The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →To restart a responsive Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, open the Quick panel, tap the Power icon, then tap Restart. If the screen is frozen, hold the Side/Power button and Volume Down together until the device restarts. These instructions apply to Galaxy phones and tablets; button names and menus can vary by model and software version.
Restart a Galaxy phone or tablet normally
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick panel. On some models, swipe down twice to see all Quick panel controls.
- Tap the Power icon.
- Tap Restart, then confirm if prompted.
If you cannot find the Power icon, use the buttons to open the power menu: press and hold the Side/Power button and Volume Down together until the power options appear, then tap Restart. Samsung notes that menu layouts and button behavior can differ between models and software versions. See Samsung’s restart instructions for Galaxy phones and tablets.
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Force restart a frozen Galaxy
When the touchscreen or power menu will not respond, press and hold the Side/Power button and Volume Down at the same time. Keep holding until the screen turns off and the Samsung logo appears. Samsung’s general guidance is to hold the buttons for more than seven seconds; troubleshooting instructions for an unresponsive device may call for a longer hold. If nothing happens, continue holding and consult the guidance for your exact model and symptom.
A bulky or damaged case can make it difficult to press both buttons fully. Remove it if it obstructs the controls. If Maintenance Boot Mode appears instead of a normal restart, use the volume buttons to highlight Normal Boot and select it with the Side/Power button. Details are in Samsung’s frozen-device and power-button troubleshooting and boot-loop guidance.
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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 screen responds | Quick panel → Power icon → Restart | Choose Restart in the power menu; confirm if asked. |
| The screen or menu is frozen | Hold Side/Power and Volume Down together | Keep holding until the device restarts; no menu selection is needed. |
Both methods reboot the device. A restart is not a factory reset and does not, by itself, erase your personal data.
If the Galaxy will not turn on or stays at the Samsung logo
Check for a depleted battery
If the battery may be completely drained, connect the device to a Samsung-certified charger and allow it to charge. For a Galaxy stuck on the Samsung logo, Samsung advises charging a completely drained device for at least 15 minutes with an appropriate Samsung charger before continuing. Charger compatibility depends on the exact model; the support instructions do not establish a universal wattage.
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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.
Try a force restart
After charging, hold Side/Power and Volume Down together until the phone restarts. If the device remains stuck at the logo, follow Samsung’s instructions for a Galaxy stuck at the Samsung logo. The steps and button timing can depend on the model and situation.
Distinguish a restart from a factory reset
A factory data reset is a separate procedure that deletes personal data. Do not choose it as a routine way to reboot a phone. If you are considering one to address a persistent problem, back up important information first and follow Samsung’s factory-reset guidance.
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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
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- 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.
When to get further help
A restart may clear a temporary freeze, but it will not resolve every cause of slow performance, unexpected shutdowns, or a boot loop. If the phone repeatedly restarts, remains stuck, or still has problems after basic troubleshooting, the cause may involve software, an app, the battery, or hardware. Samsung recommends professional service for suspected hardware damage or issues that remain unresolved. Start with Samsung’s boot-loop troubleshooting or unexpected-shutdown guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
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.
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