If you have ever owned or used a Window’s PC, you have most likely seen
or heard about Safe Mode. Safe Mode is basically a stripped back version
of the Operating System (OS) that enables only the key files that are
necessary for the OS to run. All other programs and files are stopped
from running to allow you to access the OS. Operating Systems have these
safe modes to help fix a problem within the OS, whether it be a virus
or corruption.
Why would I need to enter Safe Mode?
Android is a pretty robust OS but it can have its problems; such as a
bad application. Reasons for entering Android Safe Mode would be to
eliminate any third-party applications, identify any problems, stop an
Android device from a continuous boot loop, or to help solve a draining
battery. Remember that Safe Mode is only there for troubleshooting and
shouldn’t be run as normal usage.
How can I know if I am running Safe Mode?
Unlike Windows where the wallpaper is removed and the theme is set to
a “Windows XP” style; your wallpaper will continue to stay. In the
bottom left corner of your screen you will see “Safe mode” written out
in grey text. The text will always show no matter what screen you’re on.
You may also notice that any third-party widgets will fail to load. Do not be alarmed if your home screen looks different.
How do I enter Android Safe Mode?
Unfortunately Google has not included a standard sequence to do so.
For some odd reason most OEMs choose to hide the option or will ask for a
key combination to start the Safe Mode booting process. Since there are
many different sequences you can try one of these:
- Hold both the volume keys when booting your Android device.
- Press and hold the home key when booting your Android device.
- If you have capacitive buttons then be sure to hold the home key when booting. Once the LED lights have turned off, release the button but press again and hold if the LED lights turn back on.
How to reboot into Safe Mode.
A much easier option and most likely to be available on all OEM
devices is to reboot your Android device right into Safe Mode. Although
this could still differ between devices.
On a stock Android System, such as on a Nexus phone, or ROM; press
and hold the power button until a menu shows up. Then hold the power
off/shut down option. After a few seconds you should see a new popup box
that asks to confirm Safe Mode. Hit OK and it should reboot into Safe
Mode.
On an OEM Android device press and hold the power button, as before.
Once at the power menu press and hold the reboot option. You should see a
popup box that asks to reboot into Safe Mode. Then hit OK and it should reboot into Safe Mode.
How do I get out of Safe Mode?
Safe Mode is only active once per boot. All you’ll need to do is simply reboot your device via the power button.
Conclusion
Chances are you won’t ever need to go into Android’s
Safe Mode but it’s nice to know the process for any future problems.
Luckily for non-techy people, Android’s Safe Mode is extremely user
friendly since it looks almost identical to the normal OS, unlike
Windows which can be tricky.