Android recovery mode

Recovery mode is a small, separate boot mode of Android used to install system updates, wipe the phone and fix problems when Android does not start. It is opened with a key combination while the phone starts, usually Power and Volume down, and is controlled with the volume and power buttons.

1Options

Typical options are 'Reboot system now', 'Apply update from ADB' or from SD card, 'Wipe data/factory reset', 'Wipe cache partition' (on older devices) and 'Power off'. The exact list depends on the phone maker.

2Opening recovery

On Pixel phones, hold Power and Volume down to open the bootloader screen, choose Recovery mode with the volume buttons and confirm with Power. Other makers use different combinations. With USB debugging, adb reboot recovery opens it from a computer.

3Factory reset from recovery

'Wipe data/factory reset' erases all user data. After it, Factory Reset Protection asks for the Google Account that was on the phone, so you need its password.

How to leave recovery mode safely

1. Use Volume up and Volume down to move to 'Reboot system now'.
2. Press Power to select it.
3. If the phone returns to recovery again, charge it and try once more.
4. Choose 'Wipe data/factory reset' only if you accept losing all data on the phone.

Related articles

• Factory reset on AndroidWhat an Android factory reset erases, what to back up first, and how factory reset protection asks for your Google account afterwards.
• Safe mode on AndroidWhat Android safe mode is, how to start it on Pixel, Samsung and other phones, and how to use it to find a problem app.
• Developer options and USB debuggingHow to turn on Android developer options, what USB debugging allows, and why to switch it off when you do not need it.

Sources

1. How to factory reset your Google Pixel phone (Pixel Phone Help) support.google.com
2. Android Debug Bridge (adb) (Android Developers) developer.android.com

Last reviewed: 2026-10-08