How to Start Android in Safe Mode to Fix App Problems

Android Safe Mode runs without third-party apps, which helps identify whether a downloaded app is causing crashes or slowdowns. Here's how to use it.

In this guide (5 steps):

1.Enter Safe Mode
2.Test the Problem in Safe Mode
3.Identify the Problem App
4.Exit Safe Mode
5.Uninstall the Problematic App

Enter Safe Mode

~23s

Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears. Press and hold the "Power off" option until a dialog box appears asking if you want to reboot to safe mode. Tap "OK." Your phone restarts and shows "Safe mode" in the bottom left corner.

Quick Tip

If this method does not work on your phone, search "[your phone brand and model] safe mode" for the specific button combination your model uses.

Test the Problem in Safe Mode

~16s

In safe mode, try to reproduce the problem that was happening. If the crash, slowdown, or issue does not occur in safe mode, a downloaded app is causing the problem. If the problem still occurs, the issue is in the phone's base software or hardware.

Identify the Problem App

~18s

If safe mode is stable, the problem is caused by a downloaded app. Think about which apps you installed recently before the problem started. These are the likely suspects. Also consider apps you updated recently.

Quick Tip

Go to Google PlayProfile → "Manage apps & device" → "Updates available" to see recently updated apps.

Exit Safe Mode

~15s

Simply restart your phone normally: press and hold the Power button → tap "Restart." Your phone reboots into normal mode with all your apps active.

Uninstall the Problematic App

~26s

Back in normal mode, uninstall recently installed apps one at a time: go to SettingsApps → tap the app → "Uninstall." After each uninstall, test if the problem is resolved. When the problem goes away after uninstalling a specific app, that was the cause.

Warning

If you cannot identify the problematic app through this method, a factory reset may be necessary as a last resort. Back up your phone first (see your Android backup guide) before doing a factory reset.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Start Android in Safe Mode to Fix App Problems

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Android Safe Mode starts your phone with only the apps that came pre-installed by the manufacturer — no apps you downloaded are active. This makes safe mode an excellent diagnostic tool: if a problem disappears in safe mode, a downloaded app is causing it. If the problem persists in safe mode, the issue is with the phone itself or its pre-installed software.

Use safe mode when: your phone crashes or restarts randomly, apps keep force-closing, your phone is unusually slow, ads appear even when no app is open (a sign of adware), or your battery drains much faster than usual.

Safe mode is temporary. Your phone behaves normally — calls and texts still work, and all your data is preserved. You are only disabling the ability to run third-party apps. Exiting safe mode returns everything to normal.

The method to enter safe mode varies slightly by Android manufacturer:

**Most Android phones:** Press and hold the Power button until the power menu appears. Then press and hold the "Power off" option until a "Reboot to safe mode" dialog appears. Tap OK.
**Samsung phones:** Some Samsung models need you to power off first, then press and hold the Volume Down button while powering on until the phone starts in safe mode.
**Pixel phones:** Same as the general method — hold Power Off in the power menu.

Your phone shows "Safe mode" in the bottom left corner of the screen when safe mode is active.

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