🔧RepairItFree

Android Android Phones Boot Loop: How to Fix It Yourself

A boot loop means your Android phone keeps restarting over and over — it shows the logo, starts to boot, then restarts. This is almost always a software problem caused by a bad app, a corrupted update, or corrupted system files. Most of the time, you can fix it without losing your data.

⚡ Difficulty: Medium⏱ 15-60 minutes💰 Parts cost: $0🔧 Tools: USB cable, Computer (optional, for ADB)

⚠️ Safety First

  • A factory reset will erase all data on your phone. Try Safe Mode and cache wipe first.
  • If your phone is extremely hot during a boot loop, power it off and let it cool for 15 minutes before trying again.

Parts You May Need

Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.

Step-by-Step Repair

  1. 1

    Let the battery drain completely

    If your phone is stuck in a boot loop, sometimes the simplest fix is to let the battery die completely. Just leave it alone until it runs out of power and the screen goes black. Then charge it for 30 minutes and try turning it on. This clears the loop by forcing a cold start.

  2. 2

    Force a power off

    Press and hold the Power button for 30 full seconds. On some phones, hold Power + Volume Down for 30 seconds. This forces the phone to shut off completely. Wait 30 seconds, then press Power to turn it back on.

  3. 3

    Boot into Safe Mode

    Turn off the phone. Then turn it on and as soon as you see the manufacturer logo, press and hold the Volume Down button until the phone finishes booting. You'll see 'Safe mode' at the bottom of the screen. If the phone works in Safe Mode, a recently installed app is causing the boot loop. Uninstall your newest apps one by one until the problem stops.

  4. 4

    Wipe the cache partition

    Power off the phone. Hold Volume Up + Power (or Volume Up + Home + Power on older Samsung phones) until you see the recovery menu. Use the Volume buttons to highlight 'Wipe cache partition' and press Power to select. This clears temporary system files without deleting your personal data. Reboot when done.

  5. 5

    Factory reset from recovery mode (last resort)

    If nothing else works, you'll need a factory reset. From the same recovery menu, select 'Wipe data/factory reset'. This erases everything on your phone. After it finishes, select 'Reboot system now'. Your phone will boot up fresh like the day you bought it. You can restore from a Google backup during setup.

If That Didn't Work

  • A failed system update can cause boot loops. If this started right after an update, a factory reset usually fixes it.
  • Insufficient storage space can prevent Android from booting properly. This is common if your phone was nearly full.
  • A failing eMMC/UFS storage chip can cause boot loops — this is a hardware issue that requires professional repair.

When to Call a Professional

If a factory reset from recovery mode doesn't fix the boot loop, the problem is hardware — likely the storage chip or motherboard. Repairs cost $80–$250 depending on the phone. Compare that to the cost of a new phone before deciding.

Related Repairs

Samsung — Screen Cracked Repair

Hard · 60-120 minutes · $30–$250

Samsung — Won't Turn On

Easy · 10-30 minutes · $0–$30

Samsung — Overheating

Easy · 10-20 minutes · $0

Google — Not Charging

Easy · 10-30 minutes · $0–$20

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional repair advice. All repairs are performed at your own risk. RepairItFree.com is not liable for any personal injury, property damage, device damage, voided warranties, or other losses resulting from the use of this information.

If you are unsure about any step — especially anything involving electricity, gas, water, or refrigerant — stop and consult a qualified professional. Your safety is more important than saving money.

See our full Terms of Service for complete legal details.