Android Phone Keeps Restarting Randomly? 9 Fixes (2026)

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You’re using your phone, and suddenly it goes black, vibrates, and restarts — sometimes in the middle of a call, while texting, or even when it’s sitting idle. This “Android phone keeps restarting randomly” problem is not only annoying but can also make your device nearly unusable. The good news is that most random reboots have a fix that doesn’t require buying a new phone. In this 2026 guide, I’ll walk you through 9 proven methods to stop random restarts on Samsung, Pixel, Xiaomi, OnePlus, and all other Android devices. Most fixes take less than 10 minutes.

Why Does Your Android Phone Keep Restarting Randomly?

When an Android phone keeps restarting randomly, the cause is usually one of these:

  • Stuck or faulty power button: A physically stuck button can trigger constant reboot loops.
  • Problematic app or app update: Some apps crash the system, forcing a reboot.
  • Corrupted system cache: Temporary files can cause instability.
  • Overheating: The phone reboots as a safety measure to cool down.
  • Failing battery: Voltage drops can trigger automatic restarts.
  • Loose SIM or SD card: A bad connection can crash the phone.
  • Software bug or bad update: A buggy system update can cause boot loops.
  • Hardware failure: Motherboard issues, especially on older devices.

Let’s go through the fixes from simplest to most involved.

Method 1: Check for a Stuck or Faulty Power Button

A physical power button that is stuck down (or malfunctioning) can cause the phone to think you’re constantly pressing it, leading to random restarts or boot loops.

Step 1: Press the power button several times to see if it feels stuck or doesn’t click properly.

Step 2: Remove any phone case that might be pressing the button.

Step 3: Tap the area around the power button gently against a soft surface to dislodge debris.

Step 4: If the button is physically broken, you’ll need professional repair (Method 9).

✅ Expected Result: After freeing the button, random restarts stop.

Why This Works: A stuck power button continuously sends signals to the system, causing it to restart.

Method 2: Boot into Safe Mode to Isolate App Conflicts

If a third‑party app is causing the crashes, Safe Mode will stop the restarts. This is one of the most effective diagnostic steps.

Step 1: Press and hold the Power button → Press and hold “Power off” → Tap OK for Safe Mode.

Step 2: Your phone will restart with “Safe mode” in the corner. Use it normally for a few hours. If it doesn’t restart in Safe Mode, a downloaded app is the cause.

Step 3: Exit Safe Mode by restarting normally. Then uninstall recently installed apps one by one, starting with launchers, battery savers, keyboard apps, and any app that runs in the background. Test after each uninstall.

✅ Expected Result: After removing the problematic app, random restarts stop.

Why This Works: Safe Mode disables all third‑party apps, isolating the problem.

Method 3: Clear Cache Partition from Recovery

Corrupted system cache can cause instability and random reboots. Wiping the cache partition is safe and doesn’t delete personal data.

Step 1: Power off your phone.

Step 2: Boot into Recovery Mode (button combinations):

  • Samsung: Volume Up + Power (release Power after logo, keep Volume Up)
  • Pixel/Stock: Volume Down + Power → use volume keys to select “Recovery mode” → press Power
  • Xiaomi: Volume Up + Power

Step 3: Navigate to “Wipe cache partition” using volume buttons, press Power to select.

Step 4: Confirm, wait for completion, then select “Reboot system now.”

✅ Expected Result: After wiping cache, the phone becomes stable and stops restarting.

⚠️ Note / Warning: Wiping cache partition does not erase your photos, messages, or apps.

Why This Works: Old system cache can conflict with current software; wiping it forces a clean rebuild.

Method 4: Uninstall Recently Installed Apps

If you remember when the restarts started, uninstall apps installed around that time. This is more targeted than Safe Mode.

Step 1: Settings → Apps → See all apps → Sort by “Last used” (if available) or scroll manually.

Step 2: Uninstall apps you added in the last few days or weeks.

Step 3: Pay special attention to apps that request many permissions (accessibility, overlay, device admin).

Step 4: Test after each uninstall.

✅ Expected Result: Removing the culprit app stops random restarts.

Why This Works: A buggy app update can cause system instability.

Method 5: Check for Overheating or Battery Issues

Overheating can trigger automatic shutdowns and restarts. A failing battery can also cause voltage drops that reboot the phone.

Step 1: Feel your phone when it restarts. Is it hot? If yes, check for overheating causes: remove case, close background apps, lower brightness.

