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There is no universal Android code for restarting a phone. If the phone responds, use its power menu and tap Restart. If it is frozen, use the force-restart button sequence for that exact manufacturer and model; the steps are not interchangeable across Android phones.

Does Android have a code to restart a phone?

Official Android, Pixel, and Samsung support instructions reviewed do not identify a universal dialer code for restarting Android. The reliable method is the phone’s power menu or, if it is unresponsive, a model-specific button sequence.

Do not confuse restarting with a factory reset. A restart turns the phone off and back on; a factory reset can erase data. Recovery or factory-reset menus are not shortcuts for an ordinary restart.

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Restart a phone that is responding

Open the power menu and choose Restart if that option appears. The button combination used to open the menu depends on the phone.

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Google Pixel 6 and later, including Pixel Fold

  1. Press and hold Power and Volume Up together for a few seconds to show the power menu.
  2. Tap Restart.

These are Google’s instructions for Pixel 6 and later, including Fold. Google Pixel Phone Help: Turn your Pixel phone on and off.

Pixel 5a and earlier

Google’s documented procedure is to hold the Power button for about 30 seconds, or until the phone restarts. Follow the instructions for your exact Pixel model if this does not match what the phone does. Google Pixel Phone Help: Turn your Pixel phone on and off.

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Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets

  1. Press and hold Volume Down and the Side button (or Power button) together to open the power options.
  2. Tap Restart, then confirm if prompted.

Samsung’s power-menu steps apply to Galaxy devices; consult its instructions for your model if the buttons or menu differ. Samsung Support: Different ways to restart your Galaxy phone or tablet.

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Force-restart a frozen Android phone

If the screen is on but the phone will not respond, a force restart may help. It is not the same as choosing a factory reset. Button behavior varies by model, so use the matching manufacturer guidance.

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Pixel or other Android phone

Google’s general Android guidance is to hold Power for about 60 seconds when the phone is frozen with the screen on. Google notes that Android settings and steps can vary by manufacturer; if this does not work, check the phone maker’s support instructions. Google Android Help: Fix an Android device that freezes or won’t respond.

For a frozen Pixel with the screen on, Google says to hold Power for up to 60 seconds and release it when the Google logo appears. Google Pixel Phone Help: Turn your Pixel phone on and off.

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Samsung Galaxy

Press and hold Volume Down and the Side button (or Power button) simultaneously until the device turns off and turns back on. This is Samsung’s force-restart instruction for Galaxy phones and tablets. Samsung Support: Different ways to restart your Galaxy phone or tablet.

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If the buttons or instructions do not match

  • Check the support page for the exact manufacturer and model; Android button behavior can differ by device and software.
  • Use the power menu when the phone is responsive. Use a force restart only when it is not responding.
  • If the manufacturer’s restart steps fail, Google recommends contacting the manufacturer for help with the device.
  • Avoid recovery or factory-reset options unless you intend to reset the phone; a factory reset can erase data.

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