What to do if your Samsung Galaxy device turns off unexpectedly

Last Update date : Sep 04. 2024

It can be inconvenient and frustrating when your Galaxy device powers off unexpectedly, especially if you are in the middle of using it. Follow this guide to identify what is causing your device to shutdown and how to keep it from happening again.

A person holding a Galaxy device horizontally with both hands, the screen is off.

1. Close apps that consume the most battery
If your Galaxy device is low on battery, apps that require more power may force it to power off unexpectedly.

  • Close apps
Home screen. Home screen.

Step 1. Tap the Recents button.

Recently opened apps. Recently opened apps.

Step 2. Swipe up on the screen to close an app.

  • Set Background usage limits
Settings home screen. Settings home screen.

Step 1. Open Settings > Tap Battery.

Battery settings screen. Battery settings screen.

Step 2. Tap View details.

List of apps consuming battery. List of apps consuming battery.

Step 3. Select an app from the list to view battery usage details.

Battery usage information. Battery usage information.

Step 4. Tap the switch to enable Background usage limits.

Note: Updates and notifications may be delayed if you enable Background usage limits.

2. Check the Power or Side buttons

  • Remove any case or accessories that may cover the device buttons.

  • Pressing a certain key combination for more than 5 seconds will power off the device.

  • Check the Power or side buttons to ensure they move smoothly. When you press the buttons, you should hear a small but distinct clicking sound.

  • If a key is jammed, it may cause the battery to drain quickly by frequently turning the screen on and off.

3. Charge the device with a Samsung charger

To avoid power and charging issues, it is recommended to use an original Samsung charger and USB cable to charge your Samsung Galaxy device.

The Auto restart feature helps to keep your Samsung Galaxy device in good running condition by restarting your phone periodically. It can be enabled and disabled as needed and will only occur when the device is not in use.

Settings home screen. Settings home screen.

Step 1. Open Settings > Tap Device care.

Device care settings screen. Device care settings screen.

Step 2. Tap Auto optimisation.

Auto optimisation settings. Auto optimisation settings.

Step 3. Tap Auto restart.

Auto restart settings. Auto restart settings.

Step 4. Tap the switches to enable or disable the Auto restart feature and set a schedule.

1. Open the power menu.

  • On devices with a standard Power key, press and hold the Power button until Safe mode is displayed.

  • On devices without a Power button, please follow the instructions below:
Samsung Galaxy Quick panel. Samsung Galaxy Quick panel.

Step 1. Swipe down on the screen twice to open the Quick panel > Tap the Power icon.

Power options. Power options.

Step 2. Long press the Power off button.

Safe mode screen. Safe mode screen.

Step 3. Tap Safe mode.

2. Use the phone to determine if the issue has been resolved. If the phone operates normally, then a recently installed app is most likely the cause of the issue.

  • If the issue is resolved while in Safe mode: you should uninstall recently installed apps.

  • If the issue remains while in Safe mode: you may need to make an appointment with a Samsung Service Centre.

3. Restart the device to return to normal operating mode.

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