Step 2: Check battery health: Settings → Battery → Battery health (on Samsung and some others). For Pixels, use the dialer code `*#*#3424#*#*` → Battery test. Alternatively, use AccuBattery app.

Step 3: If battery health is below 80% or the battery is swollen (back cover bulging), replace the battery.

✅ Expected Result: After addressing overheating or replacing the battery, restarts stop.

Why This Works: The phone protects itself from heat damage by restarting; a degraded battery can’t supply stable voltage.

Method 6: Remove and Reinsert Your SIM and SD Cards

A loose SIM or SD card can cause the phone to crash and restart as it loses connectivity.

Step 1: Power off your phone.

Step 2: Use the SIM ejector tool to remove the SIM card tray. Check the SD card if present.

Step 3: Wipe the metal contacts with a dry cloth. Reinsert the card(s) firmly.

Step 4: Power on and test.

✅ Expected Result: Random restops caused by loose connections stop.

Why This Works: A bad SIM or SD card connection can trigger system errors.

Method 7: Update or Roll Back System Software

If the restarts started immediately after a system update, the update may be buggy. Check for a hotfix or roll back.

Step 1: Settings → System → Software update → Check for updates. Install any available (including minor hotfixes).

Step 2: If the problem started after a major update, you may need to wait for a patch or use Samsung Smart Switch / Google Flash Tool to reflash the previous version (advanced).

Step 3: For Samsung, use Smart Switch on PC → Device initialization (warning: erases data).

✅ Expected Result: Updating or rolling back fixes software‑induced random restarts.

Why This Works: Buggy updates are a known cause of reboot loops; patches resolve them.

Method 8: Factory Reset (Last Resort)

If none of the above works, a factory reset will wipe your phone and return it to a clean state. This fixes any software corruption.

Step 1: Back up your data: Settings → Google → Backup → Back up now. Also copy photos/files manually.

Step 2: Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data (factory reset).

Step 3: Confirm and wait.

Step 4: Set up as new (do not restore backup immediately). Test for a day before restoring apps.

✅ Expected Result: A clean system resolves all software‑caused random restarts.

⚠️ Note / Warning: Factory reset erases everything. Only as a last resort.

Why This Works: Deep system corruption is eliminated.

Method 9: Seek Professional Repair (Hardware Failure)

If your Android phone still keeps restarting randomly after all software fixes, the problem is hardware — failing motherboard, loose internal connector, or damaged power IC.

Step 1: Contact your phone manufacturer’s support (Samsung, Google, Xiaomi) if under warranty.

Step 2: Visit a reputable repair shop (uBreakiFix, local with good reviews).

Step 3: Common issues: motherboard failure, flex cable disconnection, damaged power management IC.

✅ Expected Result: Professional repair restores normal operation.

Why This Works: Hardware problems cannot be fixed by software; expert diagnosis is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Why does my Samsung phone keep restarting randomly?

Common causes: a stuck power button, app conflicts, or a known One UI bug. Try Safe Mode (Method 2) and clearing cache (Method 3).

2. Can a virus cause random restarts?

Rarely. Malware can cause instability, but most random restarts are due to app bugs or hardware. Run a Play Protect scan (Play Store → Profile → Play Protect).

3. Will a factory reset always fix random restarts?

Only if the cause is software. If the problem is hardware (motherboard, battery), a reset won’t help.

4. How do I know if my battery is causing restarts?

If the phone restarts when the battery is low (below 30%) or when you open a power‑hungry app, the battery may be failing. Check battery health (Method 5).

5. Why does my phone restart when I open the camera?

This often indicates a hardware issue with the camera module or a failing battery that can’t supply peak current. Try a battery replacement.

6. Can a loose SIM card cause boot loops?

Yes. A SIM card that loses contact can cause the phone to reboot repeatedly. Reseat the SIM (Method 6).

7. My Pixel 7 keeps restarting after Android 16 update. What should I do?

First, clear cache partition (Method 3). Then check for a hotfix (Method 7). If persists, factory reset (Method 8).

External Resources (DoFollow Links)

📌 Related Guides
* Fix Android Phone Not Turning On
* Fix Android Phone Overheating
* Fix Android Stuck in Safe Mode
* Fix Android Apps Keep Crashing

🔗 This guide is part of our Android Troubleshooting Hub

✍️ HowToFixPro Team
Our team has tested these fixes on Android 13, 14, 15, and 16 across Samsung Galaxy S23/S24, Pixel 7/8, Xiaomi 13/14, and OnePlus 11/12 devices. Each solution is verified as of June 2026.
Last updated: June 12, 2026

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