How to turn off Safe mode on Android

⚡ Fast fix

• Restart your phone first. Most Android devices exit Safe mode after a simple reboot.
• Check stuck buttons. A jammed Volume Down button can force Safe mode on.
• Use the power menu. Hold the Power button, then tap Restart (or Power off and back on).
• Uninstall problem apps. If it keeps returning to Safe mode, a recently downloaded app may be the cause.

You might be using Safe mode on your Android™ phone or tablet to troubleshoot your device. But when you’re done, you need to turn off Safe mode or your apps won’t work. Don’t worry. It’s easy and we’ll walk you through the simple steps. 

At Asurion, we protect and help you make the most of your favorite tech. Whether you want to set up or remove the lock screen or find your lost Android phone, we can help. Here’s our guide on how to turn off safe mode on Android. 

What’s Android Safe mode?

Android Safe mode is a feature you can use to help pinpoint and solve device issues. In Safe mode, your Android device will run only with factory-installed apps and services. Think of it as pushing pause so you can check your device before deleting apps or doing a factory reset. 

How to use Safe mode to troubleshoot your Android device 

If your Android device is glitchy or keeps shutting down, Safe mode can help you pinpoint the issue. Safe mode disables third-party apps, so if your device runs better while it’s on, one of those apps is likely the problem. Remove recently installed apps one at a time, restarting normally after each removal to test. If issues continue even in Safe mode, the problem may be with your operating system—or possibly malware.

If your device is still faulty in Safe mode, the problem may be with your operating system or your phone or tablet may have malware or a virus.

How to turn on Safe mode on Android phone or tablet

Here’s how to activate Safe mode in a few easy steps:

1. Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons simultaneously until the power menu appears. On some devices, you can also swipe down twice from the top of the screen and tap the Power icon.
2. Touch and hold the Power off or Restart icon on the screen.
3. Tap OK or Safe mode when the "Reboot to safe mode" prompt appears.
4. Wait for your device to restart. You will see "Safe mode" displayed in the bottom corner of the screen.

How to remove apps from your Android devices 

If you’d like to remove an app while in Safe mode, follow these steps. 

1. After your phone or tablet restarts, open Settings > Apps.
2. Scroll through the list of apps, tap any you’d like to remove, then tap Uninstall. 

How to turn off Safe mode on your Android phone or tablet

Done with your diagnosis? Here’s how to turn off Safe mode and get your device and all your apps running again in normal mode. 

Restart your Android phone

Here’s an easy restart option for a Google Pixel™ or other Android phone:

1. Press and hold the Power button for about 30 seconds. For some models, like a Samsung® phone, you may have to hold the Volume Down button at the same time, but it should only take a few seconds. 
2. Wait until your screen turns on to release the buttons. 

Restart your Android tablet 

Depending on your model, these steps should restart your Android tablet:

1. Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button. 
2. Wait for the screen to go black. 
3. Turn on the tablet. 
4. If this method doesn’t work, press and hold the Power button for 1 to 2 minutes until the screen goes dark, then turn your tablet back on. 

Use the notification panel 

Depending on your Android device model, you may be able to turn off Safe Mode using the notification panel. Here’s how to turn off Safe Mode on a Samsung device:

1. Open the notification panel. 
2. If your device supports this feature, you’ll see a notification that Safe Mode is activated.
3. Tap the notification and select Turn Off. 

Factory reset 

If you’re still having trouble with your Android device after turning off Safe mode, you could perform a factory reset. This should be a last resort as a factory reset will delete all your data like contacts, passwords, and files.

If you’re ready to take this step, check out our guide for how to factory reset Android devices.