What Is Android Safe Mode? Complete Guide in 2025 (All Androids) by Marlene Baiton
Marlene Baiton
Updated on: May 6, 2025
Fact-checked by Sam Boyd
Safe Mode can help you determine why your Android phone is crashing or running slowly, making it easier to fix the issue. Whether you’re troubleshooting random glitches or following advice from Reddit threads, it helps you pinpoint the problem without needing technical expertise.
Safe Mode runs only core system apps — like Phone, Messages, or Settings — while disabling third-party apps such as Facebook, Instagram, and X. This makes it perfect for fixing crashes, freezes, or even spotting problematic apps. Limiting background apps will also reduce battery drain during diagnostics.
Below, we’ll explain what Safe Mode is, how to use it, and how to turn it off. However, if you’re using Safe Mode to troubleshoot issues, you could have malware on your device, so it’s a good idea to run a scan with a trusted antivirus like Norton.
What Is Safe Mode on Android?
When you boot into Safe Mode, your Android runs only essential system apps — any other apps you’ve installed get disabled. You can still make calls, send messages, and connect to Wi-Fi, but apps like social media, games, and other downloaded tools won’t work.
In short, Safe Mode helps you troubleshoot by isolating issues caused by apps. If your phone starts to run smoothly with Safe Mode enabled, you’ll know an app is the problem. You can then uninstall recent apps to find the problem, or for added safety, use an antivirus like Norton, which can scan apps for anything malicious.
Some features will also be restricted in Safe Mode. Widgets, notifications, and other tools that rely on third-party apps are unlikely to be available. If your phone has been sluggish or draining battery quickly, Safe Mode can help determine whether a widget or pushy notification is to blame.
That said, while useful for diagnosing problems, Safe Mode isn’t meant for everyday use. It provides a stripped-down environment to help you identify issues without interference. If problems persist in Safe Mode, the cause might be a system bug, hardware failure, or malware. If it’s the latter, you’ll need a good antivirus. Check our guide for the best antivirus for Android.
Why Should You Use Safe Mode on Android?
There are a few reasons to use Safe Mode. Here are the most common:
- Troubleshooting app issues. If your device is acting unusually (freezing, crashing, or draining battery quickly), Safe Mode can help identify if third-party apps are causing the problem. Safe Mode disables all third-party apps and only allows system apps to run. If the issue stops in Safe Mode, it’s likely caused by one of your installed apps.
- Uninstalling problematic apps. If you suspect a specific app is causing issues but can’t remove it under normal conditions, Safe Mode can make it easier to uninstall.
- System updates. If an update fails to install correctly or software glitches occur, restarting in Safe Mode can help complete the update by limiting interference from third-party apps.
- Security. Safe Mode disables malicious apps and other installed software, making it easier to identify and remove them. This is especially helpful when dealing with apps that may have infected your device with malware.
- Battery and performance troubleshooting. If your device is lagging or battery life is poor, Safe Mode can help you determine whether the issue is related to the apps running on your phone. It allows only essential system tools, preserving battery life in low-power situations.
- Fixing boot loops. If your device is stuck in a boot loop or keeps restarting, booting into Safe Mode can help stabilize the device enough to identify and fix the underlying issue (such as a problematic app or a recent update).
How to Enter Safe Mode on Android: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to enable Safe Mode. Just click the link that matches your device to jump straight to the right instructions.
- Samsung.
- Google Pixel, OnePlus, Realme, Fairphone, or Oppo.
- Xiaomi.
- Huawei.
- Motorola.
- Sony Xperia.
- All other devices.
Samsung
- While your phone is powered on, press and hold the side and volume down buttons simultaneously.
- When the menu appears, press and hold the Power off icon.
- Tap the Safe Mode icon.
- When your phone boots back up, confirm you’re in Safe Mode by looking for the words “Safe Mode” in the bottom left of your phone’s screen.
Google Pixel, OnePlus, Realme, Fairphone, or Oppo
- Power off your device.
- Once powered off, press and hold the power button.
- Once you see the startup logo or animation, press and hold the volume down button until your phone boots into Safe Mode.
- Look for “Safe Mode” at the bottom of your screen to confirm it’s active.
Xiaomi
- Power off your phone.
- When your phone is powered off, press and hold the power button and volume up button simultaneously
- Once you see the menu, use the volume rocker to select Back to Main Menu, then press the power button to confirm.
- Once in the next menu, use the volume rocker to select Safe Mode. Then, press the power button again to confirm your selection.
Huawei
- Power off your phone.
- Once powered off, press and hold both the power and volume up buttons simultaneously.
- When the EMUI menu appears, simply tap Safe mode.
Motorola
- Press and hold the power and volume up buttons at the same time.
- Press and hold Power off.
- Tap OK to restart your device in Safe Mode.
Sony Xperia
- While your phone is powered on, drag the menu bar notification panel down and press the power button.
