Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
To restart a Galaxy S23 normally, press and hold the Side button and Volume Down together, then tap Restart. If the phone is frozen and will not respond, keep holding both buttons for more than 7 seconds, until it restarts.
Restart the Galaxy S23 when the screen works
You can open the power menu with the buttons or from the Quick panel. Either way, choose Restart rather than Power off.
Use the buttons
- Press and hold the Side button and Volume Down at the same time until the power menu appears.
- Tap Restart. If prompted, tap Restart again to confirm.
Samsung documents this button combination in its Galaxy S23 Series User Manual (English EU edition, revision dated April 17, 2024).
Use the Quick panel
- Open the notification panel or Quick panel by swiping down from the top of the screen.
- Tap the power icon.
- Tap Restart, then confirm if prompted.
The icon and panel layout can vary by software version. Samsung notes that menu names and layouts may differ by device model and software version in its Galaxy boot-loop troubleshooting guide.
#1 Best Overall
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra (Only - Not Compatible with Galaxy S23/S23+)
- Multi-layer defense: solid inner shell and soft outer cover (No Built in Screen Protector)
- OtterArmor Defense protects your OtterBox case from many common bacteria
- Case Only: "Belt Clip Holster not included"
Force restart a frozen Galaxy S23
If the display is frozen or the power menu will not open, press and hold the Side button and Volume Down simultaneously for more than 7 seconds. Keep holding if the screen briefly goes dark; release when the phone restarts. Samsung describes this as a restart procedure in the S23-series manual and its general Galaxy support instructions.
A forced restart is not a factory reset: it restarts the device and is not an instruction to erase its data.
Set the Side button to open power controls
A long press of the Side button may open an assistant instead of power controls, depending on the button setting. To change it on software with the labels documented in Samsung’s manual:
Rank #2
- Compatible with Samsung Galaxy S23 (Only - Not Compatible with Galaxy S23+/S23 Ultra)
- Multi-layer defense: solid inner shell and soft outer cover (No Built in Screen Protector)
- OtterArmor Defense protects your OtterBox case from many common bacteria
- Case Only: "Belt Clip Holster not included"
- Open Settings > Advanced features > Side button.
- Under Press and hold, select Power off menu.
If those labels differ, look for the Side button options under Advanced features. Samsung cautions that settings and screen layouts may vary by model and software version.
If the phone still will not restart
- Check that the battery has charge; a depleted phone may need charging before it can start.
- Check whether the Side button and Volume Down button respond. If a button appears damaged or does not work, the forced-restart combination may not be available.
- If the phone repeatedly returns to a boot loop or has visible physical damage, follow Samsung’s boot-loop troubleshooting guidance. Samsung recommends inspection at a service center when physical damage is present.
Samsung’s instructions are for the S23 family or Galaxy devices generally, depending on the cited page; menu names and available options can vary by region and software version.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
