Any strange behavior in cell phones can be an indication of an internal failure, a defective app or even the presence of malicious software. Faced with this situation, Android offers a little explored but effective tool: the restart in safe mode.
This function allows the user to start the phone with the minimum applications necessary for the operation of the operating system, temporarily excluding all apps installed after purchase of the device. It is a key measure to diagnose performance problems and detect if any application is the cause of errors.
The safe mode on Android is a starting mode designed to only execute the essential system software. All applications downloaded by the user, Including popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Tiktok or Facebook, they are disabled while the device remains in this mode.
The icons of the applications that present errors or advertising appear in gray are a sign that can help identify possible sources of the problem. So it is also recommended to make a backup before proceeding to eliminate any conflicting app.
This reduced environment allows you to check if errors – as random blockages, excessive slowness or unexpected applications – disappear. If so, most likely the origin of the fault is linked to one of the apps recently installed.
Among the symptoms that can motivate the use of safe mode are included:
- Automatic reset without clear reason.
- Sudden decrease in battery life.
- Slow response of the operating system.
- Applications that fail when they open or close alone.
- Frequent freezing of the screen.
The procedure for starting an Android cell phone in safe mode varies slightly depending on the model and manufacturerbut in most cases it can be completed in a few minutes and without the need for technical knowledge. The standard steps are detailed below:
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If the phone is on
- Keep the ignition button pressed until the menu appears with the option to turn off.
- press the “turn off” on screen option.
- After a few seconds, the system will show a message indicating that the device will be restarted in safe mode.
- Confirm the action. The phone will restart automatically and, at the beginning, it will be operating in safe mode.
In some devices, especially the most recent such as Pixel 6 or superiors, it may be necessary to keep the ignition buttons pressured volume at the same time to access the advanced restart.
In the event that the equipment does not respond or is completely off, you can turn on directly in safe mode, Simultaneously pressing the ignition button and the button to lower the volume, keeping them pressed until the manufacturer’s logo appears.
Once inside the safe mode, custom widgets can disappear from the main screen, Therefore, it is recommended to take previous captures if you want to restore the original disposition after the process.
When accessing the safe mode, the phone automatically activates the airplane mode, disabled functions such as calls, wifi connection and GPS. This adjustment can be modified manually from the configuration panel if you want to maintain certain active functionalities.
During the time that the device remains in safe mode, it is recommended to use it normally to verify if the problem persists. If the performance improves significantly, it is very likely that the failure is related to one or more external applications.
The next step is to leave the safe way. To do so, it is enough to restart the phone regularly:
- In models such as the 5A or previous pixel: keep the ignition button pressured for at least 30 seconds.
- In more recent models: simultaneously press the ignition buttons and raise volume for a few seconds, until the restart option appears.
