Is your Android phone automatically rebooting or switching off without warning? Random restarts and unexpected shutdowns can be caused by software bugs, overheating, or hardware issues.
Here are 8 proven methods to fix automatic reboots and prevent your phone from restarting randomly.
Quick Diagnostic Steps
Check When Reboots Happen:
- During specific apps (app-related issue)
- While charging (battery/charger problem)
- When phone gets hot (overheating issue)
- Completely random (system or hardware issue)
Software-Related Fixes
1. Boot in Safe Mode
- Hold Power button → Long press “Restart”
- Phone boots with only system apps
- Use for 24 hours and observe
- If no reboots → third-party app causing issue
2. Uninstall Recently Installed Apps
- Settings → Apps → Sort by installation date
- Uninstall apps installed before reboots started
- Test phone after each uninstall
- Focus on battery/performance apps
3. Clear System Cache
Samsung phones:
- Turn OFF phone
- Hold Volume Up + Power + Home
- Select “Wipe cache partition”
- Reboot system now
Other phones:
- Settings → Storage → Cached data → Clear all
4. Update Android System
- Settings → System update
- Install any available updates
- Restart phone after update
- System bugs often cause random reboots
Hardware-Related Solutions
5. Check Battery Health
- Use AccuBattery app to check battery health
- Faulty battery causes sudden shutdowns
- Replace battery if health below 70%
- Swollen battery is dangerous - replace immediately
6. Test with Different Charger
- Use original charger only
- Try different charging cable
- Faulty chargers can cause reboots while charging
- Avoid fast charging temporarily
7. Check for Overheating
- Monitor phone temperature during use
- Remove phone case while testing
- Avoid direct sunlight and hot environments
- Close heavy apps that cause heating
Advanced Troubleshooting
8. Factory Reset (Last Resort)
Before resetting:
- Backup all data to Google Drive
- Note down installed apps
- Save photos to Google Photos
Reset process:
- Settings → System → Reset options → Erase all data
- Set up as new device initially
- Install apps gradually to identify culprit
Common Causes and Solutions
App-Related Reboots:
Problematic app types:
- Battery optimization apps
- RAM cleaners
- Antivirus apps (except built-in)
- Custom launchers with bugs
- Root apps (if phone is rooted)
System-Related Issues:
- Corrupted system files
- Insufficient storage (less than 1GB free)
- Outdated Android version
- Conflicting system updates
Hardware Problems:
- Failing battery
- Loose internal connections
- Overheating processor
- Faulty power button
- RAM issues
Prevention Tips
Software Maintenance:
- Update apps regularly from Play Store
- Keep Android updated
- Restart phone weekly
- Don’t install apps from unknown sources
- Keep 2GB+ storage free
Hardware Care:
- Use original charger only
- Avoid extreme temperatures
- Don’t drop or impact phone
- Remove case if phone gets hot frequently
- Replace battery every 2-3 years
When to Visit Service Center
Immediate service needed if:
- Reboots happen every few minutes
- Phone won’t stay on for more than 5 minutes
- Battery is swollen or bulging
- Phone gets extremely hot
- Physical damage visible
Professional diagnosis for:
- Hardware component failure
- Motherboard issues
- Power management problems
- Internal connection problems
Temporary Workarounds
While troubleshooting:
- Keep phone plugged in if battery-related
- Use in safe mode for essential functions
- Backup data immediately before it gets worse
- Avoid heavy apps and games
Emergency backup:
- Enable Google backup in settings
- Upload photos to Google Photos
- Export contacts to Google account
- Save important files to cloud storage
Specific Brand Solutions
Samsung:
- Samsung Members app → Get help → Phone care
- Smart Switch for data backup
- Samsung Service Centers for hardware issues
Xiaomi/Redmi:
- Mi Mover for data transfer
- MIUI optimization might cause issues - disable
- Check for MIUI updates separately
OnePlus:
- OnePlus Care app for diagnostics
- OxygenOS updates often fix reboot issues
- OnePlus Service Centers for support
Most random reboot issues are software-related and can be fixed with safe mode testing and app management. Hardware issues require professional diagnosis.