Android Phone Keeps Restarting Randomly? Causes & 11 Fixes

If your Android phone keeps restarting randomly, the problem is usually caused by a software glitch, a problematic app, low storage, overheating, a faulty update, or an aging battery. In many cases, you can stop the random reboots without performing a factory reset or losing your personal data.

This guide explains the most common causes and walks you through 11 practical fixes, starting with the safest and easiest solutions first.

Android phone keeps restarting randomly during startup

Introduction

Few Android problems are more frustrating than a phone that suddenly restarts by itself. You might be watching a video, browsing the web, charging the device, using an app, or simply leaving the phone untouched when the screen suddenly turns black and the Android logo appears again.

Sometimes the phone restarts only once. In other cases, it may reboot several times a day or become trapped in a repeated restart cycle.

This issue can affect Samsung Galaxy, Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO, Google Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Vivo, Realme, and other Android devices.

The good news is that random restarts do not automatically mean your phone has a serious hardware problem. In many cases, the cause is something relatively simple, such as a temporary Android bug, a recently installed app, low storage space, overheating, or an incomplete software update.

Before performing a factory reset or taking the phone to a repair center, it is worth trying the safer troubleshooting methods first.

In this guide, we will start with the easiest fixes and gradually move toward more advanced solutions. This approach gives you the best chance of stopping the random restarts without unnecessarily deleting your files.

Quick Answer: Why Does My Android Phone Keep Restarting?

An Android phone may restart randomly because of:

A temporary Android software glitch
A faulty or incompatible app
Low internal storage
Overheating
A failed or buggy software update
A damaged battery
A stuck Power button
Corrupted system files
Firmware problems
Internal hardware damage

Start by restarting the phone normally, checking the physical buttons, updating Android and your apps, and freeing storage space. More advanced steps such as Safe Mode, Recovery Mode, or a factory reset should only be considered if the simpler fixes fail.

Why Does My Android Phone Keep Restarting Randomly?
Fix 1 – Check the Power Button and Remove the Case
Fix 2 – Restart the Phone Manually
Fix 3 – Check for Overheating
Fix 4 – Free Up Internal Storage
Fix 5 – Update Android
Fix 6 – Update or Remove Problematic Apps
Fix 7 – Test the Phone in Safe Mode
Fix 8 – Wipe the Cache Partition When Available
Fix 9 – Check the Battery and Charging Accessories
Fix 10 – Perform a Factory Reset
Fix 11 – Get Professional Repair Help
Why Does My Phone Restart While Charging?
Why Did Random Restarts Start After an Android Update?
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts

Why Does My Android Phone Keep Restarting Randomly?

Android depends on many system processes, apps, hardware components, and background services working together correctly. If one of these components crashes or becomes unstable, the phone may restart automatically.

The exact cause depends on when the restarts happen and what changed before the problem started.

1. A Problematic App

A recently installed or poorly optimized application can crash important Android processes and cause unexpected restarts.

This is especially common with apps that run constantly in the background, including:

Battery optimization apps
Phone cleaning apps
Third-party launchers
Antivirus apps
Screen recording tools
Apps installed outside the Google Play Store

2. Low Internal Storage

Android needs free storage space for temporary files, app data, updates, and normal system operations.

If the internal storage is almost completely full, Android may become unstable, freeze, crash, or restart unexpectedly.

3. Overheating

Phones contain thermal protection systems designed to protect internal components from excessive heat.

If the device becomes too hot while gaming, charging, recording video, using GPS, or running demanding apps, Android may reduce performance or restart the phone to prevent damage.

4. A Software Update Problem

Random restarts sometimes begin after an Android update.

This may happen because:

The update introduced a temporary software bug
Some apps are not fully compatible with the new Android version
Old system cache files are causing conflicts
The update did not install correctly

5. Battery or Charging Problems

An aging battery may no longer provide stable power, especially when the phone is under heavy load.

A damaged charger, USB cable, charging port, or battery can also cause sudden shutdowns followed by automatic restarts.

6. A Stuck Power Button

A damaged or continuously pressed Power button can repeatedly trigger the restart process.

This can happen after a hard fall, physical damage, accumulated dirt, or when a tight protective case presses against the button.