- Press and hold Power off.
- When the pop-up Reboot to Safe Mode appears, tap OK.
All Other Devices
Note: This includes Asus Zenfone and ROG Phone, Nokia, Nothing Phone, Tecno, Infinix, Itel, and Vivo.
- While your phone is on, press and hold the power button.
- Tap and hold Power off.
- When the pop-up Reboot to Safe Mode appears, tap OK.
How to Turn Off Safe Mode on Android
To exit Safe Mode, most devices just need a simple restart. Press and hold the power button, then tap ‘Restart’ to reboot your phone.
Once your phone restarts, it’s a good idea to run a malware scan using a trusted antivirus app like Norton. Some types of malware can hide in regular mode but are easier to detect after a Safe Mode reboot. A quick scan can ensure your device is clean and running smoothly. Bitdefender is another good option for running malware scans.
What to Expect in Safe Mode
Safe Mode temporarily changes how your Android device looks and functions, and some settings may reset after you exit. We’ll show you how to recognize Safe Mode and what you might need to adjust once you’re back in normal mode.
How to Tell If Your Android Is in Safe Mode
Here are the signs your device is in Safe Mode. If you see any of these signs, restart your device normally to exit Safe Mode.
- “Safe Mode” text on the screen. You’ll see “Safe Mode” in your screen’s bottom-left or bottom-right corner. This is the clearest indicator and is resolved when your phone is restarted.
- Third-party apps are disabled. Any apps you installed (like social media, games, or productivity tools) will be grayed out or won’t open. Only system apps will work while in Safe Mode.
- Widgets and notifications may be missing. Widgets that rely on third-party apps might disappear, and some notifications may not appear.
- Limited functionality. Features that depend on installed apps (like custom keyboards or launchers) won’t work.
What to Adjust After Exiting Safe Mode
After exiting Safe Mode, some of your settings may revert to default. Your apps and data will remain intact, but certain customizations will need to be reconfigured. This happens because Safe Mode disables third-party apps and their settings.
- Home screen layout. App icons and widgets may be rearranged or removed, making your home screen look different from how you left it. You will need to reposition apps and re-add missing widgets.
- Default apps. Your phone may forget your preferred browser, messaging app, or other default choices, prompting you to select them again. If certain actions, like opening links, behave differently, you need to reassign your preferred apps in your phone’s settings.
- Launchers. If you use a custom launcher like Nova Launcher, it may be reset to the default launcher after exiting Safe Mode. This means you might lose your personalized theme, icons, and gestures, and will need to reapply your custom settings.
- System settings. Some accessibility features, ringtones, and display settings will reset, affecting your user experience. If you notice changes in text size, screen brightness, or sound preferences, you’ll need to adjust them back to your liking.
If you see anything else unusual, you should run a malware scan using an antivirus app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Safe Mode remove malware from my Android?
Safe Mode itself doesn’t remove malware, but it can help you identify and manage malicious apps. By disabling all third-party apps, Safe Mode prevents potentially harmful apps from running, making it easier to spot and uninstall them. If your phone runs smoothly in Safe Mode, a third-party app might be the issue.
To address malware, uninstall suspicious apps one by one, starting with recently downloaded ones. For thorough protection, run a scan with a trusted antivirus like Norton or Bitdefender, as some malware can persist even after uninstalling apps. After exiting Safe Mode, re-scan to ensure your device is clean.
Why has my phone gone into Safe Mode?
Your phone may enter Safe Mode automatically due to an app or system issue. For example, a malfunctioning third-party app can cause the phone to boot into Safe Mode to protect it from crashing or freezing.
It can also occur if you accidentally press the wrong combination of buttons during startup. Additionally, a software update that didn’t install properly or a bug may cause your phone to enter Safe Mode. If you’re unsure, try restarting your device to exit Safe Mode, and if the problem persists, consider troubleshooting apps or checking for recent software issues.
What does Safe Mode do for Android?
Safe Mode helps you troubleshoot issues with your Android device. It temporarily disables all third-party apps, only allowing essential system apps to run. This helps isolate and diagnose problems caused by downloaded apps, like slow performance or crashes. When Safe Mode is active, you can still make calls, send texts, and use basic features.
By limiting the apps running on your phone, Safe Mode makes it easier to identify the cause of issues. If your phone works fine in Safe Mode, a third-party app is likely responsible for the problems, and you can uninstall them one by one to fix them.
How do I troubleshoot my Android in Safe Mode?
To troubleshoot in Safe Mode, check if the issue you were facing is still present. If your phone runs smoothly without problems in Safe Mode, it likely means that a third-party app is causing the issue.
Uninstall any recently downloaded apps one by one, and test your phone after each removal to pinpoint the culprit. Safe Mode disables all third-party apps, so this is a great way to isolate and resolve performance issues, app crashes, or battery drain by removing the app that is causing the problem.
