Fix Android Phone Stuck in Boot Loop

Before you start, understand that a boot loop can be caused by a software glitch, a bad app, or a system issue. The steps below are ordered from least to most invasive, so try them in order. If your phone is still under warranty, check the manufacturer’s support site before doing a factory reset, as it may void your warranty.

What You’ll Need

Your Android phone (with a charged battery or plugged in)
A computer (optional, for some steps)
Access to your Google account credentials (for after a factory reset)

Step-by-Step

Force restart your phone. Press and hold the Power button for 10-20 seconds until the screen goes black and the phone vibrates or restarts. This clears a temporary glitch that might be causing the loop.
Charge your phone. Plug your phone into a wall charger and wait a few minutes. A drained battery can sometimes cause a boot loop. If the charging icon appears, let it charge to at least 30% before trying to turn it on.
Boot into Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts your phone with only the pre-installed apps. The method varies by phone: usually, press and hold the Power button, then tap and hold “Power off” until you see “Safe Mode” prompt. Or, during startup, press and hold the Volume Down button. If the phone boots in Safe Mode, a third-party app is the culprit. Uninstall recently downloaded apps.
Clear the cache partition. This removes temporary system files that might be corrupted. Turn off your phone, then press and hold the Power and Volume Down (or Volume Up) buttons together to enter Recovery Mode. Use the volume keys to navigate to “Wipe cache partition” and press the Power button to select. Confirm, then reboot.
Perform a factory reset (from Recovery Mode). If clearing the cache doesn’t work, a factory reset will erase all data and restore the phone to its original state. In Recovery Mode, select “Factory data reset” or “Wipe data/factory reset”. Confirm and reboot. This will erase all your personal data, so only do this if you have a backup or are willing to lose everything.
Reinstall the system software (using manufacturer tools). Some manufacturers offer PC software to reinstall the operating system. For example, Samsung has Smart Switch, and Google has the Android Flash Tool. Download the tool, connect your phone to your computer, and follow the instructions to reinstall the firmware. This can fix deeper system corruption.
Seek professional repair. If none of the above works, the issue might be hardware-related, such as a failing battery or motherboard. Contact your phone manufacturer or a reputable repair shop.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the cache wipe: Many users jump straight to a factory reset, but clearing the cache partition is a less destructive step that often resolves the issue.
Not backing up before a reset: A factory reset erases everything. If you haven’t backed up your photos, contacts, and files, you’ll lose them.
Using the wrong button combination: The key combination to enter Recovery Mode varies by manufacturer. Pressing the wrong buttons can trigger a different mode or do nothing. Check your phone’s manual online.
Interrupting the process: Once you start a reset or firmware reinstall, don’t unplug the phone or turn it off. This can cause permanent damage.

Tips

Back up regularly: Use Google Drive or a PC to back up your data so you’re prepared for future issues.
Keep your phone updated: System updates often include bug fixes that can prevent boot loops.
Uninstall suspicious apps: If you notice a boot loop after installing a new app, try to boot into Safe Mode and uninstall it.
Use a quality charger: A faulty charger can cause power issues that lead to boot loops. Use the charger that came with your phone or a reputable replacement.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t work, here are additional things to try:

Check if your phone is under warranty: If it is, contact the manufacturer before attempting any repairs yourself. They may fix it for free.
Try a different USB cable and port: When connecting to a computer, a faulty cable can prevent the software from recognizing your phone.
Look for a hidden reset button: Some phones have a tiny pinhole button that you can press with a paperclip to force a reset.
Consider hardware damage: If your phone has been dropped or exposed to water, the boot loop might be due to physical damage. In that case, professional repair is your best option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a factory reset fix a boot loop?

Yes, a factory reset often fixes a boot loop caused by software corruption, but it will erase all your data. It’s the most effective software solution.

How do I back up my phone if it’s stuck in a boot loop?

If your phone is stuck, you may not be able to back up normally. However, if you can boot into Safe Mode or Recovery Mode, you might be able to connect to a computer and copy files. Otherwise, your data may be lost.

Why does my phone keep restarting?

Common causes include a faulty app, corrupted system files, a failing battery, or a hardware issue. The steps above help you narrow it down.

Can a boot loop be caused by a virus?

It’s rare, but malicious software can cause system instability. Booting into Safe Mode and running a security scan can help.

How long does a factory reset take?

It usually takes 5-10 minutes, but the phone may take longer to boot up the first time after the reset.

What if my phone still doesn’t turn on after a factory reset?

If the phone still won’t boot, the problem is likely hardware-related. Contact the manufacturer or a professional repair service.

Sources: Google Android Help. Menus and buttons can differ slightly by version. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.