A smartphone that randomly restarts on its own can be incredibly disruptive. Whether you’re in the middle of a video call, typing a message, or just browsing the web, a device that constantly reboots turns a powerful tool into a frustrating nuisance.
This issue can affect both Android and iPhone users, and it’s often caused by software glitches, app conflicts, battery problems, or even hardware faults. Fortunately, many of these causes can be resolved without a trip to the repair shop.
Here’s your complete step-by-step guide to fixing a phone that keeps restarting—so you can regain stability, performance, and peace of mind.
1. Remove or Replace Faulty Apps
One of the most common reasons for random restarts is a misbehaving third-party app. It might be incompatible with your operating system or contain bugs that crash your system.
✅ What to Do:
- Boot your phone into Safe Mode (Android only) to test if an app is causing the problem.
- How: Press and hold the power button → Long-press “Power Off” → Tap “OK” to enter Safe Mode.
- If your phone stops restarting in Safe Mode, uninstall recently downloaded or suspicious apps.
- On iPhone, delete any apps you installed just before the issue began.
Pro Tip: Check reviews in the app store to see if other users are experiencing similar issues.
2. Update Your Operating System
Running an outdated version of iOS or Android can lead to system instability, especially if recent app updates are optimized for newer software.
✅ How to Update:
- iPhone: Settings → General → Software Update.
- Android: Settings → System → Software Update.
Why It Works: Updates often include bug fixes and patches for known issues that could be causing your phone to crash or restart unexpectedly.
3. Check for Malware or Viruses (Android)
If your Android device has been sideloading apps or visiting unsecured websites, malware could be interfering with system processes, causing the phone to restart repeatedly.
✅ Fix:
- Use a trusted antivirus app like Malwarebytes, Avast, or Norton Mobile Security.
- Scan your phone and remove any detected threats.
- Avoid downloading apps from unknown or unofficial sources in the future.
Note: iPhones are less prone to malware due to their sandboxed app structure, but jailbroken iPhones may be vulnerable.
4. Free Up Storage Space
When your phone is nearly full, it can start misbehaving. Low storage affects performance and system stability.
✅ Fix:
- Delete unused apps, old videos, and photos.
- Clear app cache (Android) or offload unused apps (iPhone).
- Move files to cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox).
Keep at least 15–20% of your total storage free to ensure optimal system performance.
5. Check for Overheating or Battery Issues
An overheating phone or faulty battery can cause the device to shut down or restart automatically as a safety measure.
✅ Signs to Watch:
- Your phone gets hot during basic use.
- Battery percentage drops rapidly or jumps around unexpectedly.
- The device restarts during charging or heavy app usage.
✅ Fix:
- Remove the phone case to help it cool.
- Avoid charging and using power-hungry apps at the same time.
- Install a battery health checker app (like AccuBattery for Android).
- For iPhones: Settings → Battery → Battery Health & Charging.
If your battery health is below 80%, consider getting it replaced, especially if your phone is more than 2–3 years old.
6. Inspect the SIM Card and SD Card
A loose or damaged SIM card or SD card can cause boot loops or random restarts.
✅ What to Do:
- Power off your phone.
- Remove the SIM and SD card.
- Clean the contacts gently with a soft cloth.
- Reinsert them properly, ensuring a snug fit.
Pro Tip: Test your phone without the SD card inserted to rule it out as a potential cause.
7. Perform a System Reset (Soft Reset First)
If your phone is still rebooting, it may be time to reset system settings—starting with a soft reset that preserves your personal data.
✅ Soft Reset:
- iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Reset → Reset All Settings.
- Android: Settings → System → Reset Options → Reset All Settings.
If the soft reset doesn’t help, consider a factory reset as a last resort.
⚠️ Factory Reset:
- Back up your important data.
- iPhone: Settings → General → Transfer or Reset iPhone → Erase All Content and Settings.
- Android: Settings → System → Reset Options → Erase All Data (Factory Reset).
A factory reset wipes everything, so only do this if you’re confident the problem isn’t hardware-related.
8. Check for Hardware Damage
If your phone has been dropped, exposed to water, or suffered physical trauma, internal damage may be to blame.
✅ Signs of Hardware Faults:
- Restarts even in Safe Mode or after a reset.
- Flickering screen, delayed touch response, or boot loop.
- Visible cracks or signs of moisture under the screen or camera lens.
Next Step: Visit a certified repair technician for a diagnostic test. Hardware failures like motherboard damage or faulty chips require professional repair or replacement.
9. Disable Auto-Restart (Android Only)
Some Android phones have a feature that automatically restarts the phone on schedule.
✅ How to Disable:
- Settings → Battery & Device Care → Auto Restart → Turn Off (varies by manufacturer).
Check if this feature is enabled—it might be restarting your phone without you realizing it.
10. Remove External Accessories
External components like power banks, headphones, or even magnetic cases can sometimes interfere with your phone’s sensors or power management.
✅ Try This:
- Remove all accessories (case, headphones, USB drives).
- Restart your phone and observe its behavior without anything attached.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all the fixes above and your phone still restarts randomly, the issue may be beyond a DIY fix. Contact your device’s manufacturer or visit a licensed technician if:
- The device restarts even after a factory reset.
- There are signs of battery swelling or overheating.
- The phone gets stuck in a restart loop (boot loop).
- You notice burnt smells, screen glitches, or charging issues.
Final Thoughts
A phone that keeps restarting may seem like a serious issue, but in most cases, it’s caused by software glitches, app conflicts, or minor hardware problems. With the steps in this guide, you can often resolve the issue yourself in under 30 minutes.
Start with the easiest solutions—like uninstalling apps, updating your software, or rebooting into Safe Mode. If necessary, move on to more advanced options like resetting settings or factory restoring the device.
And remember, prevention is key: keep your phone updated, avoid sketchy apps, and take care of your battery. That way, you’ll keep random restarts from crashing your day again.
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