Safe mode on Android

Safe mode is an Android start-up mode that runs the system with only the preinstalled apps; apps you downloaded are disabled until the next normal restart. If a problem such as crashes, freezes or pop-ups disappears in safe mode, a downloaded app is the likely cause.

1How to start it

On most phones: press and hold the power button (on some phones power and volume up), then touch and hold Power off or Restart on the screen until 'Reboot to safe mode' appears, and confirm.

Samsung Galaxy: open the power menu, touch and hold Power off, then tap Safe mode.

'Safe mode' is shown in the bottom corner of the screen while it is active.

2Finding the app

Restart normally, then uninstall recently installed apps one at a time, restarting after each, until the problem is gone.

3Leaving safe mode

Restart the phone normally. If it starts in safe mode again, check that a volume button is not stuck.

How to find a problem app with safe mode

1. Open the power menu and touch and hold Power off or Restart.
2. Confirm 'Reboot to safe mode'.
3. Use the phone and check whether the problem still appears.
4. If it does not, restart normally and remove recent apps one by one.

Related articles

• App cache vs app data on AndroidThe difference between Clear cache and Clear storage (data) on Android, what each removes and when to use which.
• 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.
• Android version and security patch levelHow to see which Android version and security patch your phone has, how to update, and why the patch date matters.

Sources

1. Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode on Android (Android Help) support.google.com
2. Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode (Pixel Help) support.google.com

Last reviewed: 2026-10-08