Quick Answers
There are several potential causes for a phone that keeps restarting itself, including:
- A software bug or glitch
- Corrupted system files
- Problems with the phone’s hardware, like the processor or RAM
- Overheating issues
- Problems with the battery or charging system
- Water damage or other physical damage to the phone
Having your smartphone randomly restart or turn itself off can be frustrating and disruptive. While occasional resets are normal, a phone that keeps restarting itself indicates a deeper issue. This problem is usually caused by a software glitch or corrupted files, though faulty hardware or overheating can also lead to repeated reboots.
In this article, we’ll dive into the potential causes and solutions for an Android phone or iPhone that won’t stop restarting. We’ll cover ways to troubleshoot the issue based on your symptoms, from reboot loops to crashes during startup. Read on to learn what might be causing your phone to keep restarting itself so you can try to fix the problem!
Software Causes of Repeated Restarts
Buggy Software or Firmware
One of the most common triggers for a phone restarting by itself is a software bug or glitch. Like any other computer, smartphones can experience software crashes, freezes, and errors. If critical system software like the operating system has a bug, it may spontaneously restart the phone without warning.
Faulty firmware updates can also introduce bugs that cause reboots. Firmware is low-level software that controls hardware components like the modem, camera, and Bluetooth chipset. Phone manufacturers periodically release firmware updates to fix bugs and add new features. However, flawed firmware updates can sometimes make things worse.
For example, a botched Samsung firmware update led to Galaxy S10 and Note 10 phones randomly freezing and rebooting. The only fix was to install a corrected update.
Corrupted System Files
Along with software bugs, corrupted core system files can also produce random restarts. The operating system relies on key files and libraries to run smoothly. If these get damaged or altered, it can lead to glitches and crashes.
System file corruption is often caused by:
- Faulty apps overwriting system files
- Failed firmware or OS updates
- Power failures or sudden reboots during an update
- Buggy device drivers
- Malware or other system modifications
For example, an app might accidentally overwrite or change critical system configuration files, settings, and permissions. The OS then crashes or reboots when it cannot properly load the damaged files.
Runaway Apps
Problematic apps can also be the culprit behind random restarts. Apps that consume excessive resources like RAM, processor power, or battery can potentially crash the entire OS.
For example, a runaway app stuck in a loop may eat up all available RAM. This causes the phone to reboot since there is insufficient memory left for the OS to run properly. Excessive data usage or disk writes by a rogue app can also crash the system in some cases.
Restart loops commonly happen after installing a new buggy app. The phone boots up, crashes immediately due to the bad app, and keeps perpetually rebooting.
Insufficient Storage Space
Low storage space can in some cases cause system instability and restarts. Android and iOS require free space to function properly. When storage space gets critically low:
- System processes slow down and may freeze or crash
- Logs and temporary files do not have enough room so they cause issues
- OS updates cannot install due to lack of space
Make sure to regularly clear out unused apps, photos, and files to free up internal storage. Moving media files and apps to the SD card can also help increase available space on some phones.
Launcher or System UI Failures
On Android phones, the system launcher is the home screen that lets you access your apps and widgets. If this launcher crashes, it can reboot the phone during operation. Anytime the system user interface or UI stops responding correctly, a restart may occur.
For example, Samsung phones are prone to restarting if the ‘TouchWiz’ launcher has a bug or glitch. iOS crashes are often traced back to ‘SpringBoard’ issues that render the iPhone’s interface unstable. Factory resetting or updating the firmware may help in this case.
Hardware-Related Causes
Faulty Power or Volume Buttons
Physical defects with the power or volume buttons can randomly activate and trigger a restart. Dust, debris or damage to the buttons can essentially “click” them without you actively pressing them. This performs an involuntary long-press power off or reboot.
Try cleaning around the buttons with compressed air and check if they feel stuck. Faulty power or volume cable ribbons connecting to the mainboard are also known to reset some phone models.