7. Corrupted System Files

Unexpected shutdowns, failed updates, firmware problems, or previous system modifications can damage Android system files.

If Android cannot load those files correctly, repeated crashes or reboots may occur.

Fix 1 – Check the Power Button and Remove the Case

Before changing any Android settings, inspect the physical Power button.

A stuck Power button is easy to overlook and can make the phone behave as though someone is repeatedly pressing it.

What to Do

Remove the protective phone case.
Press the Power button several times.
Make sure the button moves freely and returns to its normal position.
Check the area around the button for dirt or physical damage.
Restart the phone and monitor it for a while.

If the phone was recently dropped and the Power button feels stuck, loose, unusually soft, or difficult to press, the problem may be physical rather than software-related.

Tip: If random restarts stop after removing the case, the case may have been applying constant pressure to the Power button.

Fix 2 – Restart the Phone Manually

If the Power button is working normally, perform a regular restart.

This may sound simple, but restarting Android clears temporary processes and reloads essential system services.

Steps

Press and hold the Power button.
Select Restart or Reboot.
Wait for the phone to start normally.
Use the device for several minutes and check whether it restarts again.

If the phone is frozen and does not respond normally, use the force-restart method recommended by your device manufacturer.

If your phone does not complete the startup process and remains frozen on the logo instead, see our guide on fixing an Android phone stuck on the boot screen.

Fix 3 – Check for Overheating

If random restarts happen while gaming, charging, recording video, using GPS, or running demanding apps, overheating may be responsible.

Android phones are designed to protect themselves when internal temperatures become too high.

Android phone overheating and restarting randomly

Signs Your Phone May Be Overheating

The back of the phone feels unusually hot
The screen automatically becomes dimmer
Performance becomes noticeably slower
Apps close unexpectedly
Charging becomes slower or stops temporarily
The phone restarts during heavy use

What to Do

Stop using demanding apps.
Disconnect the charger.
Remove the phone case temporarily.
Move the phone away from direct sunlight.
Leave the device unused for approximately 15–30 minutes.

Do not try to cool an overheating phone using a refrigerator, freezer, ice, or water. Rapid temperature changes can create condensation and damage internal components.

After the phone cools down, use it normally and monitor whether the random restarts return.

Expert Tip: If the phone repeatedly becomes extremely hot during light tasks such as messaging or browsing, stop troubleshooting and consider professional diagnosis. Persistent overheating can indicate a battery or hardware problem.

Next: If your phone is still restarting randomly, continue with storage cleanup, Android updates, app troubleshooting, Safe Mode, battery checks, and the advanced recovery options in the next section.

Fix 4 – Free Up Internal Storage

If your Android phone keeps restarting randomly and the internal storage is almost full, freeing up space should be one of your next steps.

Android needs available storage for temporary files, app updates, system processes, and normal background operations. When very little free space remains, the phone may become slow, apps may crash, and system stability can suffer.

Check Your Available Storage

Open Settings.
Go to Storage or Device Care > Storage, depending on your phone.
Check how much free internal storage remains.

The exact menu names vary between Samsung, Xiaomi, Pixel, Motorola, OnePlus, Oppo, Realme, and other Android phones.

Ways to Free Up Space

Delete large videos you no longer need.
Remove old downloads and duplicate files.
Uninstall apps you no longer use.
Move photos and videos to a computer or trusted cloud storage service.
Clear unnecessary app cache where appropriate.

After freeing some storage, restart the phone and monitor it to see whether the unexpected reboots continue.

Tip: Avoid installing random “RAM booster” or “phone cleaner” apps. Some of these apps run aggressively in the background and can create additional stability problems instead of solving them.

Fix 5 – Update Android

If your phone is running an outdated Android version, a known software bug may be responsible for the random restarts.

Manufacturers regularly release updates containing security patches, stability improvements, bug fixes, and compatibility changes.

Check for an Android Update

Connect the phone to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Make sure the battery has sufficient charge.
Open Settings.
Look for System, Software Update, or System Update.
Tap Check for Updates.
Install any official update that is available.

The exact update menu varies by manufacturer and Android version.

