To turn on Safe mode on most Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, open the Power menu, touch and hold Power off, then tap Safe mode. If the device is off, turn it on and hold Volume down when the Samsung logo appears. You’ll know Safe mode is active when its label appears at the bottom left of the screen.
Choose the way to start Safe mode
Use the Power menu if your Galaxy is already on and you can access its controls. If the device is powered off, use the startup button method instead. Samsung notes that menu screens and settings can vary by model, software version, and wireless service provider.
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| Starting state | Method |
|---|---|
| Device is on and Power menu is accessible | Touch and hold Power off, then tap Safe mode. |
| Device is powered off | Turn it on and hold Volume down when the Samsung logo appears. |
When the device is on
- Open the Power menu. On a device with a regular Power button, press and hold it. On a device without a dedicated Power button, swipe down from the top right to open Quick settings, then tap the Power icon. On some models, pressing the Side button and Volume down together also opens the Power menu.
- Touch and hold the Power off icon until the Safe mode option appears.
- Tap Safe mode and wait for the device to restart.
When the device is powered off
- Turn on the phone or tablet.
- When the Samsung logo appears, press and hold Volume down.
- Release the button when the device finishes starting. If the Safe mode label does not appear, try the steps again.
Samsung’s Safe mode instructions describe both startup methods and the on-screen confirmation.
Confirm Safe mode is active
Look for Safe mode at the bottom left of the screen. That label confirms the device started in the mode. If it is missing, Safe mode may not have started.
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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
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Use Safe mode to check for app-related problems
In Safe mode, third-party apps do not run; the device uses its core software. This makes the mode useful for checking whether a downloaded app may be contributing to freezing, crashing, lag, or another problem. It does not identify a particular app or repair the device by itself.
- Use the phone or tablet as you normally would and see whether the same problem occurs.
- If the problem goes away, a downloaded app may be responsible. Restart normally, then uninstall recently installed or updated apps one at a time, checking the device after each removal.
- If the problem continues, downloaded apps may not be the cause. In Samsung’s guidance for a device that will not start or is stuck in a boot loop, an issue that persists in Safe mode may indicate a hardware problem; Samsung advises visiting a walk-in service center or scheduling a repair in that troubleshooting context. See its boot-loop troubleshooting guidance.
Samsung also uses Safe mode as a diagnostic step in its Galaxy troubleshooting guidance. A result in Safe mode can help narrow down the cause, but it is not a definitive diagnosis for every symptom.
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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.
Turn off Safe mode
Restart the device to boot normally. Samsung also describes turning it off by tapping the Safe mode notification and choosing Turn off.
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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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- 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
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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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- 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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- 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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