If your phone keeps restarting repeatedly, it can be extremely frustrating. A phone that keeps rebooting generally points to an underlying software or hardware issue. In this article, we’ll explore the common causes of a phone constantly restarting and provide some troubleshooting tips to help resolve the problem.
Quick Answers
Here are some quick potential solutions if your phone keeps restarting:
- Restart your phone – A simple restart can clear out minor glitches causing reboots.
- Check for overheating – Overheating can cause repeated restarts. Let the phone cool down.
- Update your OS – Make sure your operating system is updated to the latest version.
- Reset app preferences – An app crashing could potentially cause rebooting.
- Boot into safe mode – Safe mode starts your phone with default settings.
- Factory reset – Back up data and then reset your phone to factory settings.
- Replace battery – An old battery may need replacing if it’s causing restarts.
Software Reasons for Restarting
Problems with your phone’s software are one of the most common reasons for random restarts. Here are some of the software issues that could be the culprit:
Outdated Operating System
Having an outdated version of Android or iOS can lead to instability and restarts. Make sure your phone is running the latest OS update which includes bug fixes and performance improvements. On Android go to Settings > System > System Update to check for and install any available updates.
Apps Crashing
Problematic apps that aren’t optimized for your phone can crash in the background and cause a restart. Try booting your phone in safe mode which disables all third-party apps and sees if restarts still occur. If the issue goes away in safe mode, then a third party app is the likely cause.
Full Storage
If your phone’s storage is completely full, it can cause system instability and reboots. Offload unused apps and media to make more storage space available. As a rule of thumb, you should have at least 20% of your phone storage free.
Virus or Malware
While not as common on phones as on PCs, it’s possible for viruses and other malware to infect your device and cause problems like restarts. Run a scan with antivirus software to check for and remove any malicious programs.
Jailbreaking Issues
Jailbreaking removes software restrictions on iOS devices, but this process can also introduce instability and crashing if not done properly. A messed up jailbreak could lead to the constant restarting issue.
Custom ROM Software
Installing a custom ROM replaces your phone’s stock manufacturer ROM with a custom one, such as LineageOS. Incompatible or buggy custom ROM software can potentially cause rebooting issues.
Boot Loop
A boot loop refers to when your phone keeps restarting during the boot process and can’t fully load the operating system. Corrupted system files are a common cause of boot loops leading to endless reboots.
Hardware Reasons for Restarting
While software issues tend to be the most common culprits, hardware problems can also manifest as random restarts:
Overheating
Excessive heat build-up causes processors and other components to slow down and become unstable. This thermal throttling often forces a phone to reboot. Ensure your phone isn’t overheating by cleaning out dust buildup and ensuring adequate ventilation.
Faulty Power Button
A glitchy power button can automatically trigger restarts. Inspect your power button physically to check for damage or dirt buildup causing inadvertent presses.
Old Battery
Batteries degrade over time and can cause stability issues as they age. A worn out battery with reduced capacity may spontaneously restart when power runs low.
RAM Failure
System memory (RAM) errors can interrupt normal functioning and cause reboots. Run a RAM test app to check for errors if you suspect a memory failure.
Motherboard Issues
The motherboard hosts critical components like the processor and power regulation chips. Faults with the motherboard can destabilize the device and lead to restarting.
How to Troubleshoot a Phone that Keeps Restarting
With many possibilities for what’s causing the constant restarting, here are some troubleshooting steps to pinpoint the issue:
1. Check for Overheating
Overheating is one of the most common reasons for repeated phone restarts. Download a temperature monitoring app and check if your CPU or battery temperature is abnormally high. Give your phone a chance to cool down and see if restarts stop.
2. Boot into Safe Mode
Safe mode loads Android with default settings and without third-party apps. If the restarts don’t occur in safe mode, then a third-party app is likely the issue. You can then troubleshoot apps individually in normal mode.
3. Reset App Preferences
Resetting app preferences clears any cached data or settings that may be causing app crashes and reboots. Go to Settings > Apps > Menu > Reset App Preferences on Android.
4. Check Usage Data
Monitor your phone usage to check for any correlations with the restarting. Does it happen when using certain apps? At a specific battery percentage? This data can help narrow down the cause.
5. Factory Reset
If nothing else works, a factory reset erases your phone back to default settings. This will remove any software issues, but won’t resolve hardware problems. Backup important data before resetting.
6. Try an Alternative ROM
Installing a custom ROM like LineageOS essentially gives your phone a fresh copy of the operating system. If restarts are caused by a corrupted OS, this could potentially fix it.
How to Prevent Restarting Issues
While troubleshooting is important, prevention is ideal to avoid frustrations from constant restarting in the first place. Here are some tips to help prevent reboot issues:
- Keep your phone OS updated
- Don’t let storage fill up completely
- Close background apps not in use
- Carefully vet apps before installing them
- Maintain adequate ventilation for heat
- Replace battery if capacity drops significantly
- Avoid exposing phone to moisture or drops
When to Take Your Phone to a Repair Shop
If you’ve tried the above troubleshooting steps and your phone still keeps restarting, it may be time to take it to a repair shop. Professional technicians have additional tools to diagnose issues and implement fixes you can’t do at home.
A repair shop is your best bet in situations like:
- You suspect hardware damage like a faulty motherboard
- Phone restarts immediately after shows manufacturer logo
- Restart occurs at specific intervals consistently
- You lack the technical skill for advanced troubleshooting
Quality independent repair shops utilize original manufacturer parts to fix issues at a cheaper price than going directly through the OEM. Search online reviews to find a reputable shop in your area.
When to Consider a Phone Replacement
In some cases, even professional repair may be unable to stop constant restarting if the underlying cause can’t be determined. At that point, a replacement phone may be your best option to regain normal functioning.
Consider replacing your phone if:
- It’s still restarting after professional repair
- The issue started shortly after purchase
- Multiple repairs have been done for the same issue
- Your phone model is several years old
Before replacing your phone, be sure to backup any important data. Then do a factory reset to wipe the device before disposal to protect your personal information.
Conclusion
A phone that keeps restarting can certainly be a headache, but the issue can usually be resolved with some diligent troubleshooting. Start with easier software fixes like updating the OS, resetting app preferences, and booting into safe mode. For hardware issues, overheating, faulty batteries, and motherboard problems are often the culprit.
Prevention is also key – follow best practices like avoiding storage overload, closing unused apps, installing OS updates promptly, and not letting your phone overheat. If DIY fixes don’t work, don’t hesitate to consult a professional repair shop which has the expertise to get to the bottom of your constant restarting issue.