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If your Android phone is showing a Recovery menu, choose Reboot system now if that option is listed. Use the volume keys to highlight it and Power to select it when the menu uses that control scheme. Do not choose Wipe data/factory reset or any confirmation to erase data if you want to keep the phone’s local files and settings.
What to select in Android Recovery Mode
- Read the menu before pressing a button. Find Reboot system now.
- Use the navigation method shown by your phone. On the documented Pixel recovery screen, volume buttons move through the menu and Power selects the highlighted item; other manufacturers may use different wording or controls.
- Choose Reboot system now and let the phone restart. This asks the device to start normally; it is not a factory reset.
Google’s Pixel recovery instructions distinguish the reboot path from the recovery option that wipes data. The menu labels and controls can vary, so treat this as a general menu-level instruction rather than a button recipe for every Android model. Google Pixel recovery instructions explain the Pixel-specific flow.
Which Recovery options erase data?
A reboot and a factory reset do different things. Google states, “A factory reset erases all your data from your phone.” Samsung likewise says a factory data reset removes all personal data. Do not use an option containing wipe, erase, or factory reset as a routine way to leave Recovery Mode. Google’s recovery guidance, Google Pixel reset guidance, and Samsung’s reset guidance describe the destructive reset path and its effects.
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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →| Option | What it does | Appropriate when preserving data? |
|---|---|---|
| Reboot system now | Attempts to restart the phone normally. | Yes, when the goal is simply to exit Recovery Mode. |
| Wipe data/factory reset | Erases local user data and restores factory settings. | No. Consider it only as a separate troubleshooting decision after backing up where possible. |
Seeing Recovery Mode does not by itself mean a wipe has occurred. A reboot is the data-preserving choice among these menu options, but it cannot guarantee that files are safe if the phone already has a storage, operating-system, or hardware fault.
#1 Best Overall
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
If the reboot option is missing or the menu is stuck
- If the screen is frozen or blank, avoid guessing at button combinations. A universal force-restart sequence is not established; Google notes that settings vary by phone and directs users to the device manufacturer for model-specific instructions. Google Android troubleshooting guidance
- Remove a case or accessory if it could be pressing a button, then check the official support instructions for the exact manufacturer and model.
- If the phone repeatedly returns to Recovery after a reboot, treat that as a separate fault rather than repeatedly selecting menu items at random. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized repair service for model-specific diagnosis.
If you are considering a factory reset for another problem
A factory reset is not the exit command for Recovery Mode. If the phone still starts and you are considering a reset to address a separate issue, back up first. Google says data stored in a Google Account may be restorable, but apps and their data are uninstalled. Samsung warns that personal information may not be recoverable after a reset. For Samsung phones, Factory Reset Protection may require the Google Account previously registered on the device after a reset performed by a method other than the Settings reset option; make sure you know those credentials before proceeding. Google Pixel reset guidance and Samsung reset guidance
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Pixel-specific repair options are separate from a normal reboot
For supported Pixel 4a and later devices, including Fold, Google’s Update & Software Repair tool is a separate computer-based repair route. It requires a computer and USB cable, and Google says a manual update may resolve some software issues without a factory reset. Check the tool’s current instructions and compatibility before using it; it is not needed just to select Reboot system now. Google Pixel reset and software-repair guidance
Rank #2
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Repair Mode is another limited Pixel service option, not an exit command. Google says eligible Pixel phones must run Android 14 with the December 2023 update or later and have at least 2 GB of free space. It starts a clean Android OS in a secure partition so a technician can service the device without a factory reset. Confirm eligibility with Google before relying on it. Google: Learn how Repair mode works
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- Charger NOT Included, 6.7" Super AMOLED FHD+, 90Hz Refresh Rate, 385 ppi, 800 nits (HBM), 1080x2340px, 5000mAh Battery
- 128GB, 4GB RAM, microSDXC, Exynos 1330 (5nm), Octa-Core, Mali-G68 MP2 or Mali-G57 MC2 GPU
- Rear Camera: 50MP, f/1.8 (wide) + 5MP, f/2.2 (ultrawide) + 2MP, f/2.4 (macro), LED flash, panorama, HDR; Front Camera: 13MP, f/2.0, Android 14, up to 6 major Android upgrades, One UI 6.1
- 3G: HSDPA 850/900/1700(AWS)/1900/2100; 4G LTE: 1/2/3/4/5/7/12/13/14/20/25/26/28/29/30/38/39/40/41/48/66/71, 5G: 2/5/25/41/66/71/77/78 SA/NSA/Sub6/mmWave - Nano-SIM + eSIM
- US Model – Global Connectivity – Compatible with Most GSM Carriers like T-Mobile, AT&T, MetroPCS, etc. Will Also work with CDMA Carriers Such as Verizon, Straight Talk.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Rank #3
- Carrier: This phone is locked to Tracfone, which means this device can only be used on the Tracfone wireless network. Tracfone plan required, activating is easy, just 3 steps.
- DISPLAY: Immersive viewing on a 6.7-inch super-bright 120Hz display with powerful stereo speakers and Bass Boost for cinematic entertainment.
- CAMERA SYSTEM: Advanced 50MP Quad Pixel camera captures sharp, detailed photos and videos in any lighting condition
- PERFORMANCE: Lightning-fast 5G connectivity paired with a powerful processor and RAM Boost for smooth multitasking.
- BATTERY LIFE: Long-lasting 5000mAh battery with TurboPower charging technology delivers hours of power in minutes.
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