Overheating Components
Extreme temperatures can definitely cause spontaneous reboots, especially when doing processor-intensive tasks like gaming, navigation, or recording 4K video. Key components like the CPU and battery begin to overheat, which the phone may detect as a system crash.
Faulty batteries may also overheat and cause repeated restarts. Using the phone in direct sunlight, hot ambient temperatures, or a damaged charger that supplies excess voltage can all contribute to overheating.
Inspect your phone for unusually high heat near the processor or battery after a crash. Also note if the restarts only happen during intensive tasks, pointing to potential overheating.
Bad Memory (RAM) Chip
A malfunctioning RAM module can also lead to random restarts in some instances. The RAM temporarily stores active apps and data the system needs at any moment. Bad RAM can cause crashes, freezes, reboots, and instability.
However, bad RAM is difficult to diagnose at home. You would need to take the phone to a repair center where the RAM can be tested in isolation. Trying different memory modules in the phone may resolve instability if the issue stems from bad RAM.
Processor Defects
The processor (CPU) is at the heart of all smartphone operations. A defective processor chip can potentially manifest in different ways, including spontaneous reboots.
Hardware defects like poor soldering, short circuits, or internal memory errors in the processor can all cause random crashes. The phone may reboot silently or with warning messages like “CPU error”.
Isolating a bad processor often requires electronics testing equipment. Some processor issues also tend to show other symptoms, like total failure to boot up or immediate crashing when using specific apps.
Motherboard + Logic Board Problems
Failures on the mainboard or logic board can also lead to restarts, though isolating the exact causes may be difficult:
- Shorts or bad solder joints can make power delivery unreliable
- Circuit damage may disrupt critical operations when hot
- Failed capacitors or ICs can cause general instability
If reboot issues started after physical damage or liquid contact, it points to a mainboard problem. The most common motherboard issues require professional microsoldering and repair.
Faulty Power or Charging Components
Phones require stable, regulated power to work properly. Any defects in the power delivery chips, cables, or battery can also manifest as random crashes or reboots:
- A malfunctioning battery may provide uneven, surging power
- Charging chips may glitch and send incorrect voltage
- Bad charging ports can create inadequate connections
- Power management ICs may crash and reset components
Check if the battery loses charge quickly or if the percentage jumps around erratically, as this points to a potential power issue. Examine the charging port and cable for any damage or bent pins as well.
Physical Damage
Liquid Damage
Exposure to moisture is a common cause of electronic malfunctions. Small amounts of rain, sweat or liquids can short circuit components and trigger reboots. The moisture causes oxidation, electrical shorts, and corrosion over time.
Look for any visible water damage markers or corrosion around ports and openings. However, liquid can still enter through invisible gaps and cause issues. Your phone may need professional cleaning or part replacement after water damage.
Physical or Mechanical Shock
Drops, collisions, and other mechanical damage can also sometimes manifest as random restarts. Impacts may:
- Dislodge internal components
- Break solder joints
- Interrupt flex cables and connectors
- Cause small partial cracks or ruptures
While phones are designed to withstand reasonable shocks, excessive drops onto hard surfaces may eventually take a toll. Check the exterior for any cracks, dents, or separation between components.
Dust and Debris Ingress
Dust and dirt entering the interior can cause electrical malfunctions and shorts that lead to restarts. Phones contain delicate electronics that can misbehave when contaminated.
Openings like the speakers, charging port, SIM slot, and headphone jack are common ingress points. Maintain your phone’s water resistance and keep it away from dusty environments.
Solutions and Fixes
Soft Reset the Phone
An easy first step is to simply soft reset the phone using the correct hardware button combination for your model. The soft reset quickly reboots the device and may resolve transient software glitches.
However, this alone usually does not fix a persistent restarting issue. Still, it’s worth trying a few soft resets to see if one “sticks”
Check for Overheating
Use an app like CPU Temperature to monitor your system heat levels. Check if the phone feels excessively warm before or during a crash. Try reproducing the restart issue and watch for peak temperatures above 40°C/105°F.
Overheating could indicate a rogue app, heavy usage, or faulty components. Let the phone cool off and try to reduce strain on the hardware.
Boot the Phone in Safe Mode
Booting Android devices into safe mode loads the bare essentials without third-party apps. This isolates software issues and unstable apps. If the random restarts stop in safe mode, it points to a third-party app, customization, or user modification causing conflict.
On iPhone, booting into safe mode is trickier but still possible. This can rule out crashes due to iOS customizations.
Check for Storage, Memory Issues
Use memory checking tools for Android and iOS to for identify potential issues like:
- High memory usage
- Low free RAM available
- Apps consuming excessive RAM
- Low storage space available
- Slow storage performance
Check both your phone storage and memory usage to ensure adequate free space. Troubleshoot any red flags.
Uninstall Problematic Apps
If a bad app seems to be the culprit, uninstall it and check if the reboots stop. For Android, clear app cache and data before uninstalling. On iPhone, delete and reinstall apps to troubleshoot them.
Common problematic apps include RAM cleaners, camera apps with high usage, and apps that customize device behavior. Remove any unnecessary or sketchy apps.
Update or Reinstall Software
Updating your operating system, firmware, device drivers, and apps may resolve software-related restarting. Updates can fix stability bugs and patch security flaws.
On Android, this may include:
- OS updates
- Firmware updates via manufacturer
- Security patches
- Driver updates
- App updates
For iPhones, updating iOS, apps, and the modem firmware is recommended. Avoid unstable iOS beta releases if possible.
Reset the Phone to Factory Settings
Reverting the phone to factory settings will wipe out any problematic user data, customizations, apps. This essentially gives you a software fresh start:
- Helps eliminate any corrupted files or glitches
- Removes unstable apps and settings
- Clears out cached data
Back up important data first before resetting your device. Sign back into accounts manually after resetting.
Try an Alternate Launcher or ROM
For Android phones, consider flashing an alternate ROM like LineageOS if issues persist. This community firmware often increases stability over manufacturer skins.
Changing your device launcher to something like Nova Launcher can also help narrow down software conflicts.
Replace the Battery
If you battery loses charge quickly, overheats, or shows other symptoms of failure, replacing it may help with restarts.
Use only properly specced OEM or reputable aftermarket batteries for a reliable replacement.
Repair Physical Damage
Liquid damage requires professional cleaning and corrosion removal. Hardware damage may need microsoldering work and replacements. Only qualified phone repair experts should attempt physical repairs.
Preventing Recurring Automatic Restarts
Keep Software Updated
Run regular system updates and keep apps updated via Play Store or App Store. Updates often contain critical fixes and patches for reboot issues.
Avoid Unstable Apps
Stick to trusted apps from the official app stores. Shady apps may modify system files or lack proper testing. Read app reviews and permissions before installing.
Monitor Temperatures
Avoid prolonged intensive use in hot ambient environments. Clean out dust buildup internally using compressed air to improve heat dissipation.
Free Up Storage Space
Offload unused apps, media files, and other data to cloud storage periodically. SD cards also help increase available space on Android.
Handle Phone Gently
Use protective cases and screen shields to mitigate shock damage. Keep phones away from moisture and avoid dusty conditions when possible.
Factory Reset if Issues Persist
Wiping and fully resetting your device can restore stability if other fixes are unsuccessful. This removes any potential bad configurations.
Conclusion
Repeated random restarts indicate fundamentally unstable system software, runaway apps, overheating hardware, or physical damage in most cases. Thorough troubleshooting helps isolate the root cause on your specific device.
Software-related restarting issues commonly involve buggy app and OS code, corrupted files, insufficient RAM or storage, and faulty firmware. Hardware defects around the processor, memory, charging system, and mainboard components can also randomly crash phones.
Fixes may range from simple reboots, updating software, removing bad apps, factory resets, and replacing faulty physical components in severe cases. Ultimately, preventing restarts comes down to responsible software usage, avoiding faulty apps, monitoring system health, and preventing physical damage.