After installing the update, allow the phone to complete its first startup normally. The first boot after a major update can sometimes take longer than usual.

Important: Do not interrupt a system update by intentionally powering off the phone. An interrupted installation can create additional startup or firmware problems.

What If the Restarts Started After an Update?

If the problem began immediately after an Android update, do not assume that another update will automatically fix it.

First, update your apps as well. An older app may not behave correctly with the newly installed Android version.

We will cover post-update restart problems in more detail later in this guide.

Fix 6 – Update or Remove Problematic Apps

Third-party apps are another common source of Android instability.

If your phone started restarting after you installed or updated a particular app, that app deserves special attention.

Update Your Apps

Open the Google Play Store.
Tap your profile picture.
Select Manage apps & device.
Open the available updates section.
Install pending updates for your apps.

Once the updates finish, restart the phone and test it again.

Remove Recently Installed Apps

If updating does not help, think about what changed shortly before the random restarts started.

Temporarily uninstall recently added apps, especially:

Third-party launchers
Battery saver apps
Device cleaner apps
Antivirus or security apps
VPN apps
Apps installed from unknown sources
Apps that frequently crash or freeze

Remove suspicious apps one at a time and monitor the phone after each change. This can help identify the specific app responsible for the problem.

If several apps are crashing in addition to the random restarts, the problem may involve an Android system component rather than one individual application.

Fix 7 – Test the Phone in Safe Mode

If you cannot identify which app is causing the problem, Safe Mode is one of the most useful diagnostic tools available on Android.

Safe Mode temporarily starts the phone without most downloaded third-party apps running normally.

If the random restarts stop while the device is in Safe Mode, a downloaded app is a strong suspect.

Android phone in Safe Mode to diagnose random restart problems

How to Enter Safe Mode

The exact procedure varies between Android manufacturers, but on many devices you can:

Open the Power menu.
Touch and hold Power off.
Select Safe Mode when the option appears.
Wait for the phone to restart.

You may see the words Safe mode near the bottom of the screen after Android starts.

If this method does not work on your model, use the Safe Mode procedure provided by your phone manufacturer.

Test the Phone

Use the phone normally for a while in Safe Mode.

If it no longer restarts randomly, begin uninstalling recently installed or suspicious apps after returning to normal mode.

If the phone still restarts in Safe Mode, the cause is less likely to be an ordinary third-party app. Continue with the next troubleshooting steps.

Diagnostic clue: Safe Mode is primarily a test. You do not need to permanently use your phone in Safe Mode; the goal is to determine whether downloaded software is contributing to the problem.

Fix 8 – Wipe the Cache Partition When Available

Some Android phones provide a Wipe cache partition option inside Recovery Mode.

The cache partition can contain temporary system data. If that data becomes corrupted, clearing it may help with certain startup or stability problems.

This option is not available on every modern Android device, so do not worry if you cannot find it.

Before You Start

Recovery Mode controls vary significantly between manufacturers and models. On some phones, entering Recovery Mode requires a specific combination of the Power and Volume buttons. Other devices may require a USB connection before the Recovery menu appears.

If you have trouble opening the recovery environment, follow our Android Recovery Mode troubleshooting guide.

If Your Phone Has “Wipe Cache Partition”

Turn the phone off.
Enter Recovery Mode using the correct method for your model.
Use the Volume buttons to navigate if the touchscreen is unavailable.
Select Wipe cache partition.
Confirm the action.
Select Reboot system now when the process finishes.

Warning: Do not accidentally select Wipe data/factory reset. A factory reset is completely different and can erase your personal data.

If your Recovery Mode does not include a cache partition option, simply skip this fix and continue to the next one.

Fix 9 – Check the Battery and Charging Accessories

If the software troubleshooting above does not stop the random restarts, start considering the phone's power supply.

An aging or damaged battery may provide enough power during light use but fail when the processor, screen, camera, or mobile network suddenly requires more energy.

Checking Android battery and charging accessories for random restart problems

Possible Battery Warning Signs

The phone restarts at a particular battery percentage.
The battery percentage suddenly drops.
The device shuts down even though charge remains.
The phone becomes unusually hot around the battery area.
Battery life has become dramatically shorter.
The phone restarts more frequently during gaming or camera use.

Test the Charger and Cable

If the phone restarts mainly while charging, the charger, USB cable, charging port, or power source may also be involved.

Disconnect the charger and use the phone on battery power.
Check whether the random restarts continue.
Inspect the charging cable for visible damage.
Check the charging port for debris or obvious physical damage.
If possible, test with a compatible, reliable charger and cable recommended for your device.

If the problem happens only with one charger or cable, stop using that accessory.

Safety note: If the battery appears swollen, the back cover is lifting, the phone becomes dangerously hot, or you notice an unusual smell, stop using and charging the device and seek professional repair assistance.

Next: If the phone continues restarting after app, storage, Safe Mode, Recovery Mode, and battery checks, Part 3 covers the final troubleshooting steps, including factory reset, professional diagnosis, restart problems after Android updates, charging-related restarts, FAQs, and the final troubleshooting decision.

Fix 10 – Perform a Factory Reset as a Last Resort

If your Android phone still keeps restarting randomly after trying the safer solutions above, a factory reset may be the final software troubleshooting step.

A factory reset removes installed apps, user settings, and locally stored data, returning the phone to a clean software state.

Warning: A factory reset can permanently erase photos, videos, messages, downloads, app data, accounts, and other files stored in the phone's internal memory. Back up anything important before continuing.

Before You Reset the Phone

Back up important photos and videos.
Save important documents and downloads.
Make sure your contacts and account data are synchronized.
Check that you know the Google account previously used on the device.
Charge the battery sufficiently before starting.

Factory Reset Through Android Settings

If the phone remains stable long enough to use Settings:

Open Settings.
Go to System, General Management, or the equivalent reset menu on your device.
Select Reset options or Factory data reset.
Choose Erase all data.
Read the warning carefully.
Confirm the reset.

The exact menu names differ between Android manufacturers.

Factory Reset Through Recovery Mode

If Android cannot remain running long enough to open Settings, some devices allow a reset through Recovery Mode.

Look for an option such as:

Wipe data / factory reset

Only use this option after accepting that your locally stored data may be erased.

If you need more detailed instructions before resetting the device, see our Android Factory Reset Guide.

What the Result Tells You

If the phone stops restarting after the factory reset, the problem was likely related to software, settings, or installed applications.

If random restarts continue on a freshly reset phone before you reinstall your normal apps, a hardware, battery, firmware, or storage problem becomes more likely.

Fix 11 – Get Professional Repair Help

If your phone continues restarting even after advanced software troubleshooting, it may require professional diagnosis.

This is especially important if the problem started after:

A hard fall
Water or liquid exposure
Battery swelling
Charging port damage
Extreme overheating
Previous firmware modification

Possible Hardware Causes

A repair technician may need to check components such as:

The battery
The Power button
The charging port
Internal storage
Power management components
The motherboard

A phone that restarts randomly because of unstable power or failing internal storage may not be permanently fixed by software troubleshooting alone.

Important: If your personal data is extremely important and has not been backed up, avoid repeatedly flashing firmware, unlocking the bootloader, or experimenting with random repair utilities before seeking professional help.

Why Does My Phone Restart While Charging?

If your Android phone restarts mainly when connected to a charger, focus on the charging system.

Possible causes include:

A damaged USB cable
An unstable charger
A dirty or damaged charging port
Battery degradation
Overheating while charging
A loose internal power connection

What to Test

Use the phone without the charger for a while.
Check whether the random restarts continue.
Try another compatible charging cable if available.
Use a reliable charger designed for your device.
Avoid charging the phone under pillows, blankets, or direct sunlight.

If the phone works normally on battery power but restarts repeatedly with one specific charger, stop using that charger.

If it restarts with multiple reliable chargers, the battery, charging port, or internal power system may need inspection.

Why Did Random Restarts Start After an Android Update?

If the problem began immediately after an Android update, the phone may be dealing with a temporary software conflict rather than permanent damage.

Start with:

Restarting the phone normally
Updating all installed apps
Freeing internal storage
Testing the phone in Safe Mode
Checking whether another system patch is available
Using Recovery Mode options only when appropriate for your model

If the phone cannot complete startup after an update and remains frozen on the manufacturer logo, follow our guide on Android phones stuck on the boot screen.

If it repeatedly opens the bootloader instead of Android, see our Fastboot Mode troubleshooting guide.

Random Restart vs Boot Loop: What Is the Difference?

A phone that restarts randomly normally reaches Android and works for a period of time before unexpectedly rebooting.

A boot loop is different. The device repeatedly attempts to start but may never reach the home screen successfully.

If your phone is trapped on the Android or manufacturer logo rather than restarting during normal use, the problem should be treated as a startup issue instead.

How to Prevent Random Android Restarts

Not every restart problem can be prevented, but these habits can reduce the risk of software instability and power-related problems.

Keep Android and Apps Updated

Install official software and app updates regularly so that known stability problems are corrected.

Keep Free Storage Available

Avoid keeping your internal storage completely full. Remove unused files and apps periodically.

Avoid Untrusted System Tools

Be cautious with apps that claim to clean RAM, dramatically improve battery life, modify Android, or repair system files.

Use Reliable Charging Accessories

Damaged or poor-quality chargers and cables can contribute to charging instability and overheating.

Protect the Phone From Excessive Heat

Do not leave the device in direct sunlight, inside a very hot vehicle, or under insulating materials while charging.

Back Up Important Data

Regular backups make advanced troubleshooting much safer if you eventually need to reset or repair the phone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my Android phone restart by itself?

The most common causes include unstable apps, software bugs, low storage, overheating, battery problems, a stuck Power button, corrupted system files, or hardware failure.

Can a bad app make my phone restart?

Yes. A poorly optimized or incompatible app can crash Android processes and contribute to unexpected reboots. Safe Mode is one of the best ways to test whether a downloaded app is involved.

Can low storage cause random restarts?

Very low storage can make Android less stable because the operating system needs free space for temporary files, updates, and app data. Freeing storage is worth trying when the device is nearly full.

Why does my phone restart when it gets hot?

Android devices include thermal protection mechanisms. Excessive heat can cause performance reduction, app shutdowns, or system restarts to protect internal components.

Can a damaged battery cause automatic restarts?

Yes. A degraded battery may struggle to provide stable power, particularly during demanding tasks, camera use, gaming, mobile data activity, or charging.

Why does my phone keep restarting after a software update?

The update may have introduced a temporary bug, created an app compatibility problem, or left the device with unstable temporary system data. Update your apps, check for additional patches, free storage, and test Safe Mode before using destructive recovery methods.

Will Safe Mode delete my data?

No. Safe Mode is a diagnostic startup mode that temporarily limits third-party applications. It does not normally delete your personal files.

Will a factory reset stop random restarts?

It can fix software-related restart problems, but it will not solve every battery or hardware fault. If the phone continues restarting after a clean factory reset, professional diagnosis may be necessary.

Should I replace the battery?

Battery replacement may be appropriate if diagnostics confirm that the battery is degraded or unstable. Do not replace parts only based on the restart symptom because software problems can cause similar behavior.

When should I stop troubleshooting at home?

Seek professional help if the phone has a swollen battery, extreme heat, liquid damage, significant physical damage, persistent restarts after a factory reset, or important unbacked-up data that you do not want to risk losing.

Expert Tip

Pay attention to when the phone restarts. If it happens only while charging, during heavy gaming, after opening a particular app, at a certain battery percentage, or immediately after an Android update, that pattern can help identify the cause much faster than randomly trying every fix.

Final Thoughts

An Android phone that keeps restarting randomly can be frustrating, but the problem does not automatically mean the device needs to be replaced.

Start with simple checks: remove the case, inspect the Power button, restart the phone, let it cool down, free storage, and install updates.

If the restarts continue, investigate recently installed apps and use Safe Mode to determine whether third-party software is involved.

More advanced options such as Recovery Mode and a factory reset should come later because some actions can result in data loss.

If the phone continues restarting after a clean software reset—or if you notice battery swelling, extreme overheating, water damage, or other physical symptoms—professional diagnosis is the safest next step.

Following the troubleshooting steps in order gives you the best chance of solving the problem while protecting your personal data.