Samsung Galaxy Keeps Restarting

Before you dig into more complicated fixes, give these fundamentals a go.

• Check for Android updates. This option is available in the Settings menu under its own sub menu. If you're not sure where to find it use the search function.

The biggest reason why any electronic device might restarts unexpectedly is because it’s trying to access or use files that are damaged or incompatible. Maybe you updated your phone altogether and the new version of Android doesn’t play nice with camera filters. So when it tries to use the camera it fails and the device reboots.

• Update all apps. The location will vary slightly depending on the version of Android in use, but updates can be done through the Google Play store. Click your profile picture and an option to manage applications should be present. Updates will be in this menu.
• Boot to Safe Mode. Safe mode prevents third party and nonessential applications from running. This allows you to rule them out, or confirm them as a potential cause.
• If updates did not help and your phone runs without issue in Safe Mode, uninstall any applications that you’ve installed recently. Even if the app is only running in the background, restarts may be triggered.
• As a last resort to rule out software as a cause, backup your phone and process a reset.

Holding down the power button can force your phone to shut down, or restart. A stuck power button would continuously prompt a reboot or shutdown meaning you may wind up with a bootlooping phone.

• Check for signs that the button is depressed. Does it click when you press it? Does it even move? Most commonly this stems from exposure to dirt, liquid and or food contaminates from dirty hands. To correct this give the whole phone s good clean. Wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth. A toothpick can help remove stuck gunk from crevices around the button.
• Verify the housing is free of damage. Dings from a drop or other impact could have bent the housing or the button itself, preventing it from returning to its neutral position.
• A full teardown may be needed if you can tell liquid has crept in to verify that nothing is wrong with the internal electronics. Clean the actual button itself if it's still sticking.
• If cleaning does not resolve the issue, or you can see visible damage, replace the affected button. You may also need to replace the ribbon cable depending on location. Consult your model's repair info for the specifics.

Applications are not the only software components that keep a cache storage. Android also has an entire partition on the internal drive for system cache. This could have filled, or data in this cache was corrupted.

To clear the cache partition

1. Turn off the phone.
2. Press and hold Volume Up and Power (Bixby) until the Android logo appears.
3. Use Volume Up and Down to highlight Wipe Cache partition from the menu.
4. Press Power to select Wipe Cache Partition.

We are likely all aware that all rechargeable batteries degrade over time leading to poor battery life. But batteries can fail in any number of other ways, potentially resulting unexpected restarts due to insufficient output.

• Check your battery health. The Samsung Members application has test function which will give you a quick reading. It can be found under Support > Diagnostics.
  • Samsung will determine if the battery is functioning with some tests. If it says Bad here, a new battery is a reasonable start.
  • If it says your battery is performing as expected, see the breakdown of battery usage in the settings under Device Care.
  • If you cannot get Samsung Members to run, or want a second opinion, open the Phone application and enter ****#228#*** into the dialer. The diagnostic screen that should appear can give you additional data about the battery.
    • Check the battery level block range. It should read (0~8) indicating 8 blocks are available. Seeing less? then battery needs replacement.
    • Other specifications are also listed here such as capacity. This can be compared to rated capacity at new to determine if the battery has been consumed.
• Search for signs of battery swelling. Is there localized screen discoloration on the left side (or right side for series 12 and newer iPhones). Is the screen lifting along one side?
• Replace the battery with a new one if there are any indications of failure. Exercise caution when handling the battery. Lithium-ion batteries can be hazardous if they are damaged.

The motherboard is the hub for the vast majority of a Samsung phone's functionality. Any number of the small components on the board may have failed or become damaged and is a safe assumption of cause if nothing else on this page has worked.

• Check for obvious signs of a board issue - burned or cracked components, liquid residue, corrosion, or bend. If there are signs of liquid the iPhone Liquid Damage Guide might help (even though it is written for iPhone it applies to all mobile devices)
• Replacing the logic board with a new one is often the most practical solution for a DIYer in this position.
• If you’re feeling especially curious, the tiny bits and chips on the board can be repaired by microsoldering. It is an art unto itself, but a worthy endeavor for those who are adventurous. Interested? Check out this intro!