If your Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ is frozen and unresponsive, press and hold the Power and Volume down keys together for more than 7 seconds, then release them when the phone restarts. This is a force restart—not a factory reset—and it is the first step to try when the device hangs.
How to force-restart a frozen Galaxy S8 or S8+
- Press and hold the Power key and Volume down key at the same time.
- Keep holding both keys for more than 7 seconds.
- Release the keys when the device restarts.
Samsung’s Galaxy S8/S8+ instructions specify this key combination and duration. You do not need to enter a recovery menu or choose a reset option. The S8-specific instructions call the button the Power key; use that wording rather than instructions for newer phones that may refer to a Side key.
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Force restart, normal restart, and factory reset are different
| Action | When to use it | Effect on data |
|---|---|---|
| Normal restart | The screen responds and you can use the power menu. | Restarts the phone; it is not a factory reset. |
| Force restart | The S8/S8+ is frozen or unresponsive, so the screen controls cannot be used. | Restarts the phone using the hardware keys. It is distinct from erasing the phone’s data. |
| Factory data reset | A later troubleshooting option if other steps do not resolve the problem. | Returns the phone to its original settings and erases data. Back up important data first. |
Samsung lists factory data reset as a possible later step for continuing freezes and advises making backup copies of important data before doing it. Do not select a reset option as part of the force-restart procedure.
If the S8 does not restart or will not turn on
Check its charge
A drained battery can prevent a phone from powering on. Connect the S8 to a Samsung-certified charger and allow it to charge before trying again. This is general Galaxy power troubleshooting from Samsung, not an S8-specific charging-time estimate; see Samsung’s guidance for a Galaxy phone that will not turn on.
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Allow time if it remains unresponsive
The S8-specific instruction is to hold Power and Volume down together for more than 7 seconds. Samsung’s broader US guidance says a forced reboot can take up to 60 seconds on some Galaxy devices, but that is general guidance rather than a revised S8-specific requirement. If the S8 remains unresponsive after a reasonable hold and charge check, move on to service or further troubleshooting instead of repeatedly selecting reset options.
Look for damage or a persistent power fault
A software freeze, system malfunction, depleted battery, or hardware problem may be involved when a Galaxy phone will not turn on. If the phone has physical damage or still will not respond after charging and a force-restart attempt, Samsung recommends professional inspection through a service center. See Samsung US troubleshooting for a Galaxy device that will not turn off. Service availability and procedures vary by location.
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If freezes keep happening after a successful restart
A force restart can restore access to a frozen phone, but recurring hangs need follow-up troubleshooting. Samsung’s S8/S8+ support guidance recommends these checks:
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- Use Device maintenance and free memory.
- Check for software updates.
- Test the phone in Safe mode to help determine whether an installed app is contributing to the problem.
If those checks do not resolve the issue, Samsung lists factory data reset as a later option. It erases data, so make backup copies of anything important before proceeding. If the problem persists, contact a Samsung Service Centre, as the S8/S8+ support page advises.
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When a replacement battery may be relevant
A replacement battery is a possible repair path only if charging and basic restart checks do not resolve a power problem. It is not needed to perform a force restart, and a freeze alone does not establish that the battery needs replacing. Before arranging a repair, confirm compatibility with the exact S8 model. iFixit’s Galaxy S8 battery replacement guide covers the replacement procedure; a persistent power fault may still require professional diagnosis.
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