Having problems with your Android phone or table? Recovery mode could be the answer.
Android Recovery Mode is a tool that can help you fix problems with your Android devices. You boot into recovery mode, and then you can troubleshoot your problems.
Most people never need to use it, but there are situations in which it can bring a malfunctioning Android device back to life. If your Android phone is stuck in a boot loop, freezes up before you can uninstall a problem app or reach the settings, or is infected with malware you can’t remove, then recovery mode is worth a try. Here’s how to do it, in a few simple steps.
How to Enter Recovery Mode
The method for entering recovery mode differs slightly from device to device. We are going to run through instructions for some recent popular Android phones. If yours isn’t listed, or it’s an older model, you can probably find a guide on the manufacturer’s website or on your carrier’s website.
Always start by fully charging your device and then holding down the power button and tapping Power off.
On Google Pixel phones:
- Hold down the Power and Volume Down buttons together for a few seconds, and let go when you see a triangle with an exclamation point in it on screen.
- Use the Volume Down button to cycle through the options until you find Recovery mode and press the Power button to load it.
- If you see an Android mascot on its back with the words No command, then you need to press and hold the Power button and press the Volume Up button once, then let go of both buttons.
- You should see the recovery menu now, and you can use the Volume buttons to highlight options and the Power button to trigger them.
On Samsung Phones:
- Plug a USB-C cable into your phone and connect it to your computer.
- Hold down the Power and Volume Up buttons together for a few seconds, and let go when you see the Samsung logo and feel a vibration. If your phone has a Bixby button, then you must hold that down as well.
- You should briefly see the Android mascot on screen before the recovery menu appears, and you can use the Volume buttons to highlight options and the Power button to trigger them.
On Motorola phones:
- Press and hold down the Volume Down button and keep holding it, then press and hold the Power button as well for a few seconds, and let go when you see the Android mascot on its back on screen.
- Use the Volume Down button to cycle through the options until you find Recovery mode and press the Power button to load it.
- If you see an Android mascot on its back with the words No command, then you need to press and hold the Power button and press the Volume Up button once, then let go of both buttons.
- You should see the recovery menu now, and you can use the Volume buttons to highlight options and the Power button to trigger them.
On OnePlus phones:
- Hold down the Power and Volume Down buttons together for a few seconds.
- You may have to enter your PIN or password.
- Choose your language.
- You should see the recovery menu now, and you can use the Volume buttons to highlight options and the Power button to select them.
Excerpt taken from: Simon Hill. “How to use Android Recovery Mode” Wired.com October 27, 2021