How to start a Google Pixel in safe mode (Android 17)

Device

Android

Shown on

Google Pixel 10a, Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005)

App

Settings

Real screenshots

3 of 3 steps

Checked

October 2026

Sources

1 official, linked below

Step by step

1. 

   Open the power menu

   Swipe down twice from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings and tap the power icon at the bottom right. Pressing and holding the side button doesn't work on a Pixel set to open the assistant.

   Done

2. 

   Touch and hold Power off

   The menu shows Emergency, Power off and Restart. Touch and hold Power off; don't just tap it.

   Done

3. 

   Tap OK

   Reboot to safe mode asks if you want to reboot into safe mode, which disables all third-party apps until you reboot again. Tap OK.

   Done

If you do not see this option

• Phone already off or frozen? Google gives a button route: turn the phone off, press the power button, and when the animation starts, press and hold Volume down until safe mode starts. We did not try it. Source: Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode
• Power button opens Gemini? On our Pixel, Settings, System, Gestures, Press and hold power button was set to Digital assistant. The page says the power menu is then Power and Volume up together.

  

If this does not work

• How do I leave safe mode? Restart the phone. Google says on a Pixel 6 or later, press and hold Power and Volume up for a few seconds, then tap Restart. See also how to turn off or restart a Google Pixel. Source: Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode
• Problem gone in safe mode? Google says to remove recently downloaded apps one by one, restarting normally after each, until the problem is gone. Then reinstall the others. Source: Find problem apps by rebooting to safe mode
• Still there in safe mode? It is not one of your apps. Check for a system update, or scan with Play Protect.

About this guide

Safe mode tells you if an app you installed is causing crashes, freezes or a drained battery: if the problem stops in safe mode, an app is to blame.

The screenshots are from our Google Pixel 10a with Android 17 (build CP3A.261005.005), in Dark mode. We opened the safe mode prompt and tapped Cancel, so we did not restart into safe mode.

Good to know

Google says Safe mode shows at the bottom of the screen and Airplane mode turns on by itself. Turn Airplane mode off to use Wi-Fi, calls or GPS while you test.

In short: Quick Settings, power icon, touch and hold Power off, OK. Restart to leave safe mode.