How to start an Android phone in safe mode

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Safe mode starts the phone with only the apps it came with. If a problem such as crashing, freezing or a fast-draining battery disappears in safe mode, an app you installed is the cause.

The buttons differ between brands. These steps are from Google for Pixel phones. Google refers owners of other phones to the maker's support site.

Step by step

1. Switch the phone off

   Press and hold the Power button for a few seconds and tap Power off. On newer Pixel phones, press Power and Volume up together to see the power menu.

   Done

2. Press the power button

   The phone starts.

   Done

3. Hold volume down during the animation

   As soon as the start animation appears, press and hold the volume down button. Keep holding until the animation ends.

   Done

4. Check for the words Safe mode

   They are shown at the bottom of the screen. Apps you installed yourself are greyed out or missing.

   Done

5. Test the phone

   Use it for a while. If the problem is gone, one of your downloaded apps causes it.

   Done

6. Leave safe mode

   Restart the phone normally: open the power menu and tap Restart.

   Done

Good to know

Next, remove recently downloaded apps one at a time. Restart after each one and check whether the problem is solved. You can reinstall the harmless ones afterwards.

If the problem continues even in safe mode, the cause is not a downloaded app. Check for a system update, and consider a factory reset as the last step: how to factory reset an Android phone.

Home screen widgets may have to be added again after safe mode.

More help: Android apps keep crashing: 7 fixes that work.

In short: Pixel: power on, hold volume down during the animation. Safe mode is written at the bottom. Restart to leave.