Android Stuck in Restart/Boot Loop (easy ways)

This is exactly how to get rid of that SUPER ANNOYING Android device stuck in a restart loop. It can prevent you from using your phone and potentially lead to data loss. In this guide, we’ll explore the common causes of why your phone keeps restarting and provide effective troubleshooting steps to get your device back up and running.

Understanding the Problem

When your Android device is stuck in a restart loop, it means that it keeps rebooting itself repeatedly, often without reaching the home screen. This can be caused by various factors, including software glitches, hardware malfunctions, or corrupted files.

How To Fix The Android Phone Keeps Restarting In A Loop

Fix 1: Attempt Different Button Combinations

Sometimes, accessing recovery mode or the bootloader requires specific button combinations or timing. When I had trouble entering these modes, I tried different combinations.

After powering off the phone, I experimented with holding various combinations of the Power button and Volume buttons, such as Power + Volume Up or Power + Volume Down.

image of me pressing and holding the phone to show the power and volume buttons

David Snyder offered this advice: “Try holding Power + Volume Down, and then pressing Volume Up after entering the bootloader.”

Fix 2:Clear Cache Partition

Another method I attempted was clearing the cache partition, which can help if the issue is related to corrupted cache data.

image of phone in the hands with wipe cache option

To clear the cache partition, I booted into recovery mode as described above and selected “Wipe Cache Partition,” confirming the action when prompted.

image of phone in hand with wiping the cache partition on android

Borna1803 shared their experience: “Cleared cache rn and got to home screen but it froze again and turned off.”

Fix 3: Factory Reset from Recovery Mode

When I encountered a boot loop issue on my phone, one of the first things I tried was a factory reset from recovery mode. This process can often resolve boot loop issues by clearing corrupt data or software problems.

screenshot of hard reset advice from a reddit user in the comments on phone stuck in restart
Source.

To perform a factory reset, I first powered off the phone. Then, I held the Power button and Volume Down button to enter the bootloader mode. Using the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to select, I chose “Recovery Mode.” If an Android logo with a red exclamation mark appeared, I pressed Power + Volume Up to enter recovery mode. From there, I navigated to “Wipe Data/Factory Reset” and confirmed the action.

Someone Explaning Why does bootloop cycle happens

As 3mel suggested, “If you don’t mind losing messages next time you could try clearing data on the messages app. You’d need to be pretty quick by the sound of it.”

Fix 4: Inspect for Hardware Issues

If the issue persisted, I checked for visible hardware damage or overheating, which might indicate a more severe problem.

When possible, I opened the phone to check for damage or corrosion, paying close attention to the battery and internal components.

Jared D noted, “I noticed this problem is more vulnerable on the 128 GB version. It seems to happen if someone drops their phone in water, even for a quick second.”

Fix 5: Professional Repair

When software solutions didn’t work, I considered seeking professional repair services to diagnose and fix hardware issues.

I contacted the manufacturer or an authorized repair center and, if the phone was under warranty, I considered sending it in for examination.

Penelope R. advised, “If you have the original Pixel/Pixel XL or your phone is now out of warranty, please try some or all of the offered suggestions by your fellow users or contact an authorized repair center.”

Fix 6: Check for Software Updates

I also checked for software updates, as outdated software can sometimes cause boot loop issues. Installing the latest updates might resolve the problem.

To check for updates, I tried booting into recovery mode or safe mode and then checked for any available software updates, installing them if possible.

Mike W. suggested, “Updating your phone’s software can sometimes fix underlying bugs that cause boot loops. Check for updates if you can access the settings menu.”

Fix 7: Safe Mode Boot

Booting into Safe Mode helped me determine if a third-party app was causing the boot loop.

To boot into Safe Mode, I powered off the phone and then held the Power button to turn it on. When the logo appeared, I pressed and held the Volume Down button until the Safe Mode text appeared on the screen. Then, I checked if the issue persisted in Safe Mode.

Sarah L. shared her experience: “Booting into Safe Mode helped me identify that a recently installed app was causing the boot loop. Uninstalling the app fixed the issue.”

Fix 8: Remove External Accessories

I also tried removing external accessories like SD cards or USB devices, as they can sometimes cause boot issues.

After powering off the phone, I removed any SD cards, SIM cards, or USB accessories and then tried booting the phone again.


Tom K. noted, “Removing the SD card fixed the boot loop for me. It turns out the card was corrupt and causing the issue.”

Source.

Fix 9: Reflash Firmware

Reflashing the firmware was another method I used to resolve issues caused by corrupt system files.

I downloaded the correct firmware for my phone model from the manufacturer’s website and used a tool like Odin (for Samsung) or the manufacturer’s software to reflash the firmware.

Alex M. shared, “Flashing the firmware fixed my boot loop. Make sure to use the correct version for your phone model.”

Fix 10: Check Battery and Charging Port

A faulty battery or charging port can sometimes cause boot issues, so I made sure to inspect these components as well.

I checked the charging port for damage or debris and tried charging the phone with a different charger and cable. If possible, I also tested the phone with a different battery.

Jane D. mentioned, “Swapping out the battery helped resolve the issue. It seems the old battery was not holding a charge properly.”

Fix 11: Uninstall Recent Apps

Finally, I tried uninstalling recently installed apps, as they might cause issues and contribute to boot loops.

If possible, I booted into Safe Mode or Recovery Mode and uninstalled any apps that were installed just before the boot loop started.

image of android in my hands with app drawer is opened

Greg H. shared his experience: “Removing the last few apps I installed before the problem started fixed the boot loop issue.”

By systematically working through these solutions and troubleshooting steps, I was able to resolve the boot loop issue on my phone. It’s important to remember that while some methods may work for certain situations, others might require a different approach. Patience and persistence are key when dealing with boot loop problems.

Common Causes

  • Software-related issues:
    • System updates gone wrong: Sometimes, system updates can introduce bugs or conflicts that cause the device to restart continuously.
    • Corrupted apps or data: Corrupted apps or data can interfere with the device’s normal operation and trigger a restart loop.
    • Malware or viruses: Malicious software can infect your device and cause it to malfunction, including causing a restart loop.
  • Hardware-related issues:
    • Faulty battery: A defective battery can prevent the device from powering on correctly and cause it to restart.
    • Damaged power button: A damaged power button can interfere with the device’s power cycle and trigger a restart.
    • Internal hardware malfunctions: Other internal components, such as the motherboard or processor, can also malfunction and cause a restart loop.

Prevention Tips

To prevent your Android device from getting stuck in a restart loop, follow these tips:

  • Regular updates: Keep your device’s operating system and apps up-to-date to ensure they are running smoothly.
  • Virus protection: Use a reliable antivirus app to protect your device from malware and viruses.
  • Careful downloads: Only download apps from trusted sources, such as the Google Play Store.
  • Proper handling: Handle your device with care to avoid physical damage.

By following these troubleshooting steps and prevention tips, you can hopefully resolve the restart loop issue and get your Android device back to normal.

Conclusion

That’s it for today’s blog post, guys. Today, I tried showing you all the proven ways to fix a phone that keeps restarting or is stuck in a restart loop, whether it’s while charging, on its own, or when you’ve inserted the SIM card. There could be various reasons for this issue, but we’ve also listed all possible reasons to fix an Android phone stuck in a restart loop, with screenshots and attachments to make it easier to follow along. If you have any other doubts then contact us from here.

I hope you found the information helpful. If you did, please let me know in the comment section.

Kunal
Kunalhttps://fixing-mostly.com/author/kunal-kashyap/
Kunal Kashyap, the tech guru behind FixItKunal.com, simplifies complex tech issues with clear and user-friendly guides. With expertise in Android, iOS, and more, his tutorials empower users to tackle tech problems confidently. Kunal's engaging style makes technology accessible to both beginners and experts. Beyond tech, he explores psychology and keeps up with tech and business trends awarded by the Government and Namita Thapar.

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