks.
6Remove recently installed apps
Restart normally. Uninstall your most recently installed apps one at a time, restarting and testing after each. Once the restarts stop, you've found the culprit. Reinstall the others from the Play Store.
7Remove the case and accessories
Take off the case, any battery pack and other accessories. A case pressing the power button can cause restarts that look random.
8Check the battery
An old battery that can't supply enough power can make a phone shut down or restart under load. See our guide to signs your battery needs replacing.
9Factory reset as a last resort
Back up first: a factory reset erases everything. If the phone still restarts after a reset with nothing reinstalled, it needs a repair.
What to tell support
Keep a short record of your exact device model, software or app version, the symptom or error text, and which steps you tried. Note what changed after each step. You can print this page for reference.
Do not include passwords, recovery codes or private account details in public comments.
Sources
Video by FixIt Mobile on YouTube. See the linked sources for current manufacturer guidance. Menu names and available features can vary by model and software version. How we check fixes.