On many Samsung Galaxy phones and tablets, open the power menu, touch and hold Power off, then tap Safe mode. The device restarts with most third-party apps unavailable. To leave Safe Mode, restart the device normally. Menu access and button behavior vary by model, software version, and carrier.
Start Safe Mode from the power menu
Use this method when your Galaxy is on and responsive. The exact way to open the power menu depends on the device: you may need to press and hold the Power/Side key, or tap the power icon in Quick Settings.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Open the power menu using the controls available on your device.
- Touch and hold Power off until the Safe mode option appears.
- Tap Safe mode and allow the device to restart. A Safe mode label on the screen confirms it started in that state.
Samsung’s Canada instructions specify opening Quick Settings with a two-finger swipe and tapping the Power icon before holding Power off. That route is for the devices and guidance covered by Samsung Canada, not a universal path. Samsung notes that settings and availability can vary by model, software version, and carrier. See Samsung Canada’s Safe Mode instructions.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Start Safe Mode with the volume button
If you cannot use the power-menu method, Samsung UK documents a startup-button method. It can also be useful when the device is off.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
- Turn the device off.
- Turn it on again.
- When the Samsung logo appears by itself, press and hold Volume Down through startup.
- Check that Safe mode appears on the screen.
Samsung says that on devices without a separate Power key, use the button combination normally used to switch the device off. Startup sequences are not established as identical for every model; if this method does not work, consult support for your specific Galaxy model. See Samsung UK’s Safe Mode instructions.
Use Safe Mode to check for an app-related problem
Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup state, not a separate app or purchase. Samsung describes it as a basic operating state in which most third-party applications are unavailable. This lets you check whether a problem may be linked to an app you installed.
Rank #2
- 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.
- In Safe Mode, use the device long enough to check whether the original problem still occurs.
- If the problem disappears, a third-party app is a plausible cause. Remove recently downloaded apps one at a time, checking the device after each removal.
- If the problem continues in Safe Mode, Samsung says it is unlikely to be related to an app. That result is a troubleshooting clue, not proof of the underlying cause.
For general Android guidance on using Safe Mode to find problem apps, see Google’s Android Help.
Exit Safe Mode
Press and hold the Power key and tap Restart, or use your device’s normal restart control. Samsung says restarting returns the device to normal operation.
Rank #3
- 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
If Safe Mode starts by itself or keeps returning
Samsung Korea notes that pressing Volume Down inadvertently while the device starts can trigger Safe Mode. A protective cover may press the button, so remove the cover and restart to see whether the behavior changes. This does not establish that the button is defective.
If Safe Mode continues to start unexpectedly, check the support information for your exact model or contact Samsung support. Samsung’s reviewed guidance does not establish one repair procedure that applies to every persistent case. See Samsung Korea Service’s guidance on a Galaxy starting in Safe Mode.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
