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To restart a responsive Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, open the Quick panel, tap the Power icon, then choose Restart. If the screen is frozen, hold the Side/Power button and Volume Down together until the device turns off and the Samsung logo appears. These steps cover Galaxy phones and tablets; menu labels and button behavior can vary by model and software version.
Restart a Galaxy from the Quick panel
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick panel. Depending on the model, you may need to swipe down again to expand it.
- Tap the Power icon.
- Tap Restart, then confirm if prompted.
Samsung also documents opening the power options with the Side/Power and Volume Down buttons, then choosing Restart. The exact controls and layout vary across models and software versions. See Samsung’s restart instructions for its current device guidance.
Force restart a frozen Galaxy
If the screen does not respond or the power menu will not open, press and hold the Side (or Power) button and Volume Down together. Keep holding until the device restarts; Samsung’s general guidance is to hold for more than seven seconds, but a frozen device may take longer. Continue until the screen goes off and the Samsung logo appears. A case that blocks either button can prevent the combination from working.
Button timing can differ by symptom and model, and some Samsung troubleshooting instructions describe longer holds, sometimes up to 60 seconds. If the restart does not occur, check the instructions for your exact model. If Maintenance Boot Mode appears, use the volume buttons to select Normal Boot. Samsung covers frozen-device and button troubleshooting in its turn-off troubleshooting guide.
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- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Choose the right restart method
| Situation | Method | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| The touchscreen and menus respond | Quick panel → Power icon → Restart | Choose Restart in the power menu and confirm if prompted. |
| The screen is frozen or the menu is unavailable | Hold Side/Power + Volume Down | Keep holding until the device turns off and restarts; the touchscreen is not needed. |
If the device will not turn on or stays at the Samsung logo
Check power and charging
If the battery may be depleted, connect the device to a Samsung-certified charger. For a Galaxy stuck at the Samsung logo because it is completely drained, Samsung advises charging for at least 15 minutes with an appropriate Samsung charger before trying again. Charger compatibility depends on the model; Samsung’s guidance does not establish a universal wattage. See the turn-on troubleshooting steps and Samsung logo guidance.
Try the button restart
Remove any case that might obstruct the buttons, then hold Side/Power and Volume Down together until the phone restarts. Follow the model-specific instructions if the expected result does not occur; the hold time can depend on the problem.
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- 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.
Get help for recurring failures
A restart is not a guaranteed fix for repeated boot loops or unexpected shutdowns. Persistent problems can have software, app-compatibility, battery, or hardware causes. Samsung recommends professional service when basic troubleshooting does not resolve the issue or hardware damage is suspected. For a device that starts but keeps shutting down, Samsung’s unexpected power-off guide includes further troubleshooting, including Safe Mode. Samsung says that if issues persist even in Safe Mode, a hardware issue is likely.
Restart does not erase your data
A restart simply reboots the device; it is not a factory reset. A factory data reset is a separate action that deletes personal data, and Samsung advises backing up important information before performing one. Do not choose a factory reset as a routine way to restart a phone. See Samsung’s factory-reset guidance.
Quick Recap
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
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- 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.
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- 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.
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