How To Use Android Recovery Mode To Fix Your Phone Or Tablet

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If you’re experiencing a major problem with your Android device and the usual “turn it off and on again” trick doesn’t resolve the issue, you might need to access Android Recovery Mode to troubleshoot and fix your phone or tablet.

Android Recovery Mode allows you to perform essential maintenance tasks, such as installing updates and executing hard resets. Although this can be a helpful step when other methods fail, entering Recovery Mode varies depending on your device’s brand and model, which can make the process a bit tricky. Below, you’ll find guidance tailored to different Android phones, so you can confidently navigate into Recovery Mode and proceed with the available options to resolve your issue.

How to Enter Recovery Mode

Getting into Recovery Mode differs across devices. Find your device’s brand below for specific instructions:

On Google Pixel Devices

Power off your Pixel by holding the Power button and selecting “Power off.” If the screen is unresponsive, hold the Power button until the device shuts down.
To enter Recovery Mode, press and hold the Power button along with the Volume down button (for Pixel 6 or later) or the Volume up button (for Pixel 5 or earlier). Keep holding these buttons for up to 30 seconds until the screen shows some information, with “Start” at the top.
Use the Volume buttons to navigate through options. Press the Power button to select. Highlight “Recovery mode” and confirm your choice.
The device will display the Google logo, then the Android mascot with “No command” underneath.
To proceed, press and hold the Power button, then press the Volume up button once while still holding the Power button.
The Android system recovery menu will appear. Use the Volume buttons to navigate and the Power button to choose an option.

On Samsung Galaxy Devices

Hold the Power button and tap “Power Off” to turn off your phone. If unresponsive, hold the Power button until it powers down.
For Galaxy S20, Note 20, or newer models: Press and hold the Power and Volume Up buttons until the Samsung logo appears. Use the volume buttons to highlight options and press the Power button to select.
For older models like Galaxy S10 or Note 10 and earlier: Press and hold the Power, Volume Up, and Home (or Bixby) buttons together until the Samsung logo displays.

On Motorola Devices

Turn off your device by holding the Power button.
Once off, press and hold both the Volume Down and Power buttons until the device powers on.
Use the Volume Down button to highlight “Recovery Mode” and press the Power button to select. You may be prompted to enter your password or choose a language depending on your model.

On OnePlus Devices

Shut down your device by holding the Power button and selecting “Power Off.”
To access recovery, press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons simultaneously.
Use the volume buttons to highlight options and the Power button to confirm your selection.

Recovery Mode Options

Once inside Recovery Mode, you’ll see various options, which may differ slightly depending on your device, but generally include:

Reboot system now: Restarts the device normally.
Apply update from ADB: Allows you to connect your device to a computer using Android Debug Bridge for advanced updates. This method requires installing the Android SDK and is mainly for developers.
Wipe data/factory reset: Erases all personal data, returning your device to factory settings. Be aware that this process is irreversible and won’t resolve hardware issues.
Wipe cache partition: Clears temporary files stored by the system, which can fix many bugs without deleting personal data. Note that recent Android versions have streamlined this process, and in newer devices, the cache can often be cleared from the settings menu directly.

Important Reminder: Factory Reset Protection (FRP)

Most modern Android devices come with Factory Reset Protection enabled. This security feature means that after a reset, you’ll need to log in with your Google account credentials—preventing theft but sometimes causing frustration if you’re not prepared.

Before performing a reset, remove your Google account from your device via “Settings” > “Accounts” to avoid FRP locking your device afterward. If you forget, you’ll have to verify your account credentials to regain access.

By understanding these steps and options, you can confidently troubleshoot your Android device through Recovery Mode, whether it’s for updating, resetting, or resolving persistent issues.