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Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If your Samsung Galaxy phone is frozen, press and hold Volume down and the Side/Power button together until the phone restarts. This is a force restart, not a shutdown that leaves the phone off.
Force restart a frozen Galaxy phone
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Press and hold Volume down and the Side/Power button at the same time.
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Keep holding until the screen goes black and the Samsung logo appears or the phone otherwise begins restarting, then release the buttons.
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Samsung Support US says to hold the buttons for more than 7 seconds. Samsung’s Singapore guidance says at least 7 seconds, while Samsung Gulf guidance specifies 10 seconds. These are timings from different regional support pages, not a single universal timing for every Galaxy model. If the phone has not restarted at the first stated interval, keep holding until the restart begins. Button names or layouts can vary slightly by model.
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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
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Force restart or power off?
A force restart cycles a frozen phone off and back on using its physical buttons. It is intended for an unresponsive screen. If the phone responds normally and you want it to stay off, use the regular power menu instead.
Power off a responsive phone
Open Quick settings and tap the power icon, or use the supported hardware-button combination to open the Power menu. Choose Power off, then confirm if prompted. The available button combination can depend on the model and its settings.
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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.
If the phone does not restart
Remove an obstructing case
A case that blocks either button can prevent the simultaneous press from registering. Remove the case and try the force-restart steps again.
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Check whether the battery is fully drained
A completely discharged battery can make a phone appear not to respond. Samsung recommends connecting a Samsung-certified charger and cable; a charging indicator may take time to appear. Allow the phone to charge before trying again.
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Choose Normal Boot if Maintenance Boot Mode appears
If the phone opens Maintenance Boot Mode rather than starting normally, use a volume button to highlight Normal Boot, then select it with the Power or Bixby button as indicated on screen.
Seek service if the buttons or phone still fail
If the phone remains unresponsive after charging and retrying, a button or other hardware fault may be involved. Samsung advises requesting service through Samsung Support. For instructions specific to your device, use the Samsung support page for your region and model; Samsung notes that button layouts may differ.
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.
If freezes keep happening
A force restart can recover a phone that has stopped responding, but it does not establish or fix the cause of repeated freezes. Samsung recommends troubleshooting software and apps. You can also run Phone diagnostics in the Samsung Members app, if the app is installed and your Galaxy device supports the feature.
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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
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