How to Get to Recovery Mode on Any Android Device

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A step-by-step guide to booting into Android's system recovery mode
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Android Recovery Mode is a special boot mode that is used for troubleshooting and maintenance. If you are unable to boot into your device, you can use Recovery Mode to perform a factory reset, clear your cache, and repair the installation of your apps. Advanced users can use it to access the bootloader and make updates and ADB commands using the Android SDK. This wikiHow article teaches you how to access Recovery Mode on an Android phone or tablet. We'll also teach you about the options available in recovery mode.

Access Android Recovery Mode

  • Power off your device and press and hold the Power and Volume Down (or Volume Up on Samsung Galaxy) at the same time.
  • On some devices, use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to select Recovery Mode and press the Power button to make a selection.
  • Navigate Recovery Mode menu using the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons. Press the Power button to make a selection.
Section 1 of 7:

Using Samsung Galaxy

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  1. Step 1 Power your device off.
    To do so, press and hold the Power/Home/Bixby button and the Volume Down button until you see the Power menu. Then tap Power Off.
    • If your phone screen is unresponsive, keep holding the power button until your device powers off.
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the Power/Bixby/Home button and the Volume Up button.
    Release the buttons when you see the Samsung logo. This will boot into Recovery mode.
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  3. Step 3 Navigate the Recovery Mode menu.
    Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options in the Recovery mode menu. Press the Power/Bixby/Home button to select an option.[1]
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Section 2 of 7:

Using a Google Pixel or Nexus

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  1. Step 1 Power your device off.
    To do so, press and hold the Power button. Then select Power Off on the Power menu.
    • If your touch screen is unresponsive, continue to press and hold the Power button until your phone powers off.
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons.
    You will see some information about your device and the word “Start” at the top of the screen.
  3. Step 3 Select Recovery Mode.
    To do so, use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the menu. Highlight Recovery Mode and press the Power button to select it. You will see the Google logo followed by the Android mascot with the words “No Commands.
  4. Step 4 Press and hold the Power button and tap the Volume Up button.
    You should see some Recovery options appear on the screen.
  5. Step 5 Navigate the Recovery Mode menu.
    Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options in the Recovery mode menu. Press the Power button to select an option.
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Section 3 of 7:

Using an HTC Device

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  1. Step 1 Power off your phone.
    To do so, press and hold the Power button until your phone powers off.
    • You may need to disable Fastboot first. To do so, swipe down from the top of the screen on your phone and tap the Gear icon to open the Settings menu. Tap Battery. Then turn off Fastboot.
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the Volume Down and Power buttons.
    This boots your phone into Download mode.
  3. Step 3 Select Reboot to Bootloader.
    Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options. Select Reboot to Bootloader and press the Power button to make a selection.
  4. Step 4 Select Boot to Recovery Mode.
    Use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options. Select Boot to Recovery Mode and press the Power button.[2]
  5. Step 5 Navigate the Recovery Mode menu.
    Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options in the Recovery mode menu. Press the Power button to select an option.
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Section 4 of 7:

Using an LG Device

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  1. Step 1 Power your phone off.
    To do so, press and hold the Power/Lock button until your phone powers off.
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons.
    This will boot into the System Recovery menu.[3]
    • If this doesn’t boot into the System Recovery menu, use the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate to the Recovery Mode options. Press the Power button to select it.
  3. Step 3 Navigate the Recovery Mode menu.
    Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options in the Recovery mode menu. Press the Power button to select an option.
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Section 5 of 7:

Using a Motorola Device

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  1. Step 1 Power off your phone.
    To do so, press and hold the Power button until your phone shuts off.
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the Power button and Volume Down button.
    This will boot your phone into the Fast Boot menu.
  3. Step 3 Select the Recovery Mode option.
    To do so, press the Volume Down button until you see Recovery Mode displayed on the screen. Then press the Power button.
  4. Step 4 Navigate the Recovery Mode menu.
    Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options in the Recovery mode menu. Press the Power button to select an option.[4]
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Section 6 of 7:

Using a OnePlus Device

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  1. Step 1 Power off your phone.
    To do so, press and hold the Power button. Then select Power Off.
    • If your touch screen is unresponsive, continue to press and hold the Power button until your device shuts off.
  2. Step 2 Press and hold the Power and Volume Down buttons.
    This boots you into Recovery Mode.
  3. Step 3 Select your language.
    You can either tap the language you want to use or press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options. Press the Power button to make a selection.
  4. Step 4 Navigate the Recovery Mode menu.
    Press the Volume Up and Volume Down buttons to navigate the different options in the Recovery mode menu. Press the Power button to select an option.[5]
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Section 7 of 7:

Recovery Mode Options

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  1. Step 1 Reboot System Now.
    This option reboots your system like normal. You can use this feature when you are done using Recovery Mode.[6]
  2. Step 2 Reboot to Bootloader.
    The Bootloader is low-level software that is responsible for initializing the hardware and loading the operating system. The Bootloader is not accessible on all devices. If you can access it, you can use it to run Fastboot commands and load custom ROMs and reflash your device.
  3. Step 3 Enter Fastboot.
    The recovery menu is different from one device to another. On some devices, you may need to enter this option to enter Fastboot commands and load a custom ROM.
  4. Step 4 Apply Update from ABD.
    This allows you to connect your phone to your computer and enter commands using the Android SDK. You can use this mode to apply updates to your device from your computer and access developer options.
  5. Step 5 Apply Update from SD Card.
    This option allows you to apply an update that is saved to your device storage.
  6. Step 6 Wipe data/Factory Reset.
    This option will completely wipe your system and return it to its default factory settings. You can use this as a last resort if you are experiencing problems with your device.
    • Warning: This option will erase all data on your device. Any apps, files, photos, and videos that haven’t been backed up will be lost.
    • Warning: Most newer Android devices have Factory Reset Protection. This requires you to log in to your Google account after a factory reset. If you cannot log in to your Google account, you will be unable to use your device.
  7. Step 7 Wipe Cache Partition.
    The wipes the cache from your apps. This may be helpful if you are experiencing issues with your apps.
  8. Step 8 Mount /system.
    This option mounts your system storage and allows you to make changes to your system.
  9. Step 9 View recovery logs.
    This displays a list of actions taken in Recovery Mode with time stamps. This is useful if you want to remember what you did in Recovery Mode.
  10. Step 10 Run graphics test.
    This runs a diagnostic test of your device’s graphics hardware to make sure it is functioning properly.
  11. Step 11 Run locale test.
    This displays a default message in various languages.
  12. Step 12 Power off.
    This turns your device off.
  13. Step 13 Repair apps.
    This repairs the installation of the apps you have on your device and optimizes them.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    My HTC is not responding when I switch it on. It only shows the HTC logo on the screen but does not move past that even after rebooting.
    Jackferg
    Jackferg
    Community Answer
    Is it fully charged? If the logo is showing but then it turns off, this could be a sign of a dead battery.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 16
  • Question
    How to unlock my fastboot mode on my phone?
    Dan B
    Dan B
    Community Answer
    It depends on what kind of phone you are using. For most phones, press down the power button together with either the up or down volume key. For other phones with the home button, the power button is pressed together with the home button for some few seconds.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 3 Helpful 5
  • Question
    How to go to recovery settings?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Try pressing the power button and down volume. Most of the time this works but it varies between phone models and manufacturers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
     Thank you for your feedback.
     If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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References

  1. ↑ https://accessibleandroid.com/how-to-boot-into-download-and-recovery-modes-on-samsung-devices-running-android-11-and-higher-without-using-a-pc/
  2. ↑ https://www.htc.com/us/contact/productissue/htc/GUID-093596E1-C920-466B-B261-C8DEBAFF351F/
  3. ↑ https://www.lg.com/us/mobile-phones/VS985/Userguide/097.html
  4. ↑ https://en-us.support.motorola.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/105339/~/reset-my-device
  5. ↑ https://android.gadgethacks.com/how-to/boot-your-oneplus-5-5t-into-recovery-fastboot-mode-0182576/
  6. ↑ https://www.androidpolice.com/how-to-use-android-recovery-mode/

About This Article

Travis Boylls
Written by:
Travis Boylls
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Travis Boylls. Travis has been a tech writer at wikiHow for more than 10 years. He has also worked in technical support for Dish Network and AT&T Wireless. He studied graphic design and web design at Pikes Peak Community College. He specializes in Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and video game consoles. Travis has had a fascination with computers and technology that goes all the way back to childhood. He is proficient in all manner of software and computer operating systems. This article has been viewed 78,688 times.
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Co-authors: 11
Updated: December 2, 2025
Views: 78,688
Categories: Android
Article SummaryX

1. Press and hold the Power button.
2. Tap Power Off.
3. Press and hold the Recovery Mode button combination.
4. Wait for the Android logo to appear.
5. Use Volume Up and Volume Down to navigate.
6. Press the Power button to make a selection.

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