Why does my phone keep restarting on its own?
Most random restarts come from a bad app, a pending system update, almost-full storage, heat, or a worn battery. Install updates, free up space, and on Android test in safe mode to see whether a downloaded app is the cause. If it still restarts after a backup and factory reset, the problem is hardware and a shop should look at it.
Free to ask. Local shops send quotes, and you pay only when you book one.
By Kasra Taheri, Founder, LoclisPublished
Researched and drafted with AI, then checked claim by claim against the sources listed below before it was published. Prices and rules change; the dates beside each source say when it was last checked.
Step by step
Read when to stop and call a pro, further down this page, before you start.
Step 1: Back up what you can
If the phone stays on long enough, back up photos, messages and files before changing anything, because later steps may erase data.
Step 3: Free up storage
Check how much storage is left. A phone can have issues when less than 10% of storage is available.[1]
Step 4: Update or remove recent apps
Update your apps from the app store, then force stop apps you are not using.[1]
Step 5: Test in safe mode on Android
Restart in safe mode, which temporarily turns off all downloaded apps. If the restarts stop, an app is likely causing the problem.[1]
Step 6: Remove apps one at a time
Restart normally, remove recently downloaded apps one by one, and restart after each removal to see whether that app was the cause.[1]
Step 8: Try a force restart on an iPhone
On an iPhone with Face ID, press and quickly release volume up, press and quickly release volume down, then press and hold the side button until the Apple logo appears.[2]
Step 9: Factory reset as a last software step
If nothing else works, back up the phone and perform a factory data reset.[1] Do not restore the problem app afterward.
Start with the cheap fixes
A phone that restarts by itself is usually reacting to one of five things: a bad app, missing system updates, nearly full storage, heat, or a tired battery. The first four you can test at home in an afternoon. Back up whatever you can first, because later steps may erase data.
Update, then free up space
Install any pending system update.[1] On an iPhone, keep the phone connected to a power source while it updates, and remember that to update an iPhone or iPad you need a compatible device, an internet connection, and enough available storage.[3]
Then check storage. Your phone can have issues when less than 10% of storage is available.[1] Move photos and videos to cloud storage or a computer, and delete apps you do not use. Update the rest of your apps from the app store.
Find a bad app (Android)
Safe mode temporarily turns off all downloaded apps.[1] Restart into safe mode using your phone maker's method and use the phone as normal. If it stops restarting, an app is the likely cause. In Google's words: "If it does, an app is likely causing your problem."[1]
Restart normally, then remove recently downloaded apps one at a time, restarting after each removal. When the restarts stop, you have found the culprit. Leave it off, or look for an update or alternative. Reinstalling a problem app can bring the trouble back.[1]
On an iPhone, update the apps, then delete the ones you installed shortly before the restarts began.
Rule out heat, cases and chargers
Your phone might restart unexpectedly if it gets too hot.[1] If it feels unusually warm, take it out of the sun, take off the case and let it cool before you test again. Remove any case, external battery pack or accessory while you troubleshoot, and make sure accessories are not covering sensors or pressing buttons.[1]
Check the battery
Unexpected restarts can sometimes be linked to battery performance issues or abnormal drain.[1] Google's overnight test is simple: charge your phone to 100%, close all open apps, disconnect it from all power sources and leave it idle overnight, then check whether the battery has drained more than 10%.[1]
Apple explains why age matters: you're more likely to experience unexpected shutdowns when your battery has a low state of charge, a higher chemical age, or when you're in colder temperatures.[4] If your phone restarts most in the cold or when the percentage drops, the battery is the prime suspect. A battery swap is often cheaper than a new phone. See what a phone battery replacement costs in Virginia.
Force restart and reset
On an iPhone with Face ID, a force restart is: press and quickly release the volume up button, press and quickly release the volume down button, then press and hold the side button. When the Apple logo appears, release the button.[2] Other models use different buttons, listed on Apple's page.
If nothing helps, a factory reset clears settings changes and third-party software. A factory data reset will remove all data from your phone, so back up first.[1] Test the clean phone for a day before restoring everything. If the restarts return before you reinstall anything, the cause is almost certainly hardware.
Stop and call a pro if
- It restarts constantly, or will not stay on long enough to reach Settings. Google's guidance sends this case to its advanced troubleshooting, which includes a repair tool that needs a computer and a USB cord.[1]
- It still restarts after a factory reset with no apps installed. That points to a failing battery or board.
- The phone gets very hot. Heat can cause restarts.[1] Stop using it, do not charge it, and take it to a repair business.
- It restarted after a drop or water exposure. Liquid and impact damage get worse with time. Read what to do if you drop your phone in water.
Getting help in Virginia
If you need a shop, first read how to judge a third-party phone repair shop. Before handing a phone over, back it up; moving everything to a new phone walks through it. Browse phone and tablet repair near you or see more phone and tablet answers.
When you are ready, describe the problem once and local repair businesses quote it.
Common questions
- Can an app really make my whole phone restart?
- Yes. Google's advice for restarting Pixel phones is to restart in safe mode, which turns off downloaded apps. If the restarts stop, an app is likely causing the problem. Remove recently installed apps one at a time, restarting after each, to find it.
- Will a factory reset fix it?
- It removes problems caused by settings changes or third-party software. It erases the phone, so back up first. If the restarts continue on a clean phone, suspect hardware such as the battery or the logic board.
- Can a low battery cause random restarts?
- Yes. Apple says unexpected shutdowns are more likely when the battery has a low state of charge, a higher chemical age, or when you are in colder temperatures. A worn battery that can no longer deliver peak power is a common hardware cause.
- How do I force restart an iPhone?
- On a Face ID iPhone or an iPhone 8 or SE (2nd generation and later), press and release volume up, press and release volume down, then hold the side button until the Apple logo appears. Older models use different button combinations listed on Apple's page.
- Does it matter if my storage is nearly full?
- It can. Google says a phone can have issues when less than 10% of storage is available, and Apple lists too little storage as a reason an update will not install. Move photos off the phone and delete unused apps.
Sources
- [1] Fix a Pixel phone that's restarting or crashing, Pixel Phone Help, Google. Checked October 28, 2026.
- [2] Force restart iPhone, Apple Support. Checked October 28, 2026.
- [3] If your iPhone or iPad won't update, Apple Support. Checked October 28, 2026.
- [4] iPhone battery and performance, Apple Support. Checked October 28, 2026.
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