How do I force-restart a Samsung phone that shows the logo then goes black?
Answer
This often responds to a longer force restart: hold Volume Down and Power for 15 to 20 seconds, then try again with the phone connected to a charger or computer USB cable if it still loops. Avoid wiping data until the phone can reach recovery options on purpose.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- Do not choose factory reset or wipe data from recovery menus unless you are prepared to erase the phone.
- Ignore popups, ads, or callers that claim they can unlock a boot-loop phone for a fee.
Follow these steps
Force restart with Volume Down and Power
Press and hold Volume Down and the Power (or Side) key together for a full 15 to 20 seconds without letting go early, even if the logo appears. Release when the phone vibrates or the screen restarts cleanly.
You should see: The phone reboots to the lock screen, or the logo cycle clearly interrupts and tries again.
Connect USB power and retry
Plug the phone into a working charger or a computer USB port. Leave it connected, then again hold Volume Down and Power for 15 to 20 seconds.
You should see: With power connected, the phone completes startup or stays on long enough to respond.
Try the unplugged timing variant
Unplug the USB cable, wait 10 seconds, hold Volume Down and Power for 15 to 20 seconds to force a restart, then connect the charger only after the Samsung logo appears once.
You should see: The boot sequence stabilizes, or the behavior stays the same and you know hardware or recovery help is needed.
Charge and reassess
If it still loops, leave the phone on a known-good charger for at least 30 minutes, then repeat the Volume Down and Power hold once more before seeking Samsung or carrier repair options.
You should see: Either the phone starts after charging, or it remains stuck and is ready for official support rather than more random button presses.
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Extra tips
What to look for: A black screen followed by the Samsung logo that never reaches the lock screen, and whether the phone responds when Volume Down and Power are held together.
Before you change anything: Charge the phone for at least 15 to 30 minutes if the battery may be empty. Use the phone’s own buttons; do not trust popups that ask for payment to “unlock” a boot loop. Do not choose Wipe data or Factory reset in recovery unless you accept data loss and understand the menu. Never share Google or Samsung account passwords with unexpected